Arizona may not be an expected spot for snow, but it does happen! Northern Arizona weather often produces it; particularly in Flagstaff, Show Low and Greer.
Recent storms have set incredible snowfall records at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. This week, it happened again: records were broken twice!
January
Flagstaff experiences a gradual decrease in daily temperatures during January as it enters winter mode, typically seeing 2-6 inches of snow accumulation over time.
Flagstaff typically experiences its greatest snowfall during winter, though measurable snowfall can occur throughout the year. Flagstaff is also one of the wettest areas in Arizona with rainfall reaching its highest levels during autumn months and its lowest rainfall falling during summertime.
February
A recent winter storm that lashed northern Arizona left behind an enormous snowfall. According to the National Weather Service’s Flagstaff office, this meteorological winter ranks fifth since records began being kept.
On Feb. 22, 2023 in Flagstaff, heavy snowfall combined with strong winds created hazardous driving conditions across the city. A vehicle sits beneath an enormous snowdrift along Milton Road near Milton Street. This extreme weather condition made driving treacherous throughout Flagstaff.
March
On Friday, after several winter storms pounded northern Arizona and as snow began to retreat, roads began reopening – yet more snow is forecasted soon enough.
This winter could set a record in Flagstaff for snowfall accumulation. That is according to calculations performed this week by the National Weather Service Flagstaff office.
Flagstaff’s growing season typically lasts 4.1 months (125 days), beginning around May 10 and concluding around October 1. These averages take into account elevation.
April
April is known for having only 2 average days of snow in Flagstaff each year, making this month more sunny and clear with over half of its days having sunshine.
An unprecedented snowfall in northern Arizona this winter has put some highways under duress, leading to multiple road closures and even potential closures of routes in certain regions.
Flagstaff typically sees between sparse winters and prolific El Nino winters; usually the first snowfall occurs either October or December.
June
Northern Arizonans are looking forward to a snow-free weekend, after snow forced school closures and reduced travel across the state, leaving several highways closed as of Friday morning.
This page presents data and descriptions regarding when, how much and how often Flagstaff experiences precipitation (rain, snow or sleet). Wet days are defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of rainfall or liquid-equivalent precipitation on at least one wet day; tourism score favors rainless days while beach/pool score prefers sunny ones.
July
July can bring with it an abundance of snowfall and accumulation. On average, an estimated 4 inches are expected each month but this could range anywhere from less to over one foot!
Flagstaff typically experiences its heaviest snowfall between December and January, although total accumulation can differ considerably between years. A typical heavy winter can bring in over 27 inches of new snowfall for Flagstaff residents to enjoy!
This winter has seen record-setting snowfall totals in northern Arizona. A number of highways were shut down during the most intense parts of this storm.
August
With snow levels reaching record-setting heights across northern Arizona, the 2022-23 winter has been one of the most remarkable ever experienced there. According to data from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, 140.1 inches have fallen since July 1, which ranks second all-time.
Bring layers, warm clothes and sturdy shoes to enjoy all that northern Arizona has to offer this winter! Popular activities include skiing, hiking and snowboarding – please use caution and observe all posted signage for safety when engaging in these activities! Have fun out there!
September
The city’s adobe-and-stone architecture houses trendy restaurants and craft breweries, as well as galleries showcasing local art scenes.
At Wupatki National Monument you’ll find breathtaking mountain views as well as access to the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Snowbowl ski resort and Native American pueblo cliff dwellings – plus breathtaking mountain peaks are nearby! Plus there is so much more that await you here than just breathtaking mountain vistas.
Summer temperatures (about 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix) encourage year-round outdoor activities and the fall foliage displays are breathtaking, particularly the colorful aspen leaves lining trails for hiking adventures. Soak in this scenery during a hike along your local trails!
October
Flagstaff sits at an extremely higher altitude than Phoenix or other parts of Arizona, meaning it receives considerably more snowfall. Here you’ll find monthly and yearly totals as well as counts of days with heavy snowstorms or deep accumulation.
Chance of Sun Visibility at Noon
November
At an elevation of 7,500 feet, Flagstaff boasts a diversity of ecosystems. These include pinon-juniper covered plateaus, high desert terrain and green alpine forests.
Snowfall is the ideal time to visit Arizona’s oldest ski area, the Flagstaff Snowbowl. Offering 777 acres and eight lifts for snowy thrills and spills, there is something fun for everyone at this ski resort!
While on your stay, be sure to drink plenty of water and rest regularly. At higher elevations, sun exposure is likely and fatigue will set in quickly – therefore make sure that sunscreen is worn!
