Flagstaff experiences significant temperature drops during its winter months, with November being one of the coldest and snowiest months with its high number of snowfall days.
Flagstaff’s Coconino National Forest transforms into an idyllic winter wonderland, making it a prime location for skiing and snowboarding. Visitors to Wing Mountain Snow Play Area often come together for friendly snowball fights or build snow castles at this popular attraction.
December
Flagstaff stands at over 7,000 feet, making it one of the snowiest cities in America.
Flagstaff offers many exciting winter activities for families to enjoy during this Arizona snow wonderland! Ice skating, visiting Santa’s workshop and other exciting experiences provide plenty of ways to pass the time!
Flagstaff averages an annual snowfall of 33.9 inches, though this can differ drastically between years with heavier snowfall accumulation. Some years have more than 103.6 inches.
Heavy snowfall typically hits the area in December. This is when most of its snow falls, typically within six days; six or seven times each year there are major blizzards with 10-inch drop rates on one day – and all this snow must be cleared from 700+ lane miles, 8 miles of alleys and 131 miles of bike lanes in the city – this task must be performed by equipment.
January
Flagstaff offers many ways to enjoy winter when it snows, including skiing and snowboarding as popular winter activities. Flagstaff also has many other recreational options like sledding or building snow forts.
City’s high elevation and cooler temperatures make it a prime location for enjoying winter getaways, with snowfall most prevalent from November to March.
Flagstaff experiences significant variance in its annual snowfall totals; extreme years can see up to 34 inches by January; lighter years typically see 9 or less. If you want to enjoy playing in the snow, Fort Tuthill County Park becomes an outdoor snow-play destination during winter months; Wing Mountain Snow Play Area also offers slopes suitable for sledding and tubing.
February
Flagstaff typically sees snowfall during February, but the accumulations typically don’t top an inch or two each day. Humidity levels remain relatively low at this time as well, leading to itchy skin and eyes due to low moisture levels in the atmosphere.
Spring brings with it many changes to Flagstaff weather, as people come seeking refuge from Phoenix’s triple-digit temperatures. Lodging costs also rise at this time, making hotels the more costly option.
Flagstaff’s wet season extends over two and one half months from July 7 to September 10, on average. Precipitation days tend to peak during this timeframe; rainfall amounts vary widely according to year; heavy snowfall years can see upwards of 27 inches fall while light years may only see several inches.
March
Flagstaff typically experiences some snowfall from winter, with approximately three snowfall days per month on average. Temperatures start warming up gradually, so layering clothes is advised along with carrying an umbrella just in case it rains unexpectedly.
National Weather Service Flagstaff office has long set snowfall records, but 2023 stands out as being particularly remarkable. By Wednesday morning, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport had recorded 140.1 inches since July 1, second only to 1948-1949’s 153.9-inch totals.
Winter at Arizona Snowbowl is highly-prized for skiers and snowboarders, while late spring and fall offer less crowded visits and lower hotel rates than other times of year. Temperatures during this season tend to fluctuate greatly from sunny, warm days to showery afternoons – an experience unique to summertime!
April
April is typically sunny with occasional clouds, and temperatures remain cool enough that long pants and light clothing such as sweaters or jackets should be suitable. Also note that April marks the beginning of Arizona’s monsoon season; pack accordingly to prepare.
Stacey Wittig hails from Phoenix but relocated to Flagstaff in 2022. Her passion lies in exploring all that the Grand Canyon state offers, welcoming newcomers into her community, eating fried caterpillars on Inca Trail, sipping Chianti Classico at Cinque Terre vineyards and touring Inca Trail’s Inca Trail for climbing.
Flagstaff may be Arizona’s snowiest city, but winter brings ideal skiing and sledding conditions to Sedona, Payson, Prescott and Phoenix’s surrounding mountainous areas – often more so than within Phoenix itself! In fact, mountainous regions often receive more snowfall than Phoenix itself!
May
Flagstaff could see several more inches of snow by Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Some parts of Arizona – particularly along the North Rim of Grand Canyon – may even experience two feet or more accumulation.
Northern Arizona saw record winter weather this year, yet there is still time to hit the slopes and enjoy beautiful scenery. Winter sports enthusiasts should visit Arizona Snowbowl which offers several trails that offer ample skiing.
Flagstaff offers plenty of activities in May that might lead to snowfall, such as visiting Lowell Observatory where visitors can observe moon and star formation through high-powered telescopes.
Dark Sky Brewing Company serves up flavorful beer like peanut butter and churro at their delicious taproom, or you could try something more unique such as Drinking Horn Mead Hall which offers alcohol mead.
