How cold is winter at boarding schools? At 83%, January nights fall below freezing
For students from warm countries, the first American winter can be a surprise. We matched the 255 boarding schools in the USAnaru™ directory that have location data to the nearest NOAA weather station and read the U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020): the 30-year average high, low and snowfall for each month. As of 2026-10-18.
| Region | Schools | Typical January low | Typical January high | Typical July high | Typical snow a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 85 | 14°F (−10°C) | 33°F (1°C) | 82°F (28°C) | 60 in (152 cm) |
| Midwest | 29 | 16°F (−9°C) | 31°F (−1°C) | 82°F (28°C) | 38 in (97 cm) |
| Mid-Atlantic | 49 | 21°F (−6°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 85°F (29°C) | 30 in (76 cm) |
| South | 51 | 29°F (−2°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 88°F (31°C) | 5 in (13 cm) |
| West | 36 | 34°F (1°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 85°F (29°C) | almost none |
| Southwest | 5 | 38°F (3°C) | 61°F (16°C) | 97°F (36°C) | none |
"Typical" is the median school in each region. Across all 255 schools, 83% have an average January low below freezing, and 58% of those with snow data get 24 inches (61 cm) or more a year.
What it means for students
- New England and the Midwest have real winters. Expect snow on the ground for weeks and days below 0°F (−18°C) in some years. Schools keep classes and sports going; students walk between buildings, so good boots matter.
- The South is mild but not warm in winter. Nights often drop below freezing, and summers are hot and humid.
- The West varies by place. Most schools there are near the coast or in warm valleys, but mountain schools in the West can get heavy snow. Check the school's own numbers.
Get ready for the first winter
- Pack layers, and plan to buy a warm waterproof coat and boots; see what to pack and clothes to bring.
- Ask the school how students get to town in snow, and what happens on snow days.
- Read about winter life at boarding school and where students stay during breaks.
See it for each school
Each school page now shows Weather through the year: the average high, low and snowfall for every month, from the nearest NOAA station. Find a school in our directory, and see how far the nearest emergency room is.
Cite this article as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/news/how-cold-is-winter-at-boarding-schools
Questions
Do U.S. boarding schools get cold winters?
In most of them, yes. At 83% of the boarding schools we checked, the average January low is below freezing (32°F, 0°C). In New England the typical January low is about 14°F (−10°C), and snow is normal from December to March.
What should a student from a warm country pack for winter?
A warm waterproof coat, insulated waterproof boots, a hat, gloves and layers. Many families buy the heavy items after arrival, close to the school, where shops stock clothes for the local winter.
Where do these numbers come from?
These are 30-year averages (1991–2020) from the NOAA weather station nearest each school, typically about 7 miles (11 km) away. A single year can be warmer or colder.
Sources
- U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020) — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
- How USAnaru™ collects and labels school data — USAnaru™
General information as of Oct 18, 2026, not legal, immigration or admissions advice. Each school, the U.S. Department of State and SEVP decide; check the school's own pages and official sources before you act.
