Gillette College weather features a semi-arid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, windy summers, influencing daily life for students and faculty in Gillette. Average annual temperatures range from highs of 57°F (14°C) to lows of 30°F (-1°C), with extremes reaching 105°F (41°C) in summer and -35°F (-37°C) in winter. Precipitation is low at about 15 inches (38 cm) yearly, but snow accumulation hits 60 inches (152 cm), often with high winds exceeding 40 mph (64 km/h). These conditions affect campus activities, requiring preparation for blizzards and dust storms. Environmental factors like altitude at 4,065 ft (1,239 m) amplify temperature swings and wind chill. Air quality varies, sometimes poor due to coal industry dust and wildfires. Liveability ratings highlight challenges in comfort but praise affordability. Explore higher ed jobs at Gillette College and nearby on AcademicJobs.com while planning your move to this resilient Wyoming location. Discover how academic jobs in Gillette, jobs in Wyoming, and United States university positions align with local conditions.
Weather in Gillette centers on a high-desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summers bring dry heat averaging 85°F (29°C) highs in July, ideal for outdoor campus events at Gillette College, while January sees average highs of 33°F (-1°C) and lows of 12°F (-11°C), with frequent blizzards disrupting travel. Annual precipitation totals 15 inches (38 cm), mostly as summer thunderstorms, and wind speeds average 12 mph (19 km/h) but gust to 60 mph (97 km/h). These patterns impact commuting to classes and job interviews. For broader insights, check Gillette environment details or higher ed career advice on adapting to regional weather.
Temperatures rise from 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C), with increasing winds and occasional snow. Precipitation: 3 inches (8 cm). Gillette College may cancel outdoor activities; students need windbreakers ($50-100 extra). Utilities rise 10-20% for heating transitions.
Highs of 85°F (29°C), lows 55°F (13°C), dry with thunderstorms. Low humidity aids comfort, but UV protection essential. Campus barbecues thrive; AC units cost $200-400 if not provided in dorms.
Cools to highs 60°F (16°C), first snow by November. Winds peak; layered clothing ($100/year) needed. University alerts for early freezes affect sports schedules.
Coldest at 33°F (-1°C) high, 12°F (-11°C) low, 20 inches (51 cm) snow/month possible. Blizzards common; boots and parkas ($150-300) required. Gillette College has snow removal policies and remote class options.
Safety tip: Invest in all-weather tires ($600/set). Community college jobs like those at GC often include weather preparedness training.
Gillette sits at 4,065 ft (1,239 m) elevation in the Powder River Basin, with geology dominated by sedimentary rock and coal seams influencing dust levels. Air quality index averages 50-100 (moderate), spiking to unhealthy (150+) from mining operations and wildfires, potentially causing respiratory issues for sensitive faculty and students. Gillette College environment includes campus greenery mitigating some pollution. Water quality is good, but low humidity (40-60%) dries skin. University health services monitor ozone and particulates, offering free masks during poor air days. Compare to Wyoming environmental factors.
| Hazard | Frequency | Gillette College Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzards/High Winds | Annual, 10+ events | Emergency alerts, campus closures, evacuation to dorms |
| Wildfires | Seasonal, drought-driven | Air quality monitoring, relocation plans |
| Droughts | Frequent | Water conservation policies |
| Tornadoes/Floods | Rare | Shelter drills, flash flood warnings |
Gillette College natural hazards protocols include annual training. See higher ed admin jobs for safety roles.
Liveability in Gillette scores moderately for academics, with weather challenging productivity during extremes but fostering resilience. Ratings based on climate data and resident feedback:
These ratings help job seekers weigh university salaries against comfort at Gillette College.
Extra costs include winter clothing ($300/year), snow tires ($800), and higher utilities ($150/month winter peak). Summer needs sunscreen and fans ($50). Insurance may rise 10% for wind damage. Gillette College offers gear rentals; budget for these when viewing adjunct professor jobs.
Cold snaps increase flu risks; dry air causes sinus issues, but low allergens benefit asthmatics. Transportation halts in blizzards, so campus life emphasizes indoor study. Gillette College provides counseling for seasonal affective disorder and shuttles. Air quality affects outdoor runs; faculty note higher vitamin D needs. Links to research jobs often highlight health adaptations.
Prepare via higher ed career advice.
Students at Gillette College often praise the sunny days (over 220/year) for motivating studies, but complain about relentless winds disrupting focus and dust entering classrooms during peak mining seasons. Winters test resilience, with many bundling up for early classes amid -20°F (-29°C) wind chills, yet the clear skies aid stargazing clubs. Environment at Gillette College shapes campus life, from snow-day bonding to summer hiking. Many students discuss how the local climate impacts focus and productivity; read their detailed experiences alongside professor reviews on Rate My Professor. Feedback highlights affordable living offsetting gear costs.
For more, check Rate My Professor at Gillette College or faculty jobs.
