Many travelers on Historic Route 66 take the time to make the special stop at Monument Valley to witness its magnificent towering sandstone rock formations.
This page contains data and descriptions about when, how much, and how often Flagstaff experiences snowfall. Snow can arrive as early as November while its final fall usually comes around April.
Temperatures
Due to Flagstaff, AZ’s higher elevation, temperatures here tend to be much cooler than other parts of Arizona. Residents and visitors alike love watching Flagstaff transform into four distinct seasons: lush green summer; vibrant gold autumn; then blanket of winter white.
Flagstaff, Arizona currently enjoys an average temperature of 46.6 degrees Fahrenheit with average wind speeds at 3.9 miles per hour and humidity levels reaching 72%; dew point has reached 59 degrees Fahrenheit this week according to national weather service advisories and warnings issued this week.
Arizona Snowbowl, just minutes from downtown Flagstaff, is an extremely popular ski and snowboard destination. Boasting 40 kilometers of groomed trails that feature both downhill and cross-country skiing – as well as lessons for beginners – and offering apres ski amenities like bar, restaurant and fireplaces; lessons are also provided for beginners at this resort. Furthermore, Riordan Mansion State Park features an 13,000 square foot mansion constructed in 1904 which provides guided tours and educational programs; its public access year round location in Coconino National Forest provides numerous hiking and biking trails.
Wind
Flagstaff’s high altitude and varied terrain make it an attractive destination for downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, hikers and backpackers. Residents enjoy cool summers, mild winters and breath-taking scenery – not to mention an impressive university that continues to flourish despite loss of some historic charm. While longtime residents may lament its loss as they embrace its vibrant downtown and expanding university.
Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Ski Resort were blessed by a snowstorm this week, giving both resorts some extra coverage. Although not fully operational yet, Phoenix, Upper Volcano, Blackjack lift lines as well as Lower Tiger lift line remain operating at both resorts.
As of Thursday afternoon, the snowstorm had closed numerous schools in northern Arizona – such as Blue Ridge Elementary, Flagstaff Middle, Williams Middle and Prescott campuses of Northern Arizona University; it also led to multiple highway closures throughout the region.
Flagstaff weather can often be windy due to its elevation at 7,000 feet above sea level. The topography often creates a wind tunnel effect as air blowing horizontally collides with San Francisco Peaks before rising upward through them and producing beautiful cloud formations known as Lenticular Clouds that are frequently seen around Flagstaff city and mountain surroundings.
Snowfall
On Wednesday, a large winter storm brought heavy snowfall to northern Arizona and caused disruptions for travel around Flagstaff and ski resorts, ski schools and NAU’s mountain campus. Schools closed and travel was disrupted in and around Flagstaff as schools and roads closed as schools resorted to closing them due to inclement conditions caused by this snow. It also impeded operations at Flagstaff Ski Resorts as well as Mountain Campus of NAU.
Before traveling to any new area, it’s essential to do your research on its snowfall forecast and weather conditions. This page features snow forecasts for Flagstaff area weather conditions – with information such as temperatures and precipitation expected, as well as monthly and yearly counts of days when it usually snows there.
Flagstaff offers an entirely unique climate experience compared to Phoenix or other low-lying areas due to its higher elevation. While summer heat in Phoenix can become unbearable quickly, an hour north of Phoenix in Flagstaff it can often remain comfortably cool.
Flagstaff winters can be magical experiences, and one of the best places to enjoy them is at Arizona Snowbowl, located within San Francisco Peaks and opening for business around mid-November.
Flagstaff, Arizona is well known for its snow removal efforts and this page contains information on their operations. There are 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes, 42 miles of sidewalk, 27,000 driveways and 2,600 miles traveled by snow equipment to clear all streets within city limits. Furthermore, priority streets and snow removal times can also be found here.
Snow Report
Flagstaff, Arizona lies at the base of Northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest and draws winter visitors from across the world, due to its higher elevation and much cooler temperature than nearby Phoenix. Snowfall typically begins around late November and continues on San Francisco Peaks through June; on average, Flagstaff receives over 100 inches each year with six 10-inch storms taking place every year.
At its highest levels, snowfall can reach 27 inches within a single month. On lighter years, monthly average falls to just under 9.3 inches – January and February are generally the months with the greatest amount of fresh snow.
This page offers comprehensive data regarding when, how often, and the amount of snow that falls in Flagstaff from 1991-20. The data comes from observations at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport between these years; weekly/yearly counts of days with heavy snowstorms/deep accumulation as well as monthly/yearly averages are all provided here.
Flagstaff City Plow Services cover 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes and 42 miles of paved pathways, along with 27,000 driveways in its service area. Their Snow Operations policy details the routes for plowing as well as desired timeframes.
