These 11 States Have The Most Brutal, Snowy Winters
When it comes to the winter months, plenty of states face the realities of brutally cold, snowy conditions. After all, the vast majority of our country is situated within non-tropical climates — and we’re well-accustomed to the chilly conditions that accompany wintertime in much of the United States. Here are the 11 snowiest states in the US with the highest average annual snowfalls (calculated among all cities) between 1981 and 2010, according to a study by National Centers for Environmental Information. Can you guess what state gets the most snow?
Much of New York’s snowy weather is concentrated around the city of Syracuse, which sees an average of 66 snowy days each winter. On average, New Yorkers can expect to experience over 120 inches of snow annually. Talk about an arctic blast!
Of course, the ultimate test of the most wintery state is to take a look at the biggest snow storms to hit New York. These are some real blustery barn burners.
Wyoming is next on the list, with an average annual snowfall of approximately 90 inches. While its average for snowy days is lower at just 36, its precipitation accumulates quickly. Be sure to invest in some quality gloves and scarves if you’re venturing to Wyoming this season! Wyoming has had some intense winter storms over the years. Let's grab a coat and take a look at five of them.
If you’re not a fan of cold, snowy weather, you probably shouldn’t relocate to Vermont! This small but beautiful state experiences about 80 inches of snowfall annually, with 54 days of active precipitation during the winter months. Bundle up! Can you guess what Vermont town is the snowiest? The snowiest region of Vermont is around Mt. Mansfield, so the towns of Underhill, Stowe, and Cambridge all get blasted with snow each year.
It’s a no-brainer that Alaska belongs on this list, though we’re surprised that it doesn’t sit at number one! Alaska, with its beautiful mountains and chilly seas, sees snowfall approximately 48 days per year. The state accumulates approximately 74 inches on an annual basis. The single largest snowfall in Alaska happened in 1955 and it set a world record! You have to see it to believe it.
West Virginia’s snowiest city is Beckley, with an average of 62 inches of snowfall recorded each year between 1981 and 2010. On average, this snowfall was spread out over the course of 37 active precipitation days. That would certainly make for some amazing snow tubing in West Virginia.
Maine is next on the list, with an average snowfall amount of 61 inches during the years recorded in this study. If you’re considering a move to Maine, be prepared to experience significant snowfall for approximately 27 days out of every calendar year. See what life is like in Caribou, Maine's snowiest town.
Another snowy east coast destination should come as no surprise to most Americans. With nearly 30 days of active snowfall on average each year and an average accumulation of just over 60 inches, New Hampshire is a fantastic spot for snow enthusiasts of all ages. But here is ten things no one tells you about winter in New Hampshire.
Moving westward from New Hampshire, Utah takes the next spot on our list of the snowiest states in America. With the heaviest snowfall concentrated near Salt Lake City, Utah’s average accumulated amount sits at 56.2 inches. The state sees about 34 days of snowfall annually. The great blizzard of 1993 dumped nearly half of that amount in one day!
Ah, Minnesota: we aren’t surprised to see you on this list! Minnesotans can attest to the fact that their state turns into a winter wonderland each year, with an average snowfall amount of 54 inches. On average, this accumulation happens over the course of about 37 active precipitation days. But what cities in Minnesota get the most snow? This city in Minnesota gets near double the annual state average.
Pull out your warmest hat and lace up your fleece-lined boots before venturing to North Dakota, which sees an average of 45 snowy days each year. In terms of accumulation, the state receives about 51 inches each year. Brr… don’t spend too much time outside! Unless you are a fan of snow tubing in North Dakota, in that case, bundle up and let's go!
Oh, Michigan. With plenty of lake effect snow from the shores of the Great Lakes, we’re not shocked to see you rounding out our list. Communities in the Great Lakes State received an annual average snowfall amount of 50 inches during this study’s recorded years. Interested in learning about the biggest snowstorms in Michigan history? Read this.
Michigan, USA
The snowiest states in the US fluctuate from year to year, but on average these states really pack on the snow each year. Did your home state make the list? Have you ever experienced a brutal winter in one of these destinations? Share your experiences with us in the comment section!
Address: Alaska, USA
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Minnesota, USA
Address: Vermont, USA
Address: North Dakota, USA
Address: Wyoming, USA
Address: New Hampshire, USA
Address: West Virginia, USA
Address: Michigan, USA
Address: Utah, USA
Address: New York, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fun Facts About The Snowiest States in the US
November 27, 2022
Chris Muras
What US cities get the most snow?
The snowiest cities in the US might not surprise you since they come from some of the snowiest states. However, there are some US cities that get an unusual amount of snow compared to the state average. Here is a list of the snowiest major metropolitan cities in the US with a population of over one million people:
1. Rochester, New York 102.0 Inches
2. Buffalo, New York 95.4 Inches
3. Cleveland, Ohio 63.8 Inches
4. Salt Lake City, Utah 51.9 Inches
5. Hartford, Connecticut 51.7 Inches
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota 51.2 Inches
7. Boston, Massachusetts 49.2 Inches
8. Denver, Colorado 49.0 Inches
9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 48.7 Inches
10. Detroit, Michigan 45.0 Inches
What states have no snow ever?
Are there any states that have never snowed? You might be surprised to find out that there are no US states that never have snow. While Florida rarely gets any snow in a typical year, it has snowed even in southern Florida.
Has there ever been snow in all 50 states at once?
Why yes, it may sound like a near impossibility but it has snowed in all 50 states on the same day a few times in recorded history. The most recent date it snowed in all 50 states was 2010. With a light dusting in the northern panhandle of Florida.
Address: Alaska, USA
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Minnesota, USA
Address: Vermont, USA
Address: North Dakota, USA
Address: Wyoming, USA
Address: New Hampshire, USA
Address: West Virginia, USA
Address: Michigan, USA
Address: Utah, USA
Address: New York, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
