Flagstaff’s climate differs greatly from that of Phoenix due to being situated over one mile high. There are four distinct seasons, and snow typically begins falling around late November on San Francisco Peaks, often lasting until late June.
Flagstaff locals enjoy being active outdoors, from running and mountain biking to rock climbing and just relaxing on a downtown patio with a craft beer in hand.
Winter
Flagstaff offers something for every season in Flagstaff. Moderate summer temperatures allow mountain bikers and rock climbers to push themselves to their limits, while winter snowfall attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. As autumn sets in, wildflowers bloom on trails while aspen leaves transform mountainsides into golden tapestries of color – creating a captivating display all year round!
The number of wet days varies throughout the year, typically peaking in December and tumbling to its lowest in June. Humidity also fluctuates according to month; January tends to be most humid while May tends to be dryest. Rain alone accounts for 84.4 months of precipitation from March 20 to August 31 whereas mixed rain and snow accounts for only 22.3 months between November 1 and February 2.
Flagstaff receives an average annual snowfall of 108 inches, making winter the busiest season of all. Flagstaff’s ski resorts provide plenty of opportunities to experience Flagstaff’s snow, while city dwellers enjoy activities ranging from ice skating and sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Spring
Flagstaff is located in northern Arizona and boasts mountains, desert and ponderosa pine forests as its backdrop. Flagstaff serves as the gateway to Arizona’s tallest peak Humphreys Peak as well as Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in San Francisco Peaks. Also nearby is Wupatki National Monument which contains Native American pueblo sites while Walnut Canyon National Monument boasts ancient cliff dwellings from Walnut Canyon National Monument. Once home to big players in lumber and ranching industries, today Flagstaff attracts hikers, snowboarders and skiers from across Arizona causing traffic jams along Interstate 180 for months at a time!
As soon as spring thaws away the winter snow, hiking trails become blanketed in blooming wildflowers and aspen leaves create an eye-catching golden carpet of color across the mountainous terrain. Flagstaff Arboretum’s collection of more than 750 species of plants makes an excellent way to experience these changing landscapes.
The graph above depicts an estimated monthly snowfall average in Flagstaff from 1991-2030 at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Heavy years for snowfall tend to fall between December and January while lighter years generally occur between February and March.
Summer
Flagstaff offers visitors an exhilarating summer experience. Visitors will delight in sapphire blue skies, crisp mountain air, and an abundance of seasonal color. Classic events like the Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Display or Pickin in the Pines Bluegrass Festival provide an old-world Americana feel while newer additions like Hullabaloo Rock Fest add vibrancy.
Summer temperatures in Flagstaff remain comfortable with daytime highs reaching only the low 80s and nights staying comfortably cool due to its higher elevation – providing an oasis from hot desert climates nearby.
August is Flagstaff’s rainiest month with an average monthly precipitation of 3.3 inches; June, on the other hand, receives only an estimated average rainfall of 0.33 inches per month – overall this results in 83.4 rainy days each year!
This January’s snow load is close to reaching record levels since 2009, which is good news for Phoenix. More snow will help replenish underground aquifers and reduce wildfire risk as it melts over spring-summer months. Furthermore, this increased accumulation will keep Mogollon Rim and surrounding high-level terrain covered in snow throughout its duration, potentially extending ski season into early spring – although driving conditions on some secondary roads could present difficulties; Salt River Project (SRP) conducted a comprehensive survey Tuesday of the area before embarking upon plowing hundreds of secondary roads across Phoenix this week – although SRP also conducted a comprehensive survey for plowing hundreds of secondary roads so drivers won’t face challenges as they navigate surveyed the area on Tuesday with SRP plowing hundreds of secondary roads nationwide in tandem with plowing hundreds of secondary roads being covered.
Fall
Flagstaff Arizona in autumn offers an unforgettable landscape, complete with lush ponderosa pine forests framed by sapphire blue skies and temperatures comfortably warm during the day but cool night temperatures perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. Fall season runs from September until November with some of Arizona’s premier skiing and snowboarding available during this period.
Northern Arizona has experienced heavy snow, leading to dangerous road conditions and prompting the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm warning for this region. Due to snowy and icy conditions along I-17 between Cordes Lakes and Camp Verde on Monday morning, some segments were closed between Cordes Lakes and Camp Verde due to inaccessibility.
SRP water management specialist Bo Svoma said recent snowfall will help replenish groundwater aquifers, helping replenish their resources in Flagstaff and Phoenix reservoirs – as well as those located elsewhere – according to him. Svoma commented, “This snowfall will certainly have its effects.”
Flagstaff offers more snowfall and lower temperatures than Phoenix due to its altitude. When bad winter weather strikes, schools in Flagstaff often close for one or two days due to inclement conditions; thus offering residents plenty of chances for skiing and snowboarding during its snowy season from November-April.
