Where to See Snow in Arizona

Does it snow in Arizona? If so, where can you see snow in Arizona? Though you likely picture a hot, barren desert landscape, it can in fact snow in Arizona! As a former resident, I have found all of the best places to see winter snowfall in Arizona. And, I’m going to share them with you below.

Does It Snow in Arizona?

Yes – it does snow in Arizona.

Despite Arizona being one of the hottest states in the USA, it is completely possible to see snow here. Parts of the state become a regular winter wonderland each year, in fact.

If you want to see snow in Arizona but don’t know where to start, I am here to help. While living in Arizona for many years, I spent the winter months scouting out all of the best places to see snow in the state.

Although Arizona may be best known for iconic orange rocks and the giant saguaros, if you drive just a few hours outside of Phoenix, the elevation begins to increase significantly. Cacti are traded for pine trees and winter warmth is traded for a chill.

In the winter in Arizona, there are several locations that experience regular snowfall, year after year. And, I am here to share them with you.

Where Can You Find Snow in Arizona?

I too was surprised when I first learned that it can snow in Arizona. In fact, when I first moved here, part of the appeal of Arizona was the fact that it didn’t have freezing cold winters. At least, not generally.

As someone who grew up experiencing the full four seasons, I had been trying to avoid snow in Arizona!

But after living here for quite some time, I came to appreciate the cold and wintery areas, too. There’s something different about visiting snowy landscapes rather than living in them, am I right?

So, let me share with you exactly where you can find snow in Arizona, to experience a winter wonderland in this desert state!

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1. Snow in Tucson, Arizona

Mount Lemmon is one of the most popular places to visit in Tucson. And, it’s easy to see why! This summit sits at 9,000 feet in elevation and offers a surprising array of activities year-round.

At the highest elevations, temperatures are up to 20 degrees cooler than at the base of the mountain. Meaning, in the winter, this mountain can become absolutely covered in snow.

The small town of Summerhaven sits on Mount Lemmon, as does Ski Valley, and both skiing and snowboarding are offered in the snowy months.

Check the forecast and live webcams at Mount Lemmon before you drive.

This area tends to get crowded after a snowfall, since snow is somewhat of a rarity of Arizonans. But it is worth a visit despite the crowds.

Pro Tip: Be aware, road closures can happen if icy conditions occur. Before you drive, I highly recommend that you check on road conditions in case of closures.

2. Snow in Flagstaff, Arizona

It’s probably not a surprise that Northern Arizona is more likely to get snow than Southern Arizona. But, you may not have known that Flagstaff is Arizona’s snowiest city.

When snow falls in Flagstaff, Arizona, loads of people flock in on a day trip from Phoenix to enjoy it.

In under three hours from Phoenix, visitors can find opportunities for sledding, tubing, and skiing. Here are a few spots to find each one:

• The Oakhill Snow Play Area near Williams – Sledding.
• The Flagstaff Snow Park at Fort Tuthill Country Park – Sledding and tubing.
• The Arizona Snowbowl – Skiing.
• Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area – Skiing and tubing.

Don’t forget to check out live webcams for snow in Flagstaff before you go!

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3. Snow in Sedona, Arizona

While Sedona doesn’t usually see heavy snow cover, the higher elevations do sometimes get dustings of snow. The stark white against those orange colored rocks is just stunning!

I recommend checking out Sedona’s many things to do and – if conditions allow – check out some of the short and beautiful hikes in Sedona. My wintery tips on what to pack are found below.

While sledding and skiing is not usually possible in Sedona, the trails are amazing in the winter months.

Pro Tip: The long winding road between Flagstaff and Sedona can be ice-covered and slippery on cold days. Drive slowly and carefully.

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4. Snow in Prescott, Arizona

The Prescott area welcomes both snow and rain in the winter months.

Prescott is known as Arizona’s “Christmas City”, due to its sparkling snow and twinkling lights. Prescott’s snowfall averages of 5 – 6 inches per month in the winter means Prescott is a beautiful winter playground.

