Clothing and Climate
Summer—May through August
The summers in Houghton, Michigan are hot and sometimes humid, and many students wear light, casual clothing. Shorts and T-shirts are common on campus. Many people wear athletic shoes (commonly called sneakers or tennis shoes), or sandals. You may want to bring T-shirts or other light, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, khakis or other light-weight long pants, comfortable shoes to wear everyday, athletic shoes, or sandals. Women might also consider bringing light dresses or skirts.
Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
| December | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | |
| Average high | 31° F / -1° C | 71° F / 22° C | 51° F / 11° C | |||||||||
| Average low | 19° F / -7° C | 50° F / 10° C | 36° F / 2° C | |||||||||
Autumn—September through November
The season between summer and winter is autumn (also known as fall). Fall can start to get a little colder. People normally wear slightly warm clothing. You may want to bring pants, several long-sleeved shirts, two or three sweaters, and a light jacket and warm socks.
Average Number of Rainy Days
| Days | Year Total | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 69.6 | 7.1 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.6 | 5.5 | 4 | 5.9 | 6.6 |
Winter—December through April
Houghton winters are snowy and very cold. They are generally unpredictable and people react differently to our weather. While students from southern climates shiver a little, students from colder places have no trouble adapting (though some think it's not cold enough!). It usually snows heavily several times per season. You may want to bring a heavy coat, hat/gloves/ scarf, and snow boots. You can also purchase snow boots and other warm clothing in Houghton upon arrival.
Average Snowfall
| Inches | Year Total | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 178 | 45.7 | 28 | 25.3 | 6.6 | 1.8 | --- | --- | --- | --- | 2.1 | 26.2 | 41.9 |
Winter Carnival
Michigan Tech's Blue Key National Honor Fraternity is known world-wide for its annual 'Winter Carnival'. During the week of Winter Carnival, and the month preceding Carnival, there are many different events. These events range from: All-nighter, month-long statue building, queen coronation, stage revue, curling, human sled dog races, beard competition, ice fishing, broomball, ice bowling, and even world record breaking events. Visit Winter Carnival.
Please note: Local Time Eastern Standard Time (–5GMT).
