Greenville, South Carolina, is situated in the Upstate region, characterized by a humid subtropical climate that results in generally mild winters. While the city occasionally experiences snowfall, it is not a routine occurrence, distinguishing it from regions further north. Winter precipitation often falls as rain or a wintry mix rather than sustained snow, making significant accumulation an uncommon event. The infrequency of snow is a defining feature of the local winter weather experience.
Average Snowfall Frequency and Accumulation
Greenville receives a relatively small amount of total snowfall, averaging approximately three to four inches per year. This figure is considerably lower than the national average. The frequency of measurable snowfall, defined as 0.1 inches or more, averages only about 3.7 days across the entire winter season.
Many winter systems that pass through the area produce only trace amounts or a light dusting that melts quickly. The overall accumulation is spread across a few isolated events rather than a consistent period of winter weather. This pattern is typical for cities in the Piedmont region, where temperatures often hover around the freezing point.
Typical Seasonal Timing and Persistence
The window for snowfall in Greenville typically spans about two and a half months, generally beginning in mid-December and concluding by early March. January is statistically the month most likely to see snow, averaging around 2.7 inches of accumulation. Snowfall in December and February occurs with less frequency and usually results in lower monthly totals.
When snow accumulates, its persistence is generally short-lived due to the city’s mild temperatures. While the average low temperature in January is near the freezing mark, the average daytime high rises to about 52 degrees Fahrenheit. This daytime warming means that snow often melts quickly, sometimes disappearing entirely by noon the day after it falls. Sustained snow cover lasting more than a few days is rare outside of major storm events.
Historical Extremes and Variability
While the average annual snowfall is low, Greenville’s weather history includes rare, intense winter storms. These extreme events can produce significant accumulations, defying the typical mild winter experience. The snowiest calendar year on record occurred in 1930, when the Greenville-Spartanburg area recorded a seasonal total of 23.4 inches of snow.
Individual storm totals have also been substantial. The largest three-day snowfall event in Greenville County history occurred in February 1969, delivering a total of 28.9 inches. A notable single-day record was set on February 15, 1902, when 15 inches fell in the area. Although heavy snow is infrequent, the potential for disruptive winter weather remains a possibility.