Weather and Climate at Carleton
Carleton College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations.
- Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F). Snowfall is common, with an average of 40 inches per year, impacting commuting and campus life.
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures gradually increase from 0°C to 20°C (32°F to 68°F). This season sees increased rainfall, which can affect outdoor activities and research.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and humid, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is ideal for outdoor campus events but can be challenging for those without air conditioning.
- Fall (September to November): Temperatures cool from 20°C to 5°C (68°F to 41°F). The fall foliage is beautiful but can be accompanied by rain and occasional early snow.
The climate at Carleton can influence research, particularly in fields like environmental science and meteorology, where seasonal changes are directly observable.
