Phoenix, Arizona, often called the Valley of the Sun, is known as a scorching desert metropolis. While snow is possible within the city limits, it is an extremely rare meteorological event. Snowfall in this low-lying desert climate is an exception, not a regular winter occurrence.
The Definitive Answer: Snowfall in Phoenix Proper
Snow rarely falls in Phoenix due to the city’s low elevation and warm winter temperature profile. The official reporting station, located at Sky Harbor International Airport, sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level. This low altitude keeps temperatures mild even during the coldest months.
The average high temperature in December, the coldest month, is around 66 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of about 46 degrees Fahrenheit. For snow to form and accumulate, the temperature must remain at or below the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. Temperatures seldom sustain this threshold, even overnight.
When winter storms pass over the region, precipitation usually falls as rain because the air column is too warm. Any frozen precipitation starting in the clouds often melts completely before reaching the ground. For snow to be considered “measurable,” it must equal 0.1 inches or more, a standard only occasionally met in the city’s official records.
Historical Records and Notable Events
Several historical events stand out as exceptions. The greatest amount of snow officially recorded at the Phoenix weather station was 1.0 inch, occurring on January 20, 1933, and again over January 21 and 22, 1937. The 1937 event was significant, with reports of up to four inches of accumulation in other parts of the metropolitan area.
A half-inch of snow was officially measured on February 2, 1939. More recently, minor measurable snowfalls included 0.4 inches in December 1990 and a trace amount on December 6, 1998, which left a slight dusting across the northwest half of the valley. These records highlight the infrequent nature of actual accumulation in the city.
Other minor measurable events include 0.2 inches on March 12, 1917, and 0.1 inches on November 28, 1919, and December 11, 1985. The majority of winter cold snaps result in only “trace” amounts, meaning snow was observed but was not enough to be measured. These events are often fleeting, melting rapidly once the sun appears or the air temperature rises above freezing.
Snow Near Phoenix: The Higher Elevations
The confusion about snow in Phoenix often arises because other areas of Arizona, easily accessible from the city, regularly receive heavy winter precipitation. This contrast is due to the state’s varied topography and elevation changes. While Phoenix sits low in the Sonoran Desert, much of the rest of Arizona is high plateau and mountain country.
Flagstaff, located just a few hours north, receives significant snowfall each winter because its elevation is nearly 7,000 feet. This height causes temperatures to be cold enough to support sustained snowfall throughout the winter season. Other communities, such as Payson, which sits at around 5,000 feet on the Mogollon Rim, also experience consistent snow.
Prescott, another nearby city, is known for its winter snow and rain due to its higher elevation, offering a true four-season climate. These locations serve as the winter playground for many Phoenix residents who seek snow for recreation. The shift from Phoenix’s mild desert winter to the snowy mountains illustrates how elevation is the defining factor for winter weather in Arizona.