At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff experiences plenty of snowfall each year – typically lasting around six months with significant seasonal variation.
Flagstaff has seen near record amounts of snow this winter, helping alleviate drought conditions in the area and keeping Mogollon Rim and high-level terrain covered with snow for longer into summertime.
1. December
Flagstaff typically experiences five inches or less of snowfall per day on average; however, major blizzards of 10″+ depth may occur six times annually.
This page presents monthly and yearly averages for how much snowfall Flagstaff typically experiences, when snowstorms typically strike, how deep the accumulation typically is and when weather stations in nearby stations observe weather events causing precipitation (rain, snowfall, sleet or hail). All data has been corrected for elevation differences and relies on weather observations from nearby stations for accuracy. It also displays how often precipitation takes place (rainfall, snowfall, sleet or hail) throughout each month and year.
2. January
January temperatures typically remain below freezing, and snow is prevalent. On average, it covers the city for 6.1 days on average and its depth can often exceed 3 feet.
Snowstorms that deposit 10 inches or more per day typically occur several times per month; however, major blizzards usually only appear once or twice every year.
Flagstaff experiences 40% overcast or mostly cloudy skies during the winter season. Autumn in Arizona sees its highest rainfall while Summer experiences its lowest evaporation. Already this winter has brought near-record snow levels for Flagstaff.
3. February
Flagstaff experiences fluctuating amounts of snow every year due to its slow accumulation process, meaning exact totals vary throughout the year.
Major snowstorms generally take place seven times in January and four in February, typically producing 10 or more inches of accumulation.
Rain alone was the primary form of precipitation from March 20 to December 2 with over 22% chances that any given day was wet.
4. March
Measuring snow can be an exact science. National Weather Service meteorologists typically utilize rulers when taking measurements.
Owing to Flagstaff’s mild winter climate, many visitors to Arizona seek refuge from its cold weather. But those interested in skiing will find plenty of opportunities here.
Flagstaff is no stranger to snowfall on Christmas, with 17% of Christmas Day precipitation between 1981 and 2010 being measured. Most annual precipitation falls on Summer days though.
5. April
Flagstaff, Arizona is an ideal spot for snow enthusiasts. The winters here tend to be much colder than in Phoenix and can often bring quite a lot of powdery snowfall.
National Weather Service meteorologists have recognized 2022-23 as one of the ten snowiest years ever recorded by New York City.
Tourism score criteria favor clear, rainless days with temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Flagstaff’s outdoor tourist activities can best be enjoyed from mid to late July onwards.
6. May
Flagstaff sees snowfall throughout the year, though most years don’t experience any accumulation. December and January typically experience the greatest snowfall.
This diagram displays the average daily high and low temperatures as well as percentage of time the sky was clear or overcast for Flagstaff, Arizona. Black lines show average temperature while colored bands represent range. Furthermore, data are adjusted for elevation differences between Flagstaff and nearby stations to provide a more accurate depiction of weather.
7. June
Flagstaff receives some form of precipitation annually – such as rain, snow, sleet or hail – on average 83 days each year, which helps maintain cooler and more pleasant conditions than Phoenix and other parts of Arizona due to being at a much higher altitude.
This table illustrates monthly and annual counts of days when Flagstaff typically experiences heavy snowstorms with deep accumulation. Additionally, it displays when measurable snow first began falling in Flagstaff based on weather observations at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
8. July
Flagstaff experiences an abrupt transition into spring this month. Temperatures remain mild while snow remains on the ground.
Flagstaff experiences precipitation each year on 33.9 days – this amounts to an average total of 10.3 inches of snowfall annually.
Humidity levels in Flagstaff don’t fluctuate greatly throughout the year. In fact, there has been zero percent humidity discomfort for at least the past decade! While dry climate may be disconcerting for some people, others find comfort in it.
9. August
Growing season typically lasts four and one-half months from October 1 to April 15, and during this time there should not be any snowfall.
Tourism score evaluations typically favor clear, rainless days with temperatures in the 75-80 degree range. The ideal time of year to enjoy outdoor tourist activities ranges from mid June through late August with peak scores being seen during the second week of July.
Flagstaff sits higher up than Phoenix, leading it to have more snowy conditions during winter months. But don’t take this to mean that Flagstaff shuts down! In fact, business remains open as usual!
10. September
At an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is one of the snowiest cities in America. The wet season runs for 2.1 months between July 7 and September 10, and there is more than 22% chance that any given day will experience rain.
Snowfall in Flagstaff occurs approximately 4.3 days per year and major blizzards typically drop ten inches of snow or more at least six times annually. This page collects together information on when and how much snow Flagstaff receives annually.
