Mississippi, situated within the humid subtropical climate region, experiences mild winters, long, hot summers, and precipitation distributed throughout the year. The state is not widely recognized for significant snowfall, and substantial accumulations are generally infrequent. Despite this, measurable snow or sleet occurs in some part of the state in approximately 95% of years.
Typical Snowfall Patterns
Snowfall across Mississippi is generally light and infrequent, typically occurring during the colder winter months of January and February. For example, Mississippi State, located in Oktibbeha County, averages 0 inches of snow annually. Measurable snow events, even if minor, are not as rare as some might perceive, with snow or sleet recorded in parts of the state in most years.
Central Mississippi, including the capital city of Jackson, typically sees limited snowfall. Jackson averages around 0.6 inches of snow per year. A snowfall exceeding one inch in Jackson occurs roughly every two and a half years, and heavy snowfall of three inches or more is observed approximately once every four years.
Geographic Variations
Snowfall amounts vary across Mississippi, with northern regions generally receiving more snow than central or southern areas. This difference is influenced by the proximity to colder air masses moving south from the continental interior. For instance, towns in Northern Mississippi like Holly Springs average about 2.3 inches of snow annually, while Tupelo receives around 1.5 inches.
Conversely, coastal areas of Mississippi experience even less snow due to the moderating influence of the Gulf of Mexico, which keeps temperatures warmer. Biloxi, on the Gulf Coast, averages a mere 0.1 inches of snow per year. While freezing temperatures can reach the Gulf Coast almost every winter, the conditions suitable for significant snow accumulation are less common there. The state’s highest point, Woodall Mountain at 807 feet, is within a region that receives more snow than the lower elevations further south.
Notable Past Events
Mississippi has experienced several notable snowfall events throughout its history. In December 1963, a significant storm brought up to 18 inches of snow to Tunica and Marshall Counties in the northern part of the state. That same event delivered 5 inches to coastal areas and 12 inches inland.
Another historic snowfall occurred in February 1895, with South Mississippi recording 6.3 inches. Central Mississippi saw a substantial event in January 1904, with nearly 12 inches of snow reported in the Jackson area. More recently, in January 2025, a rare winter storm blanketed parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with some areas like Long Beach and Ocean Springs reporting up to 9 inches of snow.