Envision the soft, silent embrace of snow covering the world in a pristine white blanket, heralding the arrival of winter and the holiday season. For some, snow embodies a magical allure that sunny or rainy weather simply cannot match. As snow transforms cities into winter wonderlands, a select few areas in the U.S. emerge as the snowiest havens. If you are considering relocating and crave a snowy paradise, Redfin has curated a list of the top snowiest cities in the country to guide your decision-making process.
How do we identify the snowiest cities?
To determine the snowiest cities, we focus on places with the highest average seasonal snowfall totals. This excludes cities that may experience more days with snow but have lower overall snowfall amounts. Stay tuned to discover the snowiest cities with populations of 75,000 or more.
What are the top snowiest cities in the U.S.?
Syracuse, New York:
Average annual snowfall: 127.8 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 192.1 inches (1992-93)
Topping the list, Syracuse is renowned for its snowy winters. Situated near the Great Lakes, Syracuse witnesses intense lake-effect snowstorms, especially from Lake Ontario, resulting in heavy snowfall. This phenomenon contributes to Syracuse’s reputation for the heaviest snowfall in the world, with regular occurrences of dense snowstorms.
Erie, Pennsylvania:
Average seasonal snowfall: 104.3 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 166.3 inches (2017-18)
As part of the snowbelt cities, Erie benefits from lake effect storms off Lake Erie, receiving significant snowfall from these weather patterns. Although lighter than other cities due to the lake’s size, Erie occasionally experiences substantial snowfall, like the five-foot holiday snowstorm.
Rochester, New York:
Average seasonal snowfall: 102 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 161.7 inches (1959-60)
Rochester follows Syracuse in snowfall intensity, primarily due to Lake Ontario’s lake effect. Despite encountering weaker cold air patterns over the lake, Rochester still sees considerable snowfall and is prone to powerful snowstorms, like the historic 1900 event.
Buffalo, New York:
Average seasonal snowfall: 95.4 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 199.4 inches (1976-77)
Buffalo boasts intense snow band phenomena causing blizzards and significant one-day snowfall records. Despite lower average snowfall, Buffalo faces rapid snow accumulation and fierce storms, notably the Blizzard of 1977 and 2022 Christmas storm.
Boulder, Colorado:
Average seasonal snowfall: 92.8 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 152.0 inches (2019-20)
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Boulder enjoys snowy winters due to upslope flow and its location near the Flatiron range. Despite frequent snowfall, Boulder’s winters are milder than expected, with snow typically melting quickly due to mild temperatures.
Duluth, Minnesota:
Average seasonal snowfall: 90.2 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 140.1 inches (2022-23)
The western shores of Lake Superior mark Duluth’s winter wonderland, where snowstorms and lake effect precipitation create a snowy paradise. Duluth’s cold winters and lake-influenced weather patterns make it a top contender for snowfall.
Flagstaff, Arizona:
Average seasonal snowfall: 90.1 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 153.9 inches (1948-49)
Surprising as the seventh snowiest city, Flagstaff experiences substantial snowfall due to its high elevation and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Moisture-rich storms ensure Flagstaff’s snowy winter landscape, with recent seasons setting snowfall records.
Anchorage, Alaska:
Average seasonal snowfall: 77.9 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 134.5 inches (2011-12)
Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Anchorage benefits from redirected Pacific storms, leading to cold, snowy winters. While not the snowiest city, Anchorage still experiences scenic snowfalls and breathtaking vistas year-round.
Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Average seasonal snowfall: 77.6 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 132.2 inches (1951-52)
Grand Rapids’ location near Lake Michigan creates a lake effect snowfall pattern, increasing snowfall volume from western winds. Though experiencing fewer blizzards than top cities, Grand Rapids still revels in snowy conditions.
Worcester, Massachusetts:
Average seasonal snowfall: 72.9 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 132.9 inches (1995-96)
Wrapping up our list, Worcester encounters potent Nor’easters, which generate significant snowfall across New England. Worcester’s inland location and elevated position ensure abundant winter precipitation compared to coastal cities.
Conclusion
In a world where snowfall increasingly gives way to rain, these snowy cities stand as paradigms of pristine winter landscapes. As we confront changing climate patterns, the allure of snowy cities may diminish over time. Embrace the enchanting snowy charms of these winter wonderlands while they still thrive, offering a magical respite from the noise and chaos of city life.
