Flagstaff area is an idyllic destination year-round, from summer green to autumn gold and finally blanket of snowy white in wintertime.
This page compiles information on when and how much it snows in Flagstaff, Arizona, with monthly and yearly counts of days when Flagstaff typically experiences heavy snowfall or accumulation.
January
Snow has been steadily falling since July and it has already eclipsed the total from 2022 during this same timeframe. According to the National Weather Service Flagstaff office, this winter has already become one of the five snowiest ever recorded.
This mid-January snowpack should generate runoff efficiently into the Verde and Salt Rivers, helping recharge aquafers in Phoenix and throughout Arizona as well as alleviating drought conditions in high country regions.
February
Flagstaff typically sees its first snowfall of the season between October and May, with up to 14 snow days totalling at least three inches on the ground on those days when snowfall occurs.
2022-2023 is already shaping up to be an exceptional meteorological winter for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Since July to March 1948-49, they’ve reached 140.1 inches already!
Northern Arizonans should enjoy a break from snowy conditions this weekend as breezy, cool weather replaces it.
March
Flagstaff gets its name from a flag pole erected by Boston emigrants to commemorate America’s Centennial celebration in 1876, making this year-round outdoor recreation hub. Here you’ll find hiking trails, mountain biking, snowboarding and skiing opportunities.
Its environment includes mountains, desert and ponderosa pine forests; serving as an access point to Arizona Snowbowl ski resort as well as Humphreys Peak’s Humphreys Peak summit (the state’s highest point). Furthermore, recreational opportunities abound here such as rock climbing and ice skating.
April
Flagstaff stands 7,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the snowiest cities in America. Snowfall on San Francisco Peaks may persist until mid-April.
Northern Arizona highways were closed during this week’s winter storms. Although more snow may fall over the coming weekend and Monday, according to Flagstaff’s National Weather Service office it has seen record snowfall this season so far this week.
May
Flagstaff is home to one of the country’s best-known ski areas: Arizona Snowbowl. First opened for skiing in 1938, this world-class resort spans 777 acres and eight lifts; offering world-class snowsporting experiences from mid-November through April.
Snowfall totals can differ considerably from year to year; on the extreme end, December can see up to 27 inches, while other years might only see 9.3 inches total in that month.
The City plows 700 lane miles, 8 miles of alleys, 131 miles of bike lanes and 27,000 driveways each winter season. To learn more visit our Snow Operations – First Priority Areas page.
June
As winter transitions into spring and the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport experiences its second highest snowpack amount ever seen between July and March since 1948, it remains deep.
Salt River Project officials can rejoice as extra water from this source helps recharge underground aquifers and replenish underground supplies.
But not everyone is pleased by this record-setting snowfall. Estevan from Flagstaff Towing and Recovery reports being busy helping stranded motorists who have been stuck for hours; something he isn’t used to seeing but is trying his best to remain positive about.
July
Flagstaff offers ideal conditions for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities during its warm and dry summers, making it a popular tourist destination. Additionally, this season offers ample opportunity to discover Flagstaff Arboretum which showcases over 750 native plants and flowers.
Winter visitors to Arizona Snowbowl ski resort can indulge in snowy activities at this winter playground or stroll along its urban trails that connect directly to national forests.
August
Arizona residents are gearing up for another winter as schools resume in Arizona and the 2022-23 meteorological winter looks set to become one of the snowiest on record.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has seen 140.1 inches since July 1st – second only to an earlier period from 1948-49 (July-March).
August is celebrated for many important holidays, but is most notable as National Watermeon Day and is also recognized as National Back-to-School Month.
September
September is an eventful month, brimming with holidays and celebrations to commemorate, including Labor Day on September’s first Monday.
At its height, this storm caused widespread highway closures throughout Arizona. Since then, however, that number has significantly declined and northern Arizona could experience relief in snowy conditions this weekend.
Flagstaff offers several snow play opportunities, from groomed tubing runs and passive snow play areas, to events at its Flagstaff Snow Park.
October
Flagstaff typically gets its first taste of snow in October, which makes for the ideal conditions to enjoy skiing at one of America’s oldest ski areas – Arizona Snowbowl with 777 acres and eight lifts!
This winter is shaping up to be one of the snowiest in Flagstaff history, which is good news for people like Estevan of Flagstaff Towing and Recovery who has been working non-stop. Furthermore, snowmelt helps recharge underground aquifers and fill SRP reservoirs – both contributing significantly to local economies – but has put immense strain on drivers.
