The United States is recognized for its top-tier higher education institutions, iconic landmarks, and cultural and geographical diversity. If you plan to study abroad in the States, you’ll find there is wide-ranging weather in America. From the beaches of California to the snow-covered plains of the Midwest, USA weather features different seasons, temperatures, and conditions.
Read on to learn more about how weather varies across the country, how it compares to other nations, and what makes weather in America so unique.
What to Expect from United States Weather
In the US, you can experience almost any type of weather — cold and snowy mountains in Colorado, hot and dry deserts in Arizona, warm and humid beaches in Florida, and cool and rainy towns in the Pacific Northwest. Because of its size, America has some of the most varied weather conditions in the world, as the country stretches across many different climate zones. Unlike nations such as the UK and Thailand, where the weather is more consistent throughout the land, larger countries such as the USA can experience extreme weather conditions that vary widely from one part of the nation to another.
Countries located closer to the equator, such as Singapore and Kenya, experience less seasonal change compared to the US. On the other hand, in cities such as Chicago, Boston, and Salt Lake City, the seasonal changes are so strong that one day could be wintry and the next day could be hot!
Here is a closer look at how in America weather can vary based on the region:
High Plains — Students living in Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota may experience cold and dry winters with chances of snowfall. Summers are warmer without much rain. However, when it does rain, it is usually in the form of thunderstorms.
Midwest — Midwestern states include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, among others. Winters here can be very cold with high chances of rain and snow during the season, while summers are usually warm and humid.
Pacific Northwest — If you are in Washington or Oregon, winters are usually cool and rainy. Summers are drier, but temperatures often stay on the cooler side.
Southeast — Students in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other Southeast region states experience a humid, subtropical climate. Winters are mild, and summers are wet and hot, with regular thunderstorms.
The weather in America’s other regions (e.g., Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Southwest) also varies based on how closely the states are located to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, mountain ranges, and other geographical factors. The direction and speed of airflow over lakes and mountains lead to varied temperatures and moisture levels that determine the level of humidity, rain, and the overall weather in the area.
For students travelling to the US for the first time, consider looking into how the weather varies in the state where your university is located and prepare with appropriate jackets, raincoats, and summer wear.
USA Weather: 4 Best Temperature Tracking Tools and Websites
Staying prepared for the weather in America is important, especially with how quickly conditions can change from day to day and state to state. Here are several tools to help you keep track of the temperature in America.
1. AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a popular weather forecasting service that provides local, national, and global weather information. You can access it through its website, mobile app, or on TV. You can monitor minute-by-minute forecasts, long-range weather information, and receive severe weather notifications to stay updated on weather in America and to plan for your stay accordingly.
2. National Weather Service (NWS)
Managed by the US government, the National Weather Service is an agency that provides official weather forecasts, information about varying temperatures, and emergency weather alerts to keep people safe and informed. The NWS is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is known for its accuracy and reliability, especially in serious weather situations.
3. The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel app is a trusted and easy-to-use tool that helps you stay informed about US temperatures and weather, wherever you are in the world. It provides hourly, daily, and 10-day forecasts, along with real-time radar maps and severe weather alerts. You can also choose to create a free account and set up your dashboard with the weather details of places you specifically want to track.
4. Wunderground
Using data from various weather stations, Wunderground offers detailed weather forecasts about the local area. The platform includes interactive radar maps for tracking rain, snow, and storms, and provides detailed reports about severe weather alerts and warnings, air quality, and more.
Installing weather monitoring tools on your laptop or mobile device can help you better prepare for daily weather fluctuations. Students adjusting to new environments can decide what to wear, when to carry an umbrella, or how to plan outdoor activities based on accurate forecasts. The online tools and applications are designed to ensure they are easy to use, even for those still improving their skills with English, and also include visual indicators such as radar and icons for a clearer understanding of United States weather forecasts.
America Weather: Seasonal Expectations
Many regions of the United States experience four seasons — spring, summer, fall, and winter — but the weather varies depending on the state where you are studying. Getting familiar with the seasonal temperatures in your area can help you plan what to wear, how to travel, and which activities to enjoy throughout the year.
Let’s take a closer look at the seasonal weather to expect in the US:
Spring — From the months of March to May, spring can offer beautiful blooming flowers, green landscapes, and rain. With snow still melting from winter, temperatures are mild, ranging from 4°C to 21°C. Around June, when summer is around the corner, the temperature can reach 23°C. Wearing light jackets, waterproof shoes, and carrying an umbrella can help you stay comfortable during the spring season.
Summer — Summer begins in June and continues into August (culturally) and September (meteorologically). The weather is warm and especially humid in the South and Midwest regions with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 38°C. Consider wearing breathable fabrics, like linen and cotton, while also applying sunscreen and staying hydrated during the summer season in the US.
Fall — Fall season, also known as autumn, begins in September and goes until November. Temperatures begin to cool down around the country, ranging from 7°C to 24°C, and it often becomes colder as the season progresses. Light sweaters and jackets are a must during the fall season. Students in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Plains states can see the leaves changing to beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn!
Winter — From December to February, the winter season in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southwest and West can bring cold temperatures and snow and ice. Temperatures can vary from -9°C to 7°C, with days becoming shorter and darker. Wearing warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots when you are outside can help you stay warm during the winter in the US.
International students arriving in the US have many resources to learn about the weather in America and how to stay prepared for it. Students can reach out to advisors who can offer a better understanding of the weather in the state where your university is located, along with other supportive resources including pre-arrival information, airport pickup, dorm set up, and more. Experience a world-class education and the unique USA weather in a supportive and welcoming environment with Shorelight.
