Flagstaff is an active college town located about 100 miles northeast of Phoenix with cooler winters that often include snowfall.
Flagstaff stands at 7,000 feet and is one of the snowiest cities in America, making it an excellent location to sled, build snowmen, and play in the snow.
Temperatures
Flagstaff is a mountainous city in Arizona characterized by lush ponderosa pine forests and towering mountain peaks, providing an idyllic environment for outdoor pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter; mountain biking, hiking and camping activities in summer make Flagstaff even more desirable as an outdoor adventure destination.
Flagstaff experiences fluctuating temperatures throughout the year. Summer can be hot and dry while winter can bring cold and damp conditions. On average, Flagstaff experiences an annual temperature average of 34.2degF.
These figures are calculated based on averages from weather data gathered by nearby stations, where temperatures range from 28.1degF to 53.6degF on an average day, with 24.9 miles per hour average wind speeds, 4.16 inch rainfall depth and an estimated number of snow days being present each winter season.
This page shows the weather in Flagstaff throughout each month of the year. This data includes average temperatures, precipitation amounts, wind speed and direction patterns, sun/cloud coverage levels and much more – providing you with a valuable tool for planning trips to Flagstaff as well as understanding its dynamic seasonal changes.
Flagstaff experiences its wet season from July 7 to September 10, with over 22% chances of rain on any given day and an average monthly rainfall of 1.25 wet days; February is typically the driest month.
Precipitation
Flagstaff’s high elevation makes it the ideal snowy destination in winter and hiker-friendly paradise in summer, making this small mountain town truly enjoyable all year-round. Residents take great pride in protecting its natural environment – be it through clean air or public art installations that inspire residents and visitors alike – which allows residents to take full advantage of outdoor activities year round.
Though not home to professional sports teams, the city hosts several collegiate athletic programs. Furthermore, its economy has significantly expanded beyond logging and ranching industries that once made up most of its workforce; now five times as many jobs exist in management and professional sectors compared to those related to extraction, construction, or forestry activities.
Flagstaff derives its name from an American flag-draped tree which stood proudly in downtown Flagstaff to commemorate America’s centennial anniversary of independence. Today, this flagpole remains as an indicator of Flagstaff’s national heritage.
Flagstaff is an ideal location for stargazing enthusiasts, boasting the world’s highest concentration of observatories. Designated as an International Dark Sky City in 1989, its clear night skies provide ample opportunity to observe our universe using one of many local telescopes.
Wind
This town lives for adventure, so don’t forget your sunscreen. Take on an adrenaline-pumping climb up Grand Canyon Rim or challenge your friends by racing through Arizona Extreme Parkour’s hardcore parkour course and show just how ballsy you really are.
Recent snowfall has provided local skiers with memorable powder days at Arizona Snowbowl, while also helping alleviate drought conditions – something locals are extremely grateful for. Unfortunately for drivers however, freezing roads and traffic jams have plagued Interstate 40, limiting how fast drivers can travel along its corridor.
Flagstaff/Grand Canyon Ale Trail offers visitors an enjoyable brewerery tour, while Alpine Pedaler party trolley provides party trolley rides through town. Outdoor fun also abounds; mountain biking, kayaking and horseback riding are among many of the activities available for enjoyment here. Hikers often flock to Flagstaff/Grand Canyon National Forest while its 117 miles of bike lanes cover 58% of major streets within town – for scenic rides try Campbell Mesa trail system’s series of loops offering views of Ponderosa Pine and Mount Eldon!
Snow Depth
The depth of snowfall varies significantly year to year. A heavy year could see months worth of accumulation in just days while light years might only see inches. Wind can also alter its accumulation patterns or compact it further down on the ground surface, so meteorologists measure snow depth using long rulers placed against the ground and measuring against each ruler; though this seems highly scientific it can often prove inaccurate as snow settles and compacts over time.
On Wednesday, a winter storm that hit northern Arizona brought one foot of snowfall to Flagstaff and caused widespread travel disruptions. Roads were closed, as were schools such as Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University, leaving many struggling with navigation through snowy streets, while multiple highways were shut down altogether.
Flagstaff is no stranger to snowfall in winter. On average, annual average snowfall amounts to an estimated 113 inches with this year being the highest total seen since over 10 years ago. While SRP has expressed satisfaction at how much has fallen so far this winter season, they will keep an eye on it throughout winter and report back as necessary.
Flagstaff offers numerous ski resorts. The Flagstaff Nordic Center features over 40 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails for beginners. In addition, snowboarders love coming here.
