Snow is a magical phenomenon that transforms cities into winter wonderlands, signaling the start of the holiday season. While some prefer sunny weather or rainy days, there’s something enchanting about snow blanketing homes in a serene, white layer that hushes the bustling city sounds.
For those considering a move to a new area and are drawn to cold, snowy winters, we’ve compiled a list of the snowiest cities in the U.S. to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a fan of warm, sunny cities year-round or love the idea of a snowy winter, this list will provide insights into the top snowiest cities in the country.
How we determine the snowiest cities
Our focus is on cities with the highest average seasonal snowfall totals. We exclude cities with more days of measurable snowfall but lower average totals to provide a more accurate ranking.
Read on to discover the top snowiest cities in the U.S. with a population of 75,000 or more, according to Redfin’s rankings.
What are the snowiest cities in the U.S.?
1. Syracuse, New York
- Average annual snowfall: 127.8 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 192.1 inches (1992-93)
Syracuse, NY, takes the top spot as the snowiest city in the U.S., known for its lake-effect snowstorms from Lake Ontario. This geographical location results in heavy snowfall and a snowy landscape throughout the winter.
The city has a history of intense snowstorms, with the most snowfall occurring during the Blizzard of 1993, where 42.9 inches fell in just two days.
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2. Erie, Pennsylvania
- Average seasonal snowfall: 104.3 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 166.3 inches (2017-18)
Erie, PA, is the second snowiest city on our list, known for its lake-effect snowstorms originating from Lake Erie. Although the snow is generally lighter compared to other cities, Erie has experienced strong snowstorms, including over five feet of snow during a holiday storm.
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3. Rochester, New York
- Average seasonal snowfall: 102 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 161.7 inches (1959-60)
Rochester, NY, secures the third spot as the snowiest city in the U.S., with frequent snowfall from Lake Ontario. While it receives less snow compared to Syracuse, Rochester has seen its fair share of strong snowstorms, including the most intense snowstorm in 1900.
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4. Buffalo, New York
- Average seasonal snowfall: 95.4 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 199.4 inches (1976-77)
Buffalo, NY, ranks as the fourth snowiest city in the U.S., known for its intense lake effect snowstorms that can drop several feet of snow in a single day. Despite receiving less average snowfall than Syracuse and Rochester, Buffalo experiences some of the strongest snowstorms and fastest snow accumulation.
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5. Boulder, CO
- Average seasonal snowfall: 92.8 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 152.0 inches (2019-20)
Boulder, CO, is the fifth snowiest city in the U.S., known for its snowy winters due to its high elevation and geographical location. Despite receiving significant snowfall, Boulder’s winters are relatively mild compared to other snowiest cities.
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6. Duluth, Minnesota
- Average seasonal snowfall: 90.2 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 140.1 inches (2022-23)
Duluth, MN, is the sixth snowiest city in the U.S., known for its long winter season and extremely cold weather. Despite its location on the western side of Lake Superior, Duluth receives ample snowfall, contributing to its snowy landscape.
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7. Flagstaff, Arizona
- Average seasonal snowfall: 90.1 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 153.9 inches (1948-49)
Flagstaff, AZ, ranks as the seventh snowiest city in the U.S., receiving over seven feet of snow annually. The city’s high elevation and proximity to the Pacific Ocean contribute to its snowy winters, making it a popular destination for snow enthusiasts.
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8. Anchorage, Alaska
- Average seasonal snowfall: 77.9 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 134.5 inches (2011-12)
Anchorage, AK, the northernmost major city in the U.S., is the eighth snowiest city. Surrounded by tall mountains and fjords, Anchorage receives ample snowfall despite the geographical barriers that prevent some storms from reaching the city.
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9. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Average seasonal snowfall: 77.6 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 132.2 inches (1951-52)
Grand Rapids, MI, is the ninth snowiest city in the U.S., known for its lake-effect snowstorms from Lake Michigan. While the snowfall is generally lower compared to other cities on the list, Grand Rapids has experienced significant snowstorms in the past.
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10. Worcester, Massachusetts
- Average seasonal snowfall: 72.9 inches
- Record seasonal snowfall: 132.9 inches (1995-96)
Worcester, MA, rounds out our list as the tenth snowiest city in the U.S., known for its heavy snowfall from Nor’easters. Despite its inland location, Worcester receives significant snowfall, outpacing coastal cities like Boston and Providence.
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The snowiest place in the U.S.
Mount Rainier and Mount Baker in Washington State hold the title for the snowiest places in the U.S., receiving an average of 640-663 inches of snowfall annually. These mountains benefit from their high elevation and proximity to moisture from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in record snowfall totals.
Changing snowfall patterns
Due to climate change, the world is experiencing shifts in snowfall patterns. While precipitation levels are increasing, rising temperatures are causing more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow. This trend poses challenges to snowiest cities in the U.S. as they may see less snowfall in the future.
Methodology
Our list is based on seasonal snowfall data from major cities with over 75,000 residents, measured from July 1st through June 30th. The data is sourced from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).