University of Massachusetts - AmherstWeather Summary

Written by Leah Kahan

Weather at UMass is typical New England weather. It is wide-ranging and unpredictable, so be sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for all types of weather, regardless of the season. During the fall, the foliage is stunning. If you enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of locations for hiking where you can admire the beautiful colors. Otherwise, it's hard to ignore the scenery on your way to class. In the spring, students sunbathe on the hill in the Orchard Hill and Central Residential Areas and on the lawns in and around the Southwest Horseshoe. Outdoor sports are popular, and the sounds of musicians playing outside is common in both seasons. However, fall and spring do share a disadvantage: an insane amount of rain. Don't forget your rain boots! Although most UMass students are probably accustomed to New England's cold winters, they still find that winter can be rough. There are, however, aspects of winter that students enjoy, especially sledding down the hill in the Orchard Hill and Central Residential Areas. Also, UMass does a good job of plowing and salting roads and pathways, so safety is not an issue. However, students can look forward to at least one snow day each year. While the inconsistent weather conditions can be inconvenient, the seasons here allow students to enjoy a wide variety of activities. When it comes to weather at UMass, you will never get bored.