Phoenix is notorious for its 100-degree weather and overall lack of precipitation. But did you know that it can snow in Phoenix?
The idea of snow in Phoenix might shock its residents, who have learned to expect mostly rainy weather during the winter months.
While snow in Phoenix doesn’t compare to the blizzards and winter storms that places like Flagstaff or Pinetop-Lakeside experience, the desert mecca can still see the occasional snowflakes falling from the sky.
Here’s the last time it snowed in Phoenix and if you should expect snow this winter.
When is the last time it snowed in Phoenix?
The last time Phoenix saw any significant snow was on Dec. 6, 1998, when a trace of snow fell at Sky Harbor Airport and minor accumulation was reported in the northwest half of the Valley.
However, higher elevation areas and mountains around metro Phoenix may see snow more often than the city of Phoenix.
What’s the most it has ever snowed in Phoenix?
Phoenix’s snowiest day on record was Feb. 2, 1939, when the city was covered in 0.5 inches of snow.
Here is a list of the snowiest days ever recorded in Phoenix, according to the National Weather Service:
- Feb. 2, 1939: 0.5 inch
- Dec. 21 and 22, 1990: 0.4 inch
- March 12, 1917: 0.2 inch
- Nov. 28, 1919: 0.2 inch
- Dec. 11, 1985: 0.1 inch
Will it snow in metro Phoenix this year?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted statewide temperatures will be colder than normal throughout the winter.
It also has predicted above-average rainfall for the desert southwest region, which includes the cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.
While it’s unlikely to snow in Phoenix during most winters, it is still possible.
When is it most likely to snow in metro Phoenix?
If it were to snow in Phoenix, it’s most likely to happen in January or February, mainly because those are typically the coldest months on average.
Then again, the rare instances when Phoenix has received snow have happened in the months of March, November and December.
Reach the reporter at zbradshaw@gannett.com or on X at @ZachBradshaw14.
