Prescott, Arizona, is situated in the central mountains of the state. This high-elevation location provides a distinct climate compared to the low-lying Sonoran Desert, featuring four mild seasons and a winter that regularly features snowfall. This analysis details the statistics, timing, and geographical reasons behind Prescott’s winter weather.
Average Annual Snowfall Statistics
The average annual snowfall in Prescott is approximately 10 to 13 inches, based on long-term weather data. For example, the 1991 to 2020 climate period recorded an average of 10.2 inches per year. This amount is greater than the near-zero snowfall seen in the Phoenix metro area, but far less than the accumulations found in higher-altitude northern Arizona cities like Flagstaff.
Snowfall totals are subject to considerable year-to-year variability due to winter storm tracks. Some years receive much less than the average, while others can see totals two or three times higher. For instance, a single major storm in February 2019 contributed nearly 38 inches to the seasonal total. This fluctuation makes the long-term average the most reliable figure.
Seasonal Timing and Frequency of Snow Events
The primary snow season typically runs from late December through early March. Measurable snowfall (0.1 inches or more) occurs on an average of five to six days annually. While flakes can occasionally appear as early as November and as late as April, the heaviest accumulation usually happens in January and February.
An important characteristic of Prescott’s winter weather is the quick melting time following a snow event. The city benefits from nearly 277 days of sunshine per year, meaning snow often disappears rapidly, even after significant accumulation. Due to the abundant high-desert sun and rising daytime temperatures, accumulated snow rarely remains on the ground for more than two or three days.
Geographical Factors Influencing Accumulation
Prescott’s ability to receive snow is directly linked to its elevation of around 5,400 feet above sea level. This elevation is high enough to ensure winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, especially overnight, allowing precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain. The city is located on the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, near the transition zone leading up to the Mogollon Rim.
Pacific storm systems tracking across Arizona must rise over this terrain, causing the air to cool and condense, a process that increases the likelihood of snow. However, Prescott’s elevation is not high enough to capture the extreme amounts of moisture seen in mountain ranges further north. This positioning results in a moderate snowfall total, as the location is not in the path of the most intense, moisture-laden winter storms.