Considering Bentley College weather as you plan your move to Waltham, Massachusetts? This comprehensive guide covers everything from seasonal temperatures and precipitation to environmental factors and liveability ratings, helping students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers make informed decisions. Waltham experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters averaging 30°F (-1°C) and warm, humid summers reaching 80°F (27°C). Annual precipitation is about 48 inches, including 52 inches of snow, impacting daily campus life at Bentley College. Learn about natural hazards like winter storms and occasional flooding, air quality which is generally good (AQI around 40), and high liveability scores that make it appealing for academic pursuits. Discover extra costs for winter gear and how the environment affects health and productivity. For career opportunities, explore higher ed jobs at Bentley College and similar institutions on AcademicJobs.com. Whether you're evaluating Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Massachusetts, or Academic Jobs in Waltham, this resource positions you for success.
The weather in Waltham features distinct seasons, with summer highs of 81°F (27°C) in July and winter lows of 22°F (-6°C) in January. Average annual temperature is 50°F (10°C), with 127 sunny days per year. Precipitation totals 48 inches annually, peaking in spring and fall. Snowfall averages 52 inches, often leading to campus delays at Bentley College. Humidity is high in summer, around 70%, while winds average 8 mph. These patterns influence commuting and outdoor activities for students and faculty.
Spring (March-May) brings temperatures from 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C) with frequent rain, requiring rain gear for campus walks. Summer (June-August) is warm at 70-81°F (21-27°C), humid, ideal for outdoor studying but with occasional thunderstorms. Fall (September-November) cools to 50-70°F (10-21°C) with colorful foliage, though early frosts occur. Winter (December-February) dips to 22-40°F (-6 to 4°C) with heavy snow, prompting Bentley College to activate snow removal policies and remote class options.
Avg high 65-81°F (18-27°C), rain gear and sunscreen needed. Extra costs: $100-200/year for AC utilities.
Avg low 22-50°F (-6-10°C), snow boots essential. Safety: Campus plowing ensures paths clear; budget $150 for winter clothing.
Bentley College advises layering for variable conditions; check higher ed career advice for relocation tips.
Waltham sits at 52 feet elevation on glacial till geology, with no volcanic activity. Air quality is good, AQI averaging 40, thanks to urban green spaces near the Charles River. Pollution levels are low (PM2.5 ~8 µg/m³), supporting health for Bentley College's active community. Water quality is high, but urban density means occasional ozone spikes in summer. University sustainability efforts include green buildings, aiding faculty and students.
Waltham faces winter nor'easters, blizzards (1-2/year), and rare flooding from river overflow. Droughts are infrequent; hurricanes weaken inland. Earthquakes are minimal (Richter <3). Bentley College has emergency alerts, evacuation drills, and shelters.
| Hazard | Frequency | University Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzards | Annual | Class cancellations, plowing |
| Flooding | Occasional | Barriers, alerts |
| Severe Storms | Seasonal | Sirens, apps |
Waltham scores high for liveability, appealing to Bentley College students and faculty with walkable neighborhoods and proximity to Boston.
Expect $200-400/year for winter coats, boots, and shovels; summer AC adds $150 to utilities. Insurance may rise 10% for flood zones. Essentials: insulated jackets, umbrellas, de-icers. Shop locally; link to free resume templates for budgeting jobs via AcademicJobs.com.
Cold weather increases respiratory issues; good air quality mitigates allergies. Campus shuttles handle snow; biking thrives in milder months. Bentley College offers wellness centers for seasonal affective disorder support. Proximity to Massachusetts academic jobs enhances living standards.
Stay informed for safe campus life; explore university salaries in Waltham.
Students at Bentley College often praise Waltham's weather for crisp fall study days but note challenging winters affecting commutes. Many discuss how the local climate impacts focus and productivity; read their detailed experiences alongside professor reviews on Rate My Professor. Feedback highlights air quality supporting outdoor runs and low hazards allowing worry-free semesters. One review notes, "Snow days mean cozy library sessions—perfect for productivity." For more, check Rate My Professor at Bentley College. Faculty appreciate mild summers for research. Dive into Rate My Professor insights.
While exploring, view higher ed jobs faculty positions or professor jobs in the area.
