Weather and Clothing
Students and scholars are often surprised by the weather in Massachusetts! Massachusetts has a continental climate, which means that the winters are cold and snowy and the summers are hot and humid. See the table below for more details.
| Season | Average Temperature Range | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (mid- September to November) | 8 to 15°C 46 to 60°F |
Moderate temperatures during day, cooler to cold evenings |
| Winter (December to mid-March) | -17 to 3°C o to 37°F |
Very cold winter, with bitter cold days and frequent (often heavy) snow |
| Spring (mid-March to late May) | 3 to 15°C 37 to 60°F |
Moderate temperatures during day, cooler to cold evenings; frequent rain |
| Summer (June to mid-September) | 5 to 35°C 60 to 95°F |
Warm to very hot days with high humidity, occasional thunderstorms |
Seasonal Clothing Recommendations
Because Massachusetts brings four full seasons, expect to bring (or buy) different types of clothing while at Tufts.
- Fall and Spring: a medium-weight jacket or coat is recommended for fall and spring, along with a rain coat or rain jacket
- Winter: a heavy winter coat, waterproof snow boots, a scarf, winter gloves, ear muffs, and a winter hat are a must
- Summer: lighter cotton clothes including a cotton sweater for evenings is recommended, as is sunscreen and a hat for the brighter sunny days