Flagstaff lies at a much higher altitude than Phoenix or Tucson, meaning that when it rains in Phoenix it may snow in Flagstaff instead.
2022-23 is already shaping up to be a record year in northern Arizona when it comes to snowfall, with Flagstaff alone reporting 61.4 inches this month alone!
Snowfall has caused school closures in multiple communities including Flagstaff Unified, Blue Ridge, Williams and Embry-Riddle Schools in Arizona and a high wind warning remains in effect for mountain locations.
Winter
Due to its elevation, Flagstaff experiences four distinct seasons – including snow in winter. As such, this city is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts; most years the Arizona Snowbowl opens from late November to mid-June as a popular ski and snowboard spot.
Arizona was hit hard on Tuesday by a winter storm that brought heavy snowfall in areas like Flagstaff and Sedona – over one foot was reported up on higher peaks! As well as this heavy accumulation came gusty winds bringing danger of whiteout conditions to many mountain communities as well as whiteout conditions for highways in high country areas.
On Wednesday morning in northern Ohio, rain and snow was expected to continue falling, prompting the National Weather Service to advise people to remain off of roadways unless absolutely necessary.
Schools within Flagstaff Unified School District, Williams Unified School District and Embry-Riddle University have cancelled classes on Wednesday; in addition, Flagstaff city offices remain closed as well.
Flagstaff is a premier tourist destination, drawing in visitors looking to hike, bike, ski and simply appreciate the picturesque surroundings. Home to two colleges as well as an International Dark Sky City in 2015, residents take pride in the city’s green initiatives – many restaurants utilize sustainable practices while its promotion of health promotion campaigns highlights this.
Spring
Flagstaff is one of the premier places for outdoor enthusiasts, offering four distinct seasons that provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting and snowshoeing activities throughout each one. Skiers and snowboarders also love it here – there are two ski resorts here including Arizona Snowbowl that is open from late November through mid-June on some years.
Flagstaff does not receive as much snowfall as its northern neighbors; however, during recent storms there was 24- to 30-inch accumulation reported at Munds Park and Kachina Village resulting in school and road closures throughout Arizona as well as canceling classes at Northern Arizona University’s mountain campus.
Now that the drought was officially over, this storm brought relief in the form of its largest rain/snow event since 2023 at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Totals from this snowstorm far surpassed those seen previously for February and March combined.
Flagstaff is known for being eco-friendly, as evidenced by its ranking among the cleanest cities for year-round particle pollution levels. Residents work hard to ensure their community remains healthy and sustainable; visitors to downtown Flagstaff will discover trendy restaurants, a bustling craft beer scene and numerous art galleries – plus it hosts the first International Dark Sky City, offering fantastic stargazing opportunities!
Summer
Flagstaff offers outdoor enthusiasts an idyllic landscape to explore year round – its mountainous terrain, four distinct seasons and temperate climate are perfect conditions. Hiking trails abound, while ski runs at Arizona Snowbowl provide winter skiing fun – Flagstaff’s natural surroundings make any visit unforgettable and attract many newcomers to settle here permanently.
The wetter season lasts 2.1 months from July 7 to September 10, with 22% or higher chance of precipitation on any given day from July to September 10. August is typically the wettest month, averaging an average of 10.9 days of rainfall throughout its length.
Flagstaff has experienced years of drought; however, recent winter storms have brought much-needed moisture and significantly alleviated its status as an official drought area. Residents in Flagstaff are dedicated to protecting the environment; as evidenced by their love of outdoor activities found at local parks and trails, breweries, restaurants, as well as through its dedication to attaining International Dark Sky City status.
Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, so students make up an important portion of its population. Tourism and arts also thrive here with trendy restaurants, craft breweries and galleries showcasing local talent; its charming downtown serves as a hub of activity and scenic trails are popular spots for running, biking, hiking and backpacking adventures.
Fall
An intense winter storm swept into Northern Arizona this week, leaving locals in Flagstaff buried under knee-deep powder. Snow started falling at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport early Monday morning and continued through to Arizona Snowbowl ski area in Flagstaff by day’s end – totalling 37 inches for this season alone! Visibility dropped below one quarter mile at times as visibility in Coconino County declined rapidly; therefore a winter weather advisory was in place Monday for this region.
Flagstaff stands apart from its state’s desert regions with its mountainous setting and high elevation, which create four distinct seasons and summer temperatures 20 degrees lower than Phoenix. As such, its climate fosters an active outdoor recreation scene; residents partaking in activities such as hiking, biking, snowboarding and skiing.
Flagstaff is also home to the first International Dark-Sky City, committed to reducing light pollution for stargazing at nearby Lowell Observatory – which helped scientists discover Pluto and prove that our universe is expanding. Flagstaff’s clear air and abundant sunlight also make it a favorite among astronomers, making the annual Stargazing Festival an opportunity to witness our galaxy at its best. Locals enjoy outdoor sports year-round through leagues for softball, baseball, soccer, ice hockey and volleyball – while its natural beauty can be best appreciated during autumn when aspen leaves change color creating golden tapestries that create golden tapestries of beauty throughout our region – something you won’t see anywhere else!
