Does it Snow in Arizona? 8 Cities Where it Snows (A LOT)

Does it snow in Arizona? Believe it or not, the answer is yes. And those snowfall amounts can be quite a lot.

Arizona, in all its peculiar glory, actually boasts several towns that get walloped by snow each winter. So, where does it snow in Arizona? Mainly in the the northern part of the state, especially in the rugged mountainous regions of upper Arizona.

We found the cities where the flakes fall thick and furious, ranked by their annual snowfall.

Methodology

To determine where it snows most in Arizona, we scoured through historical climate data over the last three decades.

Data from the National Weather Service (NWS) and other reputable sources like Weather Atlas provided a comprehensive picture of snowfall trends in Arizona.

We focused on averages for each town’s snowfall per year, with special attention to snowfall peaks, frequency, and predictability. The snowy months and the total inches these cities endure shaped our rankings.

Where Does it Snow in Arizona? Here are 8 Cities

8. Payson

Population: 15,813
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 18 inches
Snowy Months: December to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

Payson teeters on the edge of snowfall delight, with its thick blankets of white frosting the landscape come wintertime. Located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, this town is no stranger to the snowdrifts of December to March. But let’s not pretend it’s just about the snowflakes – Payson also serves up views of ponderosa pine forests, so dense they almost look painted on.

Snow junkies will find endless joy hiking the frozen trails or heading to nearby ski spots like the lesser-known Snowbowl. Payson may not compete with the mountainous giants further north, but it certainly knows how to serve up a charming snow-covered experience.

7. Prescott

Population: 45,827
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 20 inches
Snowy Months: December to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

Prescott is not only Arizona’s Christmas capital (yes, they literally call themselves that), but it’s also a town that knows how to collect snow like it’s a winter hobby. Tucked in the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott manages to sprinkle about 20 inches of snow on its residents each year, all while keeping that small-town charm as vibrant as its holiday light displays.

Snowfall brings with it opportunities for outdoor adventure: think snowball fights in Courthouse Square or sledding down nearby hills. If you’re more into cozy vibes, Prescott’s Victorian homes and historical saloons look downright magical draped in snow.

6. Show Low

Population: 11,383
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 24 inches
Snowy Months: December to April
Location: Check on Google Maps

Does it snow in Arizona? Oh, Show Low would like to give you a firm nod in response. With 24 inches of snow annually, this White Mountain town is practically a snow globe that gets shaken up regularly between December and April. Legends say the town got its name from a card game, but it’s the thick snowpacks that define its winters.

Outdoor enthusiasts hit the slopes at nearby Sunrise Park Resort, while the rest enjoy the serene scenes of snow-covered Ponderosa Pines. No matter how you roll, Show Low knows how to deliver on its wintery promises.

5. Heber-Overgaard

Population: 2,898
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 28 inches
Snowy Months: December to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

Heber-Overgaard is a hidden gem, where snow enthusiasts can indulge in quiet, peaceful landscapes coated in layers of powder. With an average of 28 inches of snow per year, the town becomes a winter paradise for those seeking solace in the snowy wilds.

Visitors can traverse the White Mountains trails or relax in cabins that look as if they’ve been pulled from a winter fairytale. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are top activities that invite both residents and visitors to brave the cold and enjoy the splendor.

4. Flagstaff

Population: 78,068
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 82 inches
Snowy Months: November to April
Location: Check on Google Maps

Welcome to the winter capital of Arizona! Flagstaff stands tall, almost laughing at the rest of the state as it clocks in with an annual average of 82 inches of snow. It’s no exaggeration to say that Flagstaff is where snow lives in Arizona – if you’re asking, where does it snow in Arizona?, this is the motherlode.

The skiing here is legendary, with Snowbowl Ski Resort offering unparalleled runs for both newbies and experts. When the flakes start flying, the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, where people snowshoe through the Coconino National Forest or get cozy inside craft beer pubs while gazing at the relentless snowfall.

3. Alpine

Population: 145
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 105 inches
Snowy Months: December to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

Alpine doesn’t mess around when it comes to snowfall – its remote location ensures that it remains blanketed for most of winter. With a population under 200 and an average of 105 inches of snow per year, this town is as snow-centric as it gets in Arizona.

Surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Alpine offers snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and plenty of solitude. If you want a truly off-the-grid snow experience, Alpine is the place to be – with as much snow as you’ll ever want to see.

2. Greer

Population: 41
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 107 inches
Snowy Months: November to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

You won’t find a busier winter retreat than Greer, even if its population count is a head-scratcher. Greer is small but mighty, boasting an incredible 107 inches of snow each winter. Nestled in the White Mountains, Greer is the perfect getaway for those who crave cold, powdery landscapes.

With skiing and snowboarding at Sunrise Park Resort, as well as sleigh rides through snowy meadows, this little village turns into a snow-lovers paradise. Whether you’re there to relax or hit the slopes, Greer doesn’t disappoint.

1. Mount Lemmon

Population: 70
Annual Snowfall in Inches: 180 inches
Snowy Months: November to March
Location: Check on Google Maps

Hold on to your snow boots – Mount Lemmon is the uncontested ruler of snowfall in Arizona. Does it snow in Arizona? If you’re looking at Mount Lemmon, the answer is a resounding yes! With an astonishing 180 inches of snowfall each year, this peak sees more snow than you’d expect from the desert Southwest.

From November to March, visitors can ski at the southernmost ski resort in the U.S., or simply bask in the surreal contrast of snowy mountaintops against the desert below. The road up to Mount Lemmon offers breathtaking views, but be prepared for icy conditions as the snow stacks high!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it snow in Arizona?
Absolutely! While most think of Arizona as a desert, these towns prove that snowstorms are a regular occurrence in the state’s higher elevations.

Where does it snow in Arizona?
Snow is most frequent in Northern Arizona and the White Mountains, with towns like Flagstaff, Greer, and Mount Lemmon taking center stage.

What is the best time to visit Arizona for snow?
Snow generally falls between November and March, with peak snowpack typically occurring in January and February.

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