Flagstaff is currently experiencing a winter wonderland amidst snowfall and an active Winter Weather Advisory.
City is one of the snowiest cities in America and this page provides monthly and yearly counts on how often it snows as well as how much accumulation there typically is each year.
October
Flagstaff typically experiences its first snowfall during October, on average about 2.5 days per month.
Northern Arizona experienced an exciting weather day yesterday, beginning with an EF-1 tornado touching down near Williams and then National Weather Service reporting snowfall on mountain peaks near Flagstaff.
This map illustrates estimated temperature and dew point data gathered hourly from weather stations near Flagstaff, Arizona. The values shown represent an estimate’s mean value; shaded areas represent 25th-75th percentile ranges and 10th-90th percentile ranges for reference.
The length of daylight hours fluctuates significantly throughout the year; December has the fewest daylight hours while June boasts more.
November
The first snowstorm of the season typically arrives in November, yet significant accumulation can continue for days or even weeks afterward. Winter storms that dump more than five inches per day often occur six or more times annually while major blizzards that dump ten or more inches typically only happen three or four times annually.
City equipment plows 700 lane miles, 131 miles of sidewalk, 42 miles of FUTS and 27,000 driveways each winter season, divided into First Priority Areas and Second Priority Areas according to factors like roadside slope, traffic volume and shade.
At an elevation of over 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff ranks as one of the snowiest cities in America and home to Arizona Snowbowl – a popular skiing destination in Coconino National Forest.
December
Flagstaff stands 7,000 feet above sea level and is one of the snowiest cities in Arizona, experiencing four distinct seasons and generally cooler average temperatures than its lower-elevation neighbor Phoenix.
Snowfall typically begins between October and December. Seasonally speaking, most years end in April; although on rare occasions snow can fall as late as May.
In wintertime, plows and de-icing agents work to clear roads throughout the city of snow. Routes are prioritized based on road type, traffic volume, access and type. Cinders may be utilized at major hills, signalized intersections, railroad crossings, shaded areas or problem spots as well as stop signed intersections.
January
Flagstaff, Arizona, is known for receiving its first snowfall between October and May; however, some months can see snow as early as February and lasting all the way through June.
On Tuesday, severe post-frontal snow showers persisted across Northern Arizona, prompting several schools to close across Northern Arizona – such as Blue Ridge, Williams, Prescott Unified and Mountain Campus classes at Northern Arizona University (NAU).
Flagstaff offers four distinct seasons that provide plenty of snowfall each month – ranging from over 24.3 inches in heavy years to nine inches or less during light ones, and daily variations as well. Its climate offers visitors and residents alike an amazing place to visit or live!
February
February is Flagstaff’s snowiest month, with most days yielding at least an inch of new accumulation on the ground.
A powerful blizzard struck northern Arizona on Monday, closing highways and schools while also burying an Arizona State Trooper vehicle in Payson. Furthermore, several national parks, such as Petrified Forest and Montezuma Castle were closed; Flagstaff Mountain Line bus service had to be suspended due to slippery roads.
The city maintains 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes and 27,000 driveways to clear. City equipment makes multiple passes through each neighborhood to clear them all completely; snow removal remains the top priority during a winter storm.
March
Flagstaff usually experiences snowfall in the final month of winter, which can reach over 23 inches on some years and average nine on others.
City crews plow over 700 lane miles annually, including 8 bike lanes, 131 sidewalk miles and 42 FUTS miles. In addition, they apply cinders at major hills, signalized intersections, railroad crossings, shaded areas, problem spots or stop sign intersections to protect pavement surfaces from degradation and provide better traction control.
Weather service officials in Bellemont have recently recorded 146.7 inches of snow between July and March – second only to 1948’s record 154-inch total for Arizona high country! This has made driving hazardous, leading to delays.
April
Flagstaff is a stunning city full of interesting things to do and an ideal retirement location, yet its climate may not meet all your needs if you prefer warmer temperatures.
Flagstaff experiences snowfall that fluctuates significantly from year to year, reaching 27 inches on occasion but sometimes as little as nine.
Flagstaff sits atop an elevation of over 7000 feet, boasting the world’s largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest as well as being home to one of America’s oldest ski areas – The Arizona Snowbowl.
May
Flagstaff stands a good chance of seeing snow during May; however, its chances are slim that it will last into June; 17% chance is estimated.
The city plows 700 miles of streets, 8 miles of alleys, and 131 miles of sidewalks each winter with multiple passes made by equipment to clear all snow from all surfaces.
Flagstaff offers visitors a beautiful wintertime experience despite its cold temperatures. Due to its higher elevation, Flagstaff receives more sunshine days than Phoenix while sun sets further south keeping temperatures comfortable throughout winter.
