New Haven is in New England, which means the "Elm City" has four distinct seasons. But on a more positive note, an ocean breeze helps to keep temperatures comfortable in the summertime, and the city's location on Long Island Sound also helps to keep snowfall totals lower then those of cities like Boston, Providence, Hartford and Worcester. When snow does hit, however, the city does not shut down. Unless there is a blizzard, most businesses, offices, restaurants and colleges are open and the city continues to run.  

Yale University plays a major role in the life of New Haven, especially in the downtown area, so visiting the city when the college is in full session will give visitors the sense of a real New England college town with students from one of America's top universities strolling around the downtown shops, restaurants, museums and theaters.