Snow does fall in Huntsville, Alabama, but it is a rare occurrence compared to cities in northern climates. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, meaning winter weather events are infrequent and often highly unpredictable. Snowfall depends on the precise intersection of cold air masses dropping south from the continent and moisture drawn from the Gulf of Mexico.
Huntsville’s Average Snowfall Statistics
The average annual snowfall in Huntsville is low, measuring approximately 2.4 inches based on the National Weather Service’s 1991–2020 climate normals. Most measurable snow events are trace amounts, or a light dusting that quickly melts once the sun appears. The typical event brings an accumulation of between one and three inches of snow, but the average is heavily skewed by occasional, much larger events that occur perhaps once every few years.
The record for the greatest single-day snowfall in Huntsville history occurred on December 31, 1963, when 15.7 inches fell. That same year holds the record for the most total snow in one calendar year, with 24.0 inches recorded.
The Typical Snow Season and Variability
The window for measurable snowfall in Huntsville is narrow, typically spanning from late December through early February. January is historically the snowiest month, averaging around 1.4 inches of accumulation. The meteorological factors required for snow—temperatures at or near freezing combined with sufficient moisture—rarely align for extended periods in this region.
This reliance on a perfect balance of air masses leads to high year-to-year variability in snowfall totals. Many winters pass with zero measurable accumulation, meaning the annual average is often satisfied by one or two significant events over a decade. Snow events are often short-lived, with the subtropical climate ensuring the snow rarely remains on the ground for more than a few days. Forecasts can be difficult, as a slight shift in temperature can turn predicted snow into freezing rain or a cold rain.
Impact on Local Travel and Infrastructure
Even a small amount of snow or ice can create substantial travel issues due to the lack of widespread winter driving experience in the region. Local infrastructure, including the City of Huntsville Public Works, focuses its response on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses, which freeze first and are the most hazardous. These areas are often pre-treated with brine or salt mixtures when a winter event is forecasted.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is responsible for treating major corridors, such as Interstate 565 and U.S. Highways 72, 231, and 431. Due to the rarity of snow and limited equipment, residential side streets are not typically treated. School systems and many businesses frequently close quickly, often with the forecast of a winter mix, to keep traffic off the roads and allow crews to manage the main arteries.
Drivers who must travel are strongly advised to avoid using cruise control and to increase their following distance significantly. Bridges and overpasses should be approached with caution, as they freeze well before ground-level roadways.