UC San Diego vs University of Washington: Which Campus Is Easier to Enjoy During Rainy Weather?

UC San Diego will be easier to enjoy if rain is a major concern, because La Jolla has a much drier, sunnier climate and rain rarely dictates a normal week of classes or outdoor plans.

UCSD fits a student who wants to walk between classes, spend time outside, use the beach or trails, and make spontaneous outdoor plans without regularly checking the forecast. Most rain there comes in intermittent winter stretches, and students can usually handle it with an umbrella or rain jacket. One tradeoff is that UCSD is spread out, so walking can still be substantial; the issue is distance and hills in parts of campus, not frequent wet weather.

UW suits a student who does not mind adapting to a damp, overcast environment and may even find it cozy. The Seattle campus has many indoor study spots, libraries, dining spaces, covered building entrances, and frequent transit options, so classes, clubs, games, and social life continue when it rains. However, getting from one building to another can mean regular exposure to drizzle, puddles, and wind, especially on the large, hilly campus.

For everyday ease in rainy weather, UCSD has the clear advantage because rainy days are less common and less likely to shape your routine. UW can still be very enjoyable during wet months, but it rewards students who are comfortable owning reliable waterproof shoes and a rain jacket and treating gray, drizzly weather as part of the campus atmosphere.