Flagstaff stands out among Arizona cities by receiving significant snowfall during most winters – only its weather station gets significant accumulation of white stuff!
This page compiles information on when and how often it snows in Flagstaff, with monthly and yearly averages for total snowfall totals.
1. November
Arizona may be known for its sunshine and warmth, but that doesn’t mean Arizona doesn’t get its fair share of snow each winter. Northern parts of Arizona as well as ski resorts receive quite a lot of snow each winter; to fully experience its beauty it is best to visit from December through February.
Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s premier tourist spots, boasting four distinct seasons and much lower temperatures than Phoenix due to its elevation at 6,910 ft (2,106 m). Winter is particularly exciting here as snowfall regularly falls.
On the night of November 27th and morning of November 28th, a large plume of subtropical moisture moved across northern Arizona, creating widespread moderate to heavy snowfall across Coconino and Gila counties at high elevations.
Heavy snowfall across Flagstaff was enough to cause travel issues across the area, with icy roads lasting into Sunday. A total of 27.3 inches was reported at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport with more expected. Snow started falling Friday and continued through Saturday; city crews used equipment multiple passes through 700 lanes miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes miles, 270 sidewalk miles and 27,000 driveways as they cleared their streets to keep streets open and running smoothly.
2. December
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort is a top winter destination in Arizona and it’s not uncommon for it to snow there throughout December. Additionally, Sedona’s iconic red rocks may occasionally receive an inch or two of snowfall each year.
Wednesday’s snowstorm created a winter wonderland in northern and central Arizona’s higher elevation areas, leading to schools closing across Flagstaff, Blue Ridge, Williams and Prescott regions as well as NAU’s mountain campus – not to mention highway closures that may or may not have occurred at some point during its path.
Phoenix or Tucson might only receive occasional snowfall, while Flagstaff often finds itself covered with an inch or two throughout winter months. Even during the hottest summer days in Phoenix, its higher elevation makes Flagstaff much cooler.
Are you seeking an escape from Phoenix’s oppressive summer temperatures? A winter trip to Flagstaff might just be what’s needed! Check out our Flagstaff Winter Travel Guide for tips and tricks that can make the most of your visit!
3. January
January marks the last month of winter in Flagstaff and tends to be cold and snowy, with an average snowfall rate of 7.9 days totaling an accumulation of 4.1 inches (108 millimetres).
Flagstaff has seen a successful snowpack this winter; indeed, its current level ranks third highest since record keeping started back in 1898!
Flagstaff experiences an average of 8.4 snowfall days each month during February, totalling 12.4 inches (315 millimetres). This represents its heaviest monthly snowfall total for all of 2018.
This snowy weather has created perfect skiing conditions at Arizona Ski Bowl. Unfortunately, however, its accumulation has led to road closures across the state and schools closing across Flagstaff’s mountain campus of Northern Arizona University.
These snowfall totals are calculated using data compiled by Flagstaff Pulliam Airport over 21 years, but do not reflect actual annual averages, which range from over 27 inches of new snowfall in heavy years to just 9 inches in light years.
4. February
Flagstaff, located in northern Arizona’s mountainous region, features four distinct seasons. Summers in Flagstaff tend to be mild and warm while its winters can become extremely cold with snowfall accumulation of over an inch on average each year. The city offers multiple days with snowfall each year as well as heavy accumulations which vary year to year.
Winter in Chicago starts in October and usually lasts through April, with snowfall reaching two inches within days in late October or early November – while subsequent falls typically occur in February or March.
Flagstaff experiences an average snow accumulation of 5.94 inches during February. Furthermore, Flagstaff can often experience blizzards or winter storms that occur within this month.
Winter in Flagstaff can be hazardous. Snowfall often results in traffic problems and roads are closed off; moreover, cold winter temperatures can result in power outages and frozen pipes resulting in power outages or frozen water lines.
Arizona Snowbowl opened in 1938 and remains one of the oldest ski areas in America, open from mid-November through mid-April for skiing enthusiasts and offering 777 acres with eight lifts for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts alike.
