Arizona is one of the most beautiful states to visit. It has a lot to offer in terms of weather, landscape, and activities. But there are some people who wonder if it snows there at all! The answer is yes – but not like it does back home.
This article will give you more information on what you can expect when traveling to Arizona during the winter months.
Keep reading if you want to know the answer to the question, “does it snow in Arizona?”
- How Common is Snow in Arizona?
- So Does it Snow in Arizona?
- Where Does it Specifically Snow in Arizona?
- What About the Arizona Snowbowl?
- Snow in the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
- Snow in the Sunrise Park Resort
- The Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area
- The Benham Snow Play Area
- The Oak Hill Snow Play Area
- What Are Arizona Snow Storms Like?
- Conclusion
How Common is Snow in Arizona?
Posing this question, means yes! Yes, it does snow in Arizona.
The annual snowfall in Arizona can reach 101.7 inches, according to National Weather Service statistics! The snowiest winter in Flagstaff came when it recorded 210 inches in 1972 and 1973.
The numbers speak for themselves. No other metropolitan area in the state of Arizona comes close to those records, since most big cities are located at lower elevations where snowfall is rare or non-existent altogether!
So Does it Snow in Arizona?
The climate in Arizona is very dry and arid. The state is known for its desert landscapes rather than mountainous ones. However, just because it does not snow in the majority of cities doesn’t mean that there isn’t any at all!
Many beautiful sites in Arizona such as Flagstaff, Sedona and the Grand Canyon are located at higher elevations where snow can fall. That means that if you plan on visiting these locations during winter months – beware!
Arizona is well-known for its beautiful winter weather, and it’s easy to see why. The best time of year to visit? December through March! One of the best things about seeing snow in Arizona is that after storms, it’s usually sunny.
For the very warmest time to visit Phoenix, consider visiting between July and August. The hottest months are also when you’ll find it at its most pleasant, weather-wise!
Where Does it Specifically Snow in Arizona?
As stated above, it snows in the northern and central regions of Arizona. The Grand Canyon area is one of those places!
Flagstaff: Flagstaff’s climate is a four-season one that has long winters with snowfall on occasion as well as warm summers. You’ll find plenty to do there year round — just be prepared for a few snowfalls in the winter!
The Mogollon Rim: The Mogulon Rim region is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s known as an area that sees more rainfall than other parts of Arizona, which means it can get very cold during some winters.
Sedona: Sedona has a lot to offer in terms of activities and things to do, but the most notable one is seeing snow. The city gets hit with an average of 10.8 inches per year!
What About the Arizona Snowbowl?
Located in Flagstaff, AZ and accessible by car or shuttle bus is the Arizona Snowbowl. This ski resort gets an average annual snowfall of 81.10 inches!
The Snowbowl has nine lifts and 16 trails for skiers and boarders to enjoy throughout the area. There are also facilities such as restrooms, a general store near the base of the mountain, and a ski patrol located at High Lift.
The Arizona Snowbowl is one of the best places in Arizona to catch snow! But it’s important to know that not all areas experience heavy snowfall… so be sure to do your research before planning out what you want to see during your visit!
Snow in the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
The snowfall in the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley gets up to 180 in/year. The winter wonderland on Mount Lemmon turns into a magical place when it snows.
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is about 90 minutes from Tucson and a few hours outside of Phoenix. The drive can be quite long, but it’s well worth the time to experience snow in Arizona!
Snow in the Sunrise Park Resort
Also located in Flagstaff, AZ the Sunrise Park Resort is a great place to visit for winter fun!
The resort itself has been around since 1970 and features trails of varying difficulty levels. The Sunrise Park Resort offers a variety of activities for visitors to try out during winter including sledding, snow tubing and skiing!
If you’re looking for somewhere with great trails that are perfect for beginners or folks who want to improve their skills, then this resort has it all!
The Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area
Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially popular during winter.
Located near the Sedona and Cottonwood areas in Arizona, Hannagan Meadows has picnic tables and fire rings for visitors’ use as well as trails that are perfect for hiking!
During the cold months when snow is on the ground, you’ll find many visitors come to Hannagan Meadows for cross-country skiing or just a relaxing walk.
The Benham Snow Play Area
Benham Snow Play Area is located in Phoenix, AZ. This playground has a special feature that allows kids to play on the snow covered course during winter months!
The snow play area is a great place to visit if you have younger children with you as it’s designed for all ages. The Benham Snow PlayArea is a cultural feature park that features multiple plaives, slides and other children’s play equipment.
The Oak Hill Snow Play Area
If you’re looking for a place to have fun in the snow without leaving your vehicle then look no further than Oak Hill Snow Play Area. Located in the White Mountains, Oak Hill Snow Play Area is a great place to visit if you want to throw some snowballs or build a few snowmen.
Snow play areas are not only popular with families but also for weddings! If you’re getting married during winter months and looking for an awesome backdrop then this would be it – just make sure you get the proper permits!
What Are Arizona Snow Storms Like?
The cold winter months in Arizona are not for the faint of heart. Winter storms are among the most unpredictable weather events. They can range from a few hours of moderate snowfall to blizzards with wind-driven crystals that last for days at time!
Unpredictable – The weather can be very unpredictable in winter. Some storms come with low temperatures that are dangerous, and other times strong winds may cause ice or sleet to fall from the sky!
Dangerous – Arizona winters can be very dangerous. The storms that come with a snowfall can damage your roof and walls. They also introduce the risk of slipping on ice, which is a serious concern in warmer parts of the United States!
Risk of Flooding – When a storm rolls through, it’s critical to protect yourself from the cold, especially if you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, heavy snow or ice. That’s why it’s so important to have a winter storm safety kit ready in case the weather takes a turn for the worst!
The contents of your kit will depend mostly on where you live. If you reside in an arid region, it means there probably won’t be a lot of snow. Arizona, for example, has very few months with snow on the ground.
But other parts of North America do see sporadic snowfall over the winter! If you live in a high-risk area, it’s best to have an emergency kit ready so you can dodge as many negative effects of the storm as possible.
Here are some items to include in your kit:
- Water – Water is arguably the most important resource you can have during a weather emergency. Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Make sure every single member has their own sealed bottle of water!
- Winter coats and proper clothing – Make sure that everyone in your family is wearing a winter coat, a hat and sturdy boots! – And make sure you have an extra blanket or two.
- Flashlights – Make sure you have flashlights. Sometimes power outages happen with bad storms! It’s a great idea to keep a battery-powered radio ready as well.
- Wood and Matches – If your family uses a fireplace for heat, it’s imperative you have a supply of wood and matches.
- Axe – It’s also a good idea to have an axe, shovel or other tool that will help you clear your pathways if they become blocked with snow or ice.
- Food – Keep some food and water ready in case the weather has affected grocery stores and shops around you!
Have a car emergency kit ready too!
It’s also a good idea for each person to have their own basic vehicle emergency kit. Make sure the items you choose reflect how you plan to prepare during bad weather.
Conclusion
As you can see, it snows in Arizona – but not as much as some other states. It’s a great idea to do your research before traveling there during winter months! This will help ensure that you’re prepared for all of the weather conditions and know what to expect from each region of the state.
If you love the snow and plan to visit Arizona, there are a few amazing places where you can see it. As mentioned, Flagstaff is one of those cities that has great weather year round, so it’s perfect to enjoy all four seasons – including seeing snow!
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