Arizona, often associated with arid desert landscapes and intense summer heat, experiences significant snowfall across various parts of the state. Winter transforms large sections of Arizona into snow-covered terrain, offering a stark contrast to its well-known warm climate.
Where and When Snow Falls in Arizona
Snowfall in Arizona predominantly occurs in the northern and high-altitude regions, from late fall through early spring. These areas include major destinations such as Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and several mountain towns. Snow can begin as early as October in some higher elevations and persist on peaks well into June.
Flagstaff, at nearly 7,000 feet, is one of Arizona’s snowiest cities, averaging 100 to 108 inches annually. Nearby Arizona Snowbowl ski resort (9,200 feet base elevation) receives 260 inches of snow each year, with a season from late November to early April. The Grand Canyon’s South Rim averages 50 to 60 inches annually, while the higher North Rim receives 142 to 144 inches.
Other high-country towns also experience regular snowfall. Prescott (over 5,000 feet) averages 12 to 13 inches annually, with first snowfall in December. Payson, at a similar elevation, averages 15 to 20 inches each year, with snow from November to April. Further east, Show Low (White Mountains) averages 28 inches annually, while Greer (also White Mountains) receives 50 to 100 inches, blanketing the area from mid-November through March.
In contrast, lower desert regions like Phoenix and Tucson rarely experience lasting snowfall. Though trace amounts or brief dustings have occurred in Tucson, measurable snow is uncommon, with the city recording 0 inches annually. These geographical distinctions highlight Arizona’s varied winter climate.
Factors Influencing Arizona’s Snowfall
The primary determinant for snow in Arizona is elevation, directly correlating with temperature. As altitude increases, air temperature decreases at a predictable rate (the lapse rate). For example, Flagstaff’s 7,000-foot elevation makes it 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit colder than Phoenix, allowing precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain.
Winter storms from the Pacific Ocean are another factor, bringing moisture across the state from November through March. These systems interact with Arizona’s varied topography. When moist air masses encounter mountain ranges, they are forced to rise (orographic lift). As the air ascends, it cools, and water vapor condenses, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.
This orographic effect amplifies snowfall in mountainous areas. Higher peaks and plateaus capture moisture from the air, causing substantial snow accumulation in locations like the San Francisco Peaks, the Mogollon Rim, and the White Mountains. Consequently, regions such as the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Greer receive abundant snowfall, while low-lying deserts remain warm and dry due to their lower elevations and distance from these moisture-trapping landforms.