It can be a fantastic time of year for those of us who love snow. So what do you know about the weather in Texas?
Texas is known for its hot, humid summers and freezing, dry winters. But where does all the snowfall in Texas? The weather in Texas is very different from the rest of the United States.
There are a few places in Texas where snow can be seen on the ground, but rare and unique. In this article, we’ll tell you about the snow in Texas, when to expect it, and where to visit for snow fun.
Does It Snow In Texas?
In Texas, it’s not uncommon for areas to receive several inches of snow from time to time. But most of the time, those areas will see a dusting at the most. For example, in East Texas and the Gulf Coast, the most significant snowfalls have been about an inch or two.
It does snow in other parts of the state but compared to the other states, the average yearly depth of 1.5 inches would seem insignificant when compared to states like New York with over 123 inches deep.
When Does Snow Fall In Texas?
The weather