Flagstaff is an amazing place to live or visit if you enjoy experiencing four distinct seasons. Snowfall typically begins in October and typically continues into November.
Arizona Department of Transportation is responsible for clearing Interstate Highway and State Route snowplow routes; while City of Flagstaff plowing covers roads within its city limits that do not fall on State routes.
Winter
Flagstaff offers equally breathtaking wintertime conditions as the summer, with snow-topped mountains calling skiers and snowboarders onto their trails. When spring comes around, beautiful wildflowers bloom transforming the landscape into a golden tapestry – while as autumn arrives the trees of Flagstaff become a stunning display of autumn hues.
Flagstaff lies higher up than Phoenix and when it rains it usually turns to snow, so if driving to and from this High Country destination it is wise to remember that weather conditions can rapidly shift.
Flagstaff receives 83.4 days of precipitation every year, making this city one of the wettest in Arizona. August sees 34% of annual precipitation fall that month while June offers only 20% chance for wetter conditions.
Flagstaff offers many ways to enjoy winter in Flagstaff, from skiing and snowboarding at one of its resorts to taking a ride on Alpine Pedaler party trolley to enjoy downtown bars. Coconino Community College shows, concerts at historic Coconino Center or simply relaxing over coffee at any one of its charming cafes are also all fun things to do during this season.
Spring
Flagstaff offers pleasant summer temperatures that provide relief from Phoenix’s scorching desert heat, making it the ideal escape. In winter, Flagstaff receives ample snowfall between November and December – providing beautiful illumination of the city lights at this time! Plus, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find this snowy season ideal.
City residents also enjoy numerous popular festivals, such as the Arizona State Fair, Coconino County Fair and AZ Chocolate Festival. Furthermore, outdoor recreation opportunities abound with hiking trails, running paths, mountain biking tracks and cycling lanes available throughout its borders. Furthermore, this city was designated an International Dark-Sky City in 1989 for stargazers looking for new sights to gaze upon.
Average rainy days per year average 83.4, with Autumn being the wettest with 34% rainfall, and Summer seeing only 20% rainfall.
Summer
Flagstaff is one of the premier places in Arizona for outdoor recreation, offering ideal conditions in June through August for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping and climbing. Furthermore, the Arizona Snowbowl offers both downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities during wintertime.
Flagstaff offers numerous paved trails that provide an ideal way to discover its stunning surroundings and admire a diverse selection of natural features, while nearby lakes provide opportunities for fishing, waterskiing and boating. As Flagstaff is also known as a dark sky town, clear nights provide breathtaking displays of stars.
Although Flagstaff’s climate is typically sunny, it can become windy from time to time, creating wind gusts which make outdoor activities like hiking and running somewhat uncomfortable – though these gusts do not compare with what can be experienced elsewhere in the U.S.
Flagstaff boasts 266 sunny days per year on average; however, precipitation occurs 83 times a year – including rain, sleet and hail – lower than the US average of 205 days; February is usually the wettest month. Therefore it is essential that visitors bring warm clothing, windbreakers and waterproof footwear when visiting this city; its dry hot summers make up for any occasional wet days!
Fall
On Feb. 23, 2023, a snowstorm swept through Northern Arizona, dropping several inches of snow in Flagstaff and nearby Prescott. Huge walls of snow blocked parked vehicles while roads became impassible due to ice build-up. NAU students were advised to remain home while Mountain Line buses provided alternative transportation solutions.
Flagstaff enjoys an ideal climate year-round due to its high elevation and low humidity, which allows outdoor activities like biking, hiking, skiing and even golfing to thrive year-round. There are several outdoor parks and trails in Flagstaff; popular ones include Flagstaff Arboretum with displays including fall colors and winter snow.
Flagstaff experiences its driest period for an average of 9.9 months each year, with an average of only 2.1 days of precipitation each month – most days featuring either rain or snow; sometimes there may be both types present simultaneously.
Flagstaff offers some of the best changing leaf views in Arizona from September through November. Near Coconino National Forest, aspens and other deciduous trees exhibit vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and yellows on their branches, drawing tourists to Flagstaff’s historic downtown and its environs. UV index levels tend to remain mild during autumn; however visitors should still wear sunscreen and hat to protect their skin; additionally this area boasts excellent dark sky viewing conditions!
