Texas, the second-largest U.S. state, boasts diverse landscapes and climates, from arid deserts in the west to lush forests in the east. Known for its size and cultural richness, Texas is a major hub for agriculture, energy, and technology. The state experiences varied weather. But does it snow in Texas? Here’s everything you need to know.
Does It Snow in Texas?
Yes, it does snow in Texas, but the frequency and amount of snowfall vary significantly across the state. The Texas panhandle sees significant snowfall, while other areas rarely experience it.
Northern Plains (including the Texas Panhandle):
- Receives average annual snowfall ranging from 15 to 30 inches (380 to 760 mm).
- The greatest snowfall amounts occur in the Texas panhandle and areas near the border with New Mexico.
- Winters are colder in this region, with occasional Arctic blasts bringing snowy conditions.
Trans-Pecos Region (including Big Bend Country):
- Snowfall is rare at lower elevations.
- The highest mountain peaks can receive heavy snowfall during winter.
The overall average snowfall for the entire state of Texas is quite low due to the significant variation in snowfall across different regions. When considering the entire state, including areas that receive virtually no snow, the average annual snowfall is less than 1 inch.
Where Does it Snow in Texas: Most Snowy Cities
| Rank | City | Average Annual Snowfall | Important Information |
| 1 | Borger | 19.3 inches | Highest average snowfall in Texas. |
| 2 | Perryton | 17.8 inches | Located near the northernmost point of Texas. |
| 3 | Pampa | 17.3 inches | Gets almost 2.5 feet of snow per year. |
| 4 | Dalhart | 17.1 inches | Near Rita Blanca National Grasslands. |
| 5 | Hereford | 15.9 inches | Known for John Pitman Golf Club. |
| 6 | Amarillo | 15.4 inches | Near Palo Duro Canyon State Park. |
| 7 | Dumas | 12.9 inches | Not much to do, but known for snowfall. |
| 8 | Plainview | 10.8 inches | Near Caprock Canyons State Park. |
| 9 | Canyon | 10.8 inches | Known for Palo Duro Canyon State Park. |
| 10 | Muleshoe | 9.1 inches | Receives cold air from Canada and the Rocky Mountains. |
Snowfall in Major Texas Cities
| City | Average Annual Snowfall | Important information |
| Snowfall in Austin | 0.2 inches | Rarely snows, but had a significant snowfall in November 1937. |
| Snowfall in Dallas | 1.3 inches | Occasionally sees significant snowfall, with a record 17.6 inches in one year. |
| Snowfall in Houston | 0.0 inches | Rarely snows, but experienced a record 20 inches on Valentine’s Day in 1895. |
| Snowfall in San Antonio | 0.4 inches | Record-breaking snowfall of 13 inches in January 1985. |
When does it Snow in Texas?
How often does it snow in Texas? Here’s everything you need to know :
Northern Texas and Panhandle
Snowfall Season: December through February
Peak Months: January is typically the snowiest month, but snow can also occur in December and February. Occasionally, snowfall can extend into March or even late November.
Western Texas
Snowfall Season: December through February
Peak Months: December and January are the most likely months to see snow, particularly in the Franklin Mountains.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
Snowfall Season: December through February
Peak Months: Snow is common at higher elevations during December and January.
Big Bend National Park:
Snowfall Season: Primarily January and February
Peak Months: Snow in Big Bend is rare and usually occurs at higher elevations, mostly in January and February.
Central Texas
Snowfall Season: January through March
Peak Months: Snowfall is most likely in January and February. The area can experience occasional snowstorms that bring significant snow.
Southern Texas
Snowfall Season: Rarely, mostly December through February
Peak Months: These cities experience snow very infrequently. Notable snowfall events have occurred, such as San Antonio’s snowfall in January 1985 and Houston’s snowfall on Valentine’s Day in 1895.
Best Places to See Snow in Texas
Amarillo
Located in the Texas Panhandle at an elevation of over 3,600 feet. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, offers scenic, snowy landscapes. The park is particularly beautiful after a fresh snowfall, with snow accentuating the canyon’s vibrant geological formations.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Home to the four highest peaks in Texas, this national park in west Texas sees regular snow at higher elevations during winter. The park’s Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, is often snow-covered, making for challenging but rewarding winter hikes.
Lubbock
A central hub in West Texas, Lubbock averages about 8 inches of snow each winter. Known for its mild winters, the city can occasionally experience significant snowfalls, making it a picturesque winter destination. During heavy snowfalls, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with parks and public spaces covered in a thick blanket of snow.
El Paso
El Paso typically sees less than 4 inches of snow annually near the New Mexico border. The Franklin Mountains, close to downtown, are a great spot for enjoying the rare snowfall.
Big Bend National Park
Located near the Mexico border, Big Bend occasionally sees snow in its higher elevations. When dusted with snow, the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails provide stunning views.
Pampa
Known for receiving significant snowfall, Pampa offers a quiet, snowy retreat. The town’s parks and open spaces are ideal for enjoying the winter scenery.
Perryton
Near the northernmost point of Texas, Perryton often experiences heavy snowfall. It’s a great place to see snow-covered landscapes typical of the Great Plains.
Dalhart
Located in the northwestern part of the Panhandle, Dalhart is close to the Rita Blanca National Grasslands. This area can transform into a winter wonderland during snowy conditions.
Hereford
Known for its snowy winters, Hereford is another great destination in the Panhandle to experience snow. The John Pitman Golf Club here can occasionally be snow-covered, offering a unique golfing experience.
Fort Worth
Similar to Dallas, Fort Worth experiences occasional snowfalls. The snow tends to stick around longer in less urbanized areas, making it a charming winter destination when it happens. The Fort Worth Stockyards and Sundance Square are particularly picturesque under a layer of snow, providing a festive atmosphere during winter months.
Why does it snow in Texas?
Arctic Blasts
Cold air masses from the Arctic can move southward into Texas during winter. These Arctic blasts bring frigid temperatures and can cause precipitation to fall as snow instead of rain.
Elevation
Higher elevations, such as those in the Texas Panhandle and parts of western Texas like the Guadalupe Mountains, are more likely to experience snow. Higher altitudes have cooler temperatures, which can lead to snowfall during winter months.
Geographic Location
The northern parts of Texas are closer to the colder climates of the central United States. This proximity means that cold air from the north can more easily reach these areas, increasing the chances of snowfall.
Weather Fronts and Systems
Texas can experience weather systems that bring together moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the north or west. When these air masses converge, the moisture can fall as snow if the temperatures are low enough.
Jet Stream Patterns
The position and movement of the jet stream play a crucial role in Texas weather. During winter, the jet stream can dip southward, bringing cold air into Texas and creating conditions favorable for snow.
Pacific Ocean Influence
In the Texas Panhandle, cold air from Canada and the Rocky Mountains and moisture from the cool Pacific Ocean can result in snowfall. The higher elevation and distance from the warmer Gulf of Mexico also contribute to these conditions.
Rare Weather Events
Occasionally, unusual weather patterns, such as strong cold fronts or winter storms, can bring snow to areas of Texas that typically do not see it. These events are less predictable and can result in significant, albeit infrequent, snowfall.
