Where & When to See Snow in Arizona (by a Local)

If you think Arizona is a desert wasteland full of tumbleweeds, snakes, and rocks, you’re not alone. But that common misconception couldn’t be further from the truth.

Parts of Arizona receive regular annual snowfall. The snowiest city in Arizona gets around nine feet of snow per year!

A prickly pear cactus covered with snow — *A snowy prickly pear cactus near Thimble Peak in Tucson*

TV and movies make my home state look desolate and dry. But snow abounds in the higher, forested regions, and our three ski resorts boom in the wintertime. Many of these destinations are the best places to visit in Arizona.

If you’re wondering where and when to find snow in Arizona, here are my favorite winter wonderlands in the state, starting with the snowiest spot. Bundle up!

9 places to see snow in Arizona

Mount Lemmon, Tucson

The author Betty Hurd admiring the view at Mount Lemmon — *Fresh powder down the road from the ski slopes*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 180” | 🏔️ Elevation: 9,157′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest Major City: Tucson

Welcome to Tucson’s winter escape. Mount Lemmon is just 1.5 hours from the Old Pueblo to the mountaintop. The stark elevation change creates startlingly gorgeous snowy scenes from every angle of the valley. This is one of the best day trips from Tucson.

Swishing through pine trees with a view of cacti below is a unique winter experience. Enjoy 22 adorable slopes at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the nation’s southernmost ski destination. Or sled down any roadside bank to your heart’s content. Be wary — traffic gets crazy after a fresh snowfall, and Arizonans do not know how to drive in the snow.

North Rim, Grand Canyon

Clear blue sky over the Grand Canyon that is covered with snow — *Magical views of a snowy Grand Canyon at sunrise*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 142” | 🏔️ Elevation: 8,000′+ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest City: Kanab, Utah

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon typically gets three times more snow than the South Rim each year. This forested area of the state’s namesake is stunning in the wintertime. Stand at the brink of the Grand Canyon and observe the shimmering layers of rock under a blanket of white. The snow brings a whole new level of beauty to this natural wonder.

Flagstaff

Clear blue sky over the Snowbowl — *A clear day for boarding with friends at Snowbowl*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 100” | 🏔️ Elevation: 7,000′ | 📍 Google Maps

This college town is the seventh snowiest city in the United States. Wander the charming streets of downtown Flagstaff and explore Northern Arizona University. The sidewalks are heated, so you can still walk around in the snow!

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort is the second-biggest ski resort in the state. Thousands of natives and visitors alike take to Mount Humphreys’ 61 runs. Since it’s the most accessible ski resort from Phoenix, it’s an ideal weekend getaway for desert snow bunnies.

Greer

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 96” | 🏔️ Elevation: 8,404′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest Major City: Albuquerque, New Mexico

This White Mountain town is a year-round escape from the desert heat in Tucson and Phoenix, both about four hours south. The temperatures in the pines rarely rise above the 80s, even in the dead of summer.

Greer and the nearby town of Pinetop-Lakeside are equidistant to Sunrise Park Resort, the biggest ski resort in Arizona, which typically opens in December. These slopes average a whopping 250” of annual snowfall. Thousands of skiers and snowboarders flock here to enjoy 65 runs across three major mountains. This place is on par with some Colorado slopes!

Payson

Clear blue sky over pine trees that are covered in snow — *Pine trees heavy with snow in Payson*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 21” | 🏔️ Elevation: 5,003′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest Major City: Phoenix

This one speaks to all you Phoenicians. Payson is a quick 1 hour and 20-minute drive from the capital. The route from Phoenix through Four Peaks Wilderness to this small mountain town is stunning, especially after a fresh dusting of snowfall.

Payson makes for a great day trip from Phoenix as there isn’t much to do there outside of playing in the snow. It’s the perfect getaway from the city if you’re short on time.

Bisbee

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 15” | 🏔️ Elevation: 5,538′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest Major City: Tucson

This historic town is picturesque year-round. But Bisbee turns into a scene from a snow globe when the temperature drops below freezing. The steep hillside neighborhoods sparkle with storybook charm after a fresh snowfall.

The zigzagging string lights of downtown Bisbee twinkle brightly above the powdered, narrow streets. A mug of hot tea and a glowing fireplace make this one of the coziest places to stay in Arizona, especially during the holidays.

Prescott

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 13” | 🏔️ Elevation: 5,319′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest Major City: Phoenix

Take your little ones on a North Pole adventure to Arizona’s Christmas City. Prescott famously hosts an annual holiday lights parade followed by months of festive celebrations.

The town transforms into a European-esque Christmas village. The snow (which usually falls before Christmas but not always) is the cherry on top of this enchanting winter town. I highly recommend staying a night or two here to enjoy Whiskey Row’s nightlife.

Sedona

Blue sky over the Courthouse Butte during winter season — *Red and white everywhere you look*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 4” | 🏔️ Elevation: 4,360′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest City: Flagstaff

Nothing is prettier than Sedona in the snow. The magical red rock wonderland becomes something entirely different when winter comes. My words could never do it justice – you’ll just have to see it for yourself. Make sure to stop for photos on your way to Flagstaff.

Page

Aerial view of Horseshoe Bend — *The iconic Horseshoe Bend after a fresh snowfall*

❄️ Avg. Annual Snowfall: 3” | 🏔️ Elevation: 4,101′ | 📍 Google Maps | 🗺️ Closest City: Flagstaff

Page is home to some of the most famous natural wonders in Arizona like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The area has a similar vibe to Sedona when the snow falls on the otherworldly red rocks. The slot canyons give off a new element of magic when dusted with fresh powder.

Snow here is rarer than the rest of the spots on this list, but it usually gets a few dustings of powder throughout January and February.

👉 Did You Know? Page, Arizona made our list of the Best Places to Travel in 2025, stealing the 17th spot out of 50 incredible destinations around the globe.

When to see snow in Arizona

The best time to visit Arizona for snow is December through February. However, some years are snowier than others. I’ve seen heavy snowfall on the mountains in Tucson as early as November and as late as April. But if you want to play it safe, visit these snowy Arizona destinations during the first two months of the year.

The author Betty Hurd with her friends at their family cabin in Greer — *Mandatory friend photo at my cabin in Greer*

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Arizona boasts some of the most beautiful snowy settings in the United States. If you never imagined you could ski above the desert, now you can add something to your bucket list!

I recommend a winter getaway to experience Arizona’s outdoor activities and scenic treasures in the snow. Next up, check out my guide on the best places to go camping in Arizona. Stay warm!

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