Whitman College - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Comparatively, Walla Walla’s weather is generally mild, but in recent years it has earned the label of “fickle” and tended more to oscillate between the extremes of hot and cold. In the early fall and late spring, the weather is ideal, but in the summer it can get very hot, and of all the dorms, only Prentiss has air conditioning. At these times, it is rare to find a student inside, and many will have abandoned their schoolwork in favor of a soccer match or Ultimate Frisbee game on Ankeny. Because of this, it gets pretty difficult to concentrate from around mid- to late-April through the remainder of the year. But Whitman students are pretty used to prioritizing academics, so most are able to conserve enough motivation to get their work done, despite the distraction of the sunny, gorgeous weather.

Be prepared to feel the mood of campus change with the weather—particularly if it’s for the worse. When it’s rainy, overcast, and foggy, students aren’t out and about as much, so the campus feels quieter. In the winter, snowstorms can make it difficult for students to get to and from campus during breaks or do anything but trudge from classes to dorms to the library. Nonetheless, students tend to make the best of it, as evidenced by the giant snowmen that crop up around campus every year.

Overall, Whitman has pretty traditional seasons with its hot summers, rainy autumns and springs, and snowy winters. This seems to suit the students just fine, as many are from the Pacific Northwest and are accustomed to this sort of weather. However, it can be a bit of an adjustment for first-years if this is not your type of climate.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Bring a wide array of... Bring a wide array of clothes—you’ll want both the shorts/skirts and tank tops for early fall and spring, but the warm sweaters come in handy when the fog just won’t go away. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

It’s always good to be prepared... It’s always good to be prepared with a summer and winter wardrobe because you’ll need both. I brought my peacoat, fleece, flannel pajamas and sheets, along with all my tank tops and shorts. I’ve worn all of them throughout the year, for sure. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Layers are key, as is a fleece... Layers are key, as is a fleece (because of its ability to keep out moisture). 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Bring a variety of clothing, as it... Bring a variety of clothing, as it is humid and in the upper 80s in August, and it can get quite cold in the winter. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

I’m from the Northwest, so the... I’m from the Northwest, so the weather here is not too extreme. It’s usually sunnier here than it is in Western Washington, and it doesn’t seem to rain as much as in Oregon. 12345 Weather Report

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