Yes, it does snow in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but the amount is generally low and events are infrequent. Spartanburg has a humid subtropical climate, meaning winters are typically mild compared to northern states. However, the occasional combination of cold air and moisture can produce winter precipitation.
Frequency and Average Accumulation
Spartanburg receives minimal annual snowfall, averaging between one and two inches per year. Since the climate does not sustain long periods of freezing temperatures, any snow that falls usually melts quickly, resulting in many seasons with little measurable accumulation.
Snow events that produce significant accumulation are rare, but they do occur. The county’s record single-day snowfall was 15.1 inches in March 1942, and the snowiest season on record brought 17.0 inches of total snow accumulation. These larger events happen only once every few years, contrasting sharply with the typical one to three light snowfalls the city experiences annually.
Seasonal Timing and Conditions
The window for snow is brief, primarily spanning the coolest months from mid-December through late February. January is historically the snowiest month, having the lowest average temperatures. The average daily high temperature in January is around 52°F, with overnight lows dipping near 34°F, which is just cold enough for snow.
Snowfall often results from a convergence of specific meteorological patterns. One common scenario involves an “Alberta Clipper” system, a fast-moving low-pressure system that sweeps southeast from the Canadian prairies. When this cold, dry air mass combines with moisture pulled from the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, it creates the necessary conditions for snow or a wintry mix. Spartanburg’s elevation of approximately 807 feet above sea level makes the Upstate region more susceptible to frozen precipitation than areas closer to the coast.
Local Preparation and Travel Impact
Because snowfall is infrequent, the infrastructure and public are less equipped to handle it compared to regions that experience heavy snow regularly. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and Spartanburg County crews pre-treat roadways with brine, a liquid salt solution, to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. This effort typically focuses on bridges and primary interstate routes, such as I-26 and I-85, before a storm arrives.
Even a small amount of snow or ice creates hazardous travel conditions, especially on secondary roads, shaded areas, and hills. Local officials advise residents to stay home during winter weather events, and school districts often close preemptively. The limited number of snow plows and spreaders means clearing the extensive local road network is a prolonged process, often taking days after a significant storm.