Does it Snow in Texas? A History of the State’s Historic Snowfall

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Does it snow in Texas, The Lone Star State?

The answer is yes!! Well, sort of! In this blog post, we will discuss does it snow in Texas and the history of snowfall in Texas.

Winter in Texas

Texas has a long history with winter weather events that have come from both sides of the Gulf of Mexico but mainly from the Rocky Mountains.

These storms often bring light to moderate amounts of precipitation and can even produce ice storms depending on how cold they get. But does it actually snow in Texas? Yes, but not all over the state…

In Texas blizzards are uncommon
Winter in Texas

Texas is such a huge and hot state that the concept of snow is something few would consider happening in the state. 

But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t snow in the state! 

In fact, Texas is one of the few southern states to receive significant amounts of snow in the past.

In Texas, blizzards are uncommon, but you could theoretically encounter snow throughout the state even as late as spring and, who knows, with global warming it might become of something which happens with more regularity.

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Further reading: Got some questions about U.S State Parks? Read our US State Park FAQ – we got your pub quiz questions answered!
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A History Of The State’s Historic Snowfall

Texas does not get much snow, but there have been some historic events around Amarillo, Houston and Dallas since recorded history began.

The largest snow ever in Texas history was back in 1895, when a whopping 20 inches of snow fell on Valentine’s Day. According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s data, the Texas Panhandle is typically colder than North Central and other areas of Texas so it does receive more snowfall.

From March 22 to 25, 1957, there were five winter storms that dropped 10 inches in the Texas Panhandle. It was the most snowfall ever recorded in Amarillo.

From January 21 to 23, 1979, there were two winter storms that dropped up to 16 inches in North Central Texas. It was the most snowfall ever recorded to date for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Texas historic snowfall facts
Texas historic snowfall

In February 2007, there was a winter storm that dropped up to 14 inches of snow over North Central Texas.

In February 2011, there were three separate winter storms that dropped up to six inches of snow over North Central Texas.

It does not snow frequently in the Texas, but when it does it certainly comes down in epic style. In very recent history there were snow events in 2015 and 2017 with 2015 ranked the most destructive of modern day history.

The loss of cattle and other animals is usually significant when such snow comes tumbling down.

What month does it snow in Texas?

History will tell us to expect it anytime from December through to March. However, expect snow in places throughout the State in January and February

Where Is the Most And Least Snowfall In Texas?

How often does it snow in Texas?

As Texas is a large state, so it should be no surprise that Texas has different amounts of snow across the board.

Most snowfall Texas
Facts about snowfall in Texas

Some areas receive more snow in particular the Panhandle are to the north of the state, while other areas receive less snow, such as the southern reaches.

Here are some of the most notable locations in Texas for snowfall:

  • Amarillo, TX
  • Dallas, Texas – yes it does snow in Dallas too
  • Lubbock, TX

The least amount of snowfall in the state is found in the southern reaches closer to Mexico.

Some of these locations include:

  • Brownsville, TX
  • Del Rio, Texas (San Antonio)
  • Pharr, Texas (McAllen)

Where Can I Go To See Snow In Texas?

It’s such a rare event in many areas of the state.

Some Texans have never seen snow. So watch your weather forecast and see if you can catch nature’s natural white ‘calving’!

Where can I see the most snowfall in Texas, then we have some ideas for you.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (the Grand Canyon of Texas) located near Amarillo this park is a great place to go if looking to escape from city life and relax with nature (and maybe even catch some of that white stuff).

Snow In Texas locations
Snowing in Texas

Fort Davis, TX

Fort Davis, TX is another great tourist destination in the panhandle.

This place will definitely give you a chance to experience snow (and if not at least some cold weather) as it does get below freezing there during the winter months. It’s also home to an observatory which makes for a fun adventure with your family.

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If you’re looking to go someplace a little warmer, but still see snow (the white kind) Big Bend National Park does get snow and is located on the southern reaches of Texas.

This national park does close during the winter months as it does get below freezing at night year round there due to its elevation, so be sure that you check the weather before you go.

Amarillo, Texas

Blowing in from the Rockies it does lead to some monumental snowfalls and falls of up to 18″throughout the winter spring time in the Amarillo area.

With so much white stuff to make it worth a visit (who doesn’t like sledding?) especially if you’re looking for something to do with your family during holiday break or school vacation time.

Dallas, Tx

It’s unlikely you’ll catch snowfall in the Dallas area and Fort Worth so don’t you go planning a skiing trip to the region unless it’s already fallen.

Conclusion

Snow does have a way of putting everyone in the holiday spirit especially for those who don’t get it very often.

So pack up your family and friends, take them to see snow fall at one of these locations or perhaps you can be lucky enough to go on a sledding trip (though we definitely don’t recommend using your vehicle as a sledge, unless you have a truck) and make some memories to last a lifetime.

It does snow in Texas! Sometimes it does even stick around for more than just the day.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to see that white stuff from your childhood dreams then look no further than one of these locations near The Panhandle, namely Amarillo.

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