Connecticut experiences a highly variable winter climate where the amount of annual snowfall depends heavily on location within the state. The climate is generally classified as humid continental, which brings cold winters capable of producing significant snow events. While the state is small, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its interior topography create distinct zones where winter weather patterns differ considerably. Determining a single number for Connecticut’s snowfall is challenging because the answer changes dramatically from the shoreline to the hills of the interior.
Statewide Annual Snowfall Averages
The state averages annual snowfall between 30 to 60 inches. This variation is a direct result of geography, making a single statewide number a poor indicator. A long-term average over the 1991–2020 period offers a better baseline for climate expectations.
The central part of the state, represented by the Hartford area, averages approximately 51.7 inches of snow annually. This figure serves as a benchmark for inland Connecticut. Coastal regions receive totals closer to the lower end of the spectrum, while the elevated northwestern corner often exceeds the upper limit.
Geographic Differences in Snow Accumulation
Snowfall totals vary significantly, dividing the state into three primary zones. Coastal areas, including Bridgeport and New Haven, experience the lowest accumulations due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. In these shoreline locations, average annual snowfall is around 33.6 inches in Bridgeport and 29.1 inches in New Haven, where temperatures often favor rain or a wintry mix over heavy snow.
Moving inland, the Central Valley and areas surrounding Hartford average 51.7 inches yearly. This central region is far enough from the ocean to avoid the frequent rain-versus-snow line that affects the coast. The highest accumulations occur in the Northwest Hills, particularly Litchfield County, where higher elevations capture more moisture and maintain colder temperatures. Locations in this elevated zone, such as Torrington and Norfolk, commonly record the highest totals, averaging 59.1 inches and 74.9 inches, respectively.
Seasonal Timing and Frequency of Snow Events
Connecticut’s snow season generally begins in late November or early December and can extend through March or into early April. The most substantial snowfall occurs during the peak winter months of January and February, which account for the majority of the annual accumulation. The heaviest, most impactful storms are concentrated in the mid-winter period.
In a typical year, the Hartford area averages about 13 days where at least one inch of snow falls. Major snowstorms, defined as those dropping five inches or more, occur less often, averaging about three times per winter season. The difference between the coast and the interior is frequently defined by the rain-snow line, where coastal towns may receive several inches of rain while inland areas simultaneously get heavy snow.
Historical Snowfall Records and Notable Storms
Connecticut has a history of extreme winter weather events that far exceed the annual averages. The all-time record for the highest single-storm accumulation in a 24-hour period was set during the February 2013 blizzard, with Ansonia recording 36 inches. Hamden recorded 40 inches of snow from this same event.
The infamous Blizzard of 1888 produced legendary snow totals, with one town reportedly receiving 50 inches and snow drifts piling up to 38 feet high in Cheshire. More recently, the “Storm of the Century” in March 1993 dropped between 10 and 16 inches across much of the state. These outliers demonstrate that while annual averages are useful, Connecticut is susceptible to powerful nor’easters that can temporarily immobilize the region with accumulations far greater than seasonal norms.