Flagstaff has recently seen an abundance of snowfall. If you’re visiting from a warmer destination or simply seeking some excitement in the snowy conditions, use these links for information on where and how you can play safely in Flagstaff.
Winter in Arizona’s Snowiest City provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore its expansive emerald green Ponderosa Pine forest and enjoy outdoor mountain biking, skiing and rock climbing activities.
Winter
Most people don’t associate Arizona weather with snowfall, yet certain parts of its higher elevations in northern and southeastern Arizona receive significant amounts annually – Flagstaff being one such city which boasts an annual snowfall average of 101.7 inches according to National Weather Service statistics.
Flagstaff experiences its peak winter snowfall during January and February, with average daily accumulations of 10 inches or more being recorded on average within these months. Furthermore, six out of ten days experience snowstorms of at least 10 inches each in these months.
But this month could see an historic amount of snow fall for Flagstaff, Arizona, possibly breaking an annual seasonal record for this month alone. North Arizona’s high country has already experienced one foot or more from recent winter storms; according to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has received 140 inches since July 1, making this winter one of the second-snowiest ever recorded at that location.
This near-record amount of precipitation comes as a welcome relief to Los Angeles, which has been in drought status since 2008. Rain and snow also help alleviate drought conditions throughout the surrounding region by decreasing wildfire danger until springtime. Although additional moisture won’t completely reverse decade-old water deficits, it will replenish groundwater supplies until melting snow in summer time.
Spring
Winter visitors and residents are always delighted when spring arrives, with its promise of warmer mountain air thawing out and snowmelt leading to beautiful blooming wildflowers throughout the valley and in one of the largest contiguous Emerald Green Ponderosa Pine forests on Earth.
Flagstaff winters boast an average annual snowfall of 108 inches, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders. Snowfall peaks between December and January while an abundance of white blankets the city throughout most of winter.
Flagstaff is known to receive significant snowfall even with its relatively mild climate. From 2022-2023, Flagstaff experienced an extraordinary growing degree day accumulation – placing it among the top 10 snowiest years ever recorded by climate climatology. Growing degree days measure annual heat accumulation used to predict plant and animal development; their index measures the difference between base and cap temperatures by discarding excess above maximum threshold temperatures.
Flagstaff typically experiences its heaviest snowfall of the year between November and May, with temperatures falling significantly and an increase in snowfall; typically recording 6.1 days with accumulation reaching 4.65 inches. Over 45% of precipitation falls during Autumn compared with 29% occurring in Summer and 17% occurring during Winter months.
Summer
Flagstaff is a haven for outdoor adventurers. Winter average annual snowfall averages 108 inches; spring brings stunning displays of blooming wildflowers lining the world’s largest continuous ponderosa pine forest; while autumn offers golden tapestries of aspen leaves.
Sunshine levels vary throughout the year in Flagstaff. December and January tend to see the most sunshine while June and July tend to see less due to Flagstaff’s unique weather patterns that often see cloud cover remain over summertime even when it isn’t raining.
Even so, the 2022-23 season saw near record snowfall totals; helping to ease drought conditions by replenishing runoff water supplies across Mogollon Rim area and beyond.
Flagstaffians take full advantage of its cool four-season climate to enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking, skiing and hiking – activities popular among both locals and visitors. When the day’s adventure is done, Flagstaff’s historic downtown provides trendy restaurants and craft breweries. Plus it hosts Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon National Park for stargazing! Additionally the city hosts various festivals each year that showcase its famously stunning climate and captivating natural landscapes; such as Flagstaff Arts & Culture Festival in April; Coconino County Fair in August; Arizona Rodeo in October!
Fall
Flagstaff offers visitors and residents alike much to explore and discover in northern Arizona’s Flagstaff city of 70,000 people, from dormant volcanoes and ancient villages, hiking the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, gazing upon the night sky at an observatory where Pluto was first observed, to gazing upon it through an observatory where Pluto was first detected, this northern Arizona city is an adventurer’s haven. Situated at 6,910 ft (2,106 m), Flagstaff enjoys much lower temperatures than Phoenix with daily temperatures typically being 20-30 degrees lower year round!
Flagstaff is on course to break its record for consecutive snowfall days at its airport this winter, set in March 1979 by 39 days accumulated since July 1948-1949 and measured by airport snow gauges. As of Wednesday afternoon, this season to date had already eclipsed that previous mark by one day! As for total inches accumulation so far – over 153.9 inches!
Flagstaff’s moderate climate means snowfall occurs more frequently during the fall, though less frequently than winter and spring. Even so, autumn remains a beautiful time to experience Flagstaff with its lush, green ponderosa pine forests and colorful leaves aglow with autumn hues. Flagstaff is also an excellent location for outdoor sports enthusiasts with many trails open to public access and recreational activities offered at Flagstaff Nordic Center.
