Syracuse University - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Syracuse is known for its snow, but students will find it far easier to adjust to a few inches constantly on the ground than to the wind and cold they will encounter. It will get very cold. By November, it will be in the 40s regularly; by December, it will be below freezing. With the wind chill factor, especially in January and February, temperatures can drop way below zero. It isn’t a fun time walking to class across the quad with a temperature of negative 10 degrees and wind gusts reaching more than 30 miles per hour. Also, it makes the occasional 50 degree day in March seem like a tropical vacation.

There is no nice way to say it—if you like beautiful weather, head to Miami or California. At Syracuse, no one came because he or she likes making snow angels or being whipped in the face with wind. Even snow bunnies will be disappointed in the lack of skiing the Syracuse area has to offer. If SU is your choice for college, it most certainly should be for some other reason than the weather. As far as clothes, make sure you do have mostly warm clothes, and dress in layers. Do, however, bring a couple outfits of shorts and short sleeves, as you should be prepared to jump at any opportunity to abandon your hoodie, warm hat, earmuffs, and mittens.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It snows a lot; you’ll inevitably... It snows a lot; you’ll inevitably get tired of the snow and all the cold weather. Be prepared to have a rough winter. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

SU is notorious for its severe... SU is notorious for its severe winter weather. From November until April, it snows, sleets, and rains approximately three times a week. The temperature and precipitation are not the biggest weather problems at SU in my opinion, but rather the wind that goes along with these conditions. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

All I can say is get ready for a... All I can say is get ready for a type of cold you have never before experienced. There is sporadic snowing in May! Bring every piece of warm clothing you have or you will never make it out alive. 12345 Weather Report

venus3251 says: Syracuse University 2015 Arts, Visual and Performing

No one comes to Syracuse for the... No one comes to Syracuse for the weather. You just have to deal with it. 12345 Weather: February 28, 2009 Report

stoic4182 says: Syracuse University 2015 Communication and Journalism

Cold. Windy. Snowy. Terrible. 12345 Weather: December 26, 2008 Report

Did You Know?

Syracuse is considered on average to be the snowiest city within the United States.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Marshal Yong
Hometown: New York City
Major: Architecture

Marshal is Malaysian.

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.