5. Snow in Payson, Arizona

Last but not least is Payson, Arizona. Occasionally, Payson gets enough snow to go sledding or snowman-building at Green Valley Park.

Each year from November through March, visitors to Payson, Arizona may have a chance to see snow.

6. Snow in the White Mountains

The White Mountains are roughly 3-4 hours east of Phoenix. Several operators offer winter sports and activities, the best of which are listed below:

• Sunrise Park Resort -Skiing and winter sports, as well as dining and lodging.
• Hannagan Meadow Lodge – Sledding and snowmobiling.
• Williams Valley Sports Area – Sledding, tubing, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Check the live webcam for Sunrise Park Resort before your visit!

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When Can You Find Snow in Arizona?

Generally speaking, the towns and areas of Arizona mentioned above can get snow between November and April. Heavier snowfall typically begins in January and runs through March.

Check the webcams listed above to get a live view of snow conditions. Additionally, check the weather report and road closures.

Many of the ski resorts will open from November t March, unless heavier snow occurs. In that case, they may stay open into April.

What to Wear for Arizona Snow Adventures?

Even though I moved to Arizona, I grew up in a state with four different season. So, I am no stranger to winter gear.

Here is some of my favorite winter wear for both warmth and physical activity – meaning it is movable and breathable, and keeps you dry.

Here are the best items to keep you warm in Arizona’s winter snow. And yes – I personally own each of the items listed below.

Does It Snow in Phoenix, Arizona?

It does not typically snow in Phoenix Arizona – not even in the winter. There have been just a few freak snowfalls in the city, but it is a very rare occurrence. While I lived in Arizona, I never saw snow in Phoenix.

A List of 20 Places To See Snow in Arizona

Looking for a short and sweet list of places you can see snow in Arizona? Here it is!

This list of snowy places in Arizona covers cities, snow resorts, and natural areas throughout the state.

1. Flagstaff, Arizona

Let’s kick off this list with Flagstaff, Arizona’s snowiest city. Flagstaff regularly gets around 100 inches of snowfall each and every year. This is one of your best bets as to where to find snow in AZ.

2. Sedona, Arizona

It’s a great idea to spend a few days in Sedona in winter if you want to see the stark white snow cover on Sedona’s terra cotta rocks. It is fairly common to see a pretty dusting of snow in the winter months here.

3. Mt. Lemmon’s Ski Valley

Mt. Lemmon is not only one of the best things to do in Tucson, but it also one of the best places to see snowfall in Arizona. The famous ski village is a winter wonderland during ski season.

4. Saguaro National Park

One of my best Arizona memories is seeing the tall and wild saguaros covered in snow inside of Saguaro National Park, in Tucson. January is the best time to visit if you want to see this sight.

5. Prescott, Arizona

Prescott is a beautiful city in the winter. The snow-capped peaks of this so called “Christmas City” provide a stunning backdrop. With plenty of ski slopes and hiking trails, Prescott is ideal for enjoying all the best things about winter.

Pro Tip: Be sure to prepare wisely with the best hiking gear for the winter months.

6. Payson, Arizona

Payson, Arizona is blanketed with a pristine layer of powdery white snow in winter, which creates a stunning sight. The snowfall continues from January through February, providing plenty of opportunities to ski or snowshoe.

7. Page, Arizona

Page may be best known for its winding canyons and rivers, but it also typically sees at least a dusting of snow each winter. Add it to your Arizona bucket list, stat!

8. Greer, Arizona

Lesser known Greer, in the White Mountains north of Phoenix is a superb place for snow tubing and skiing.

9. Grand Canyon National Park

Hands down one of the best national parks in the southwest, winter at the Grand Canyon brings a pretty dusting of snow

10. Flagstaff Snow Park

Within the city of Flagstaff, the Flagstaff Snow Park offers daily snow sports in Arizona’s winter.

11. Sunrise Ski Resort

This is possibly the most famous ski resort in Greer, a four hour road trip from Phoenix. This hidden gem nestled high in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. With 65 runs and 3 peaks, it’s the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts to hit the slopes and enjoy some outdoor adventure.

12. Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

The Arizona Snowbowl, as it sounds, is the perfect place for skiing and sledding in the winter months. Just outside of Flagstaff, the snowy season usually runs from November into March.

13. Arizona Nordic Village

This unique destination offers miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, cozy cabins for overnight stays, and even a yurt for a unique glamping experience. The Nordic Village is a hidden gem for those looking for a winter adventure in the Southwest.

14. Peak View Winter Recreation Area

The Peak View Winter Recreation Area is a hidden gem where visitors can spend their days skiing, snowboarding, sledding or snowshoeing. The park even offers rentals and lessons for those who are just starting out. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland that’s a little different from the norm, Peak View Winter Rec Area is the place.

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15. Mormon Lake Ski Touring Center

This unique spot provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the snow in Arizona, with over 30 miles of cross-country skiing trails and snowshoe routes.

16. Hannagan Meadow

For anyone craving snow this winter in Arizona, Hannagan Meadow is often the first to see snowfall due to it’s 9,100 foot altitude.

17. Toboggan Hill Trailhead

Though Toboggan Hill is known for biking in the summer and fall months, it does see snowfall in the winter months. The Toboggan Hill Trailhead is white and frosty from December to February.

18. Canyon Coaster Adventure Park

West of Flagstaff in Williams, the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is best known as a snow tubing destination in the winter.

19. The Grand Canyon Polar Express

The Grand Canyon Polar Express is a great way to experience the holiday season in a unique way. This train ride takes passengers through the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon, while also giving them the chance to sing carols, sip on hot cocoa, and listen to a classic Christmas story.

But what makes this experience truly spectacular is the rare opportunity to see snow in Arizona!

20. Mogollon Rim

The Mogollon Rim is a geological feature that cuts across the northern half of Arizona. It runs for about 200 miles, starting in northern Yavapai County and ending near the border with New Mexico. In the winter, snow blankets certain areas in the Mogollon Rim for a snowy sight.

FAQs on Snow in Arizona

Still have questions about snowfall in Arizona? Keep on reading for more answers below.

What cities in Arizona get snow?

Some cities that regularly see snow in Arizona include: Flagstaff · Tucson · Page · Prescott · Sedona.

What are the snowiest places in Arizona?

The two snowiest places in Arizona are Flagstaff and the White Mountains, although Payson and Tucson see generous snowfall, as well.

Does it snow in Tucson, Arizona?

While the city itself only occasionally sees snow, the upper elevations of Mt. Lemmon regularly get snow each and every winter in Arizona.

Does Arizona get snow?

Yes, Arizona does get snow in the winter. While not all cities in Arizona see snow, those in the upper elevations get snow yearly.

Where can you see snow near Phoenix?

The closest place that is an easy day trip from Phoenix to see snow is Payson. Payson is a short 1.5 hours away from downtown Phoenix.

Does it snow in Gilbert, Arizona?

While it does get chilly in Gilbert in the winter, it does not typically snow here. The coldest month of the year in Gilbert is December, which sees an average low of 42°F and high of 66°F. So, Gilbert remains about 10°F above freezing even at is coldest.

Does it snow at the Grand Canyon?

Yes, it does snow at the Grand Canyon. Though the sun also shines in here, regular snowfall can be expected during the winter, too. Expect an average snowfall of 50 to 100 inches per year at the Grand Canyon.

Final Thoughts on Snow in Arizona

Surprising to many, yes it does in fact snow in Arizona.

While many areas, like Phoenix, do not see snow even in the winter, other areas expect regular snowfall. Flagstaff, Payson, and the Grand Canyon are just a few places where you can expect to see snow in winter in Arizona.

This comprehensive list on where to find snow in Arizona covers the best locations, fun-filled activities, and what to wear in Arizona’s winter. Have a great time exploring Arizona’s snowiest spots!

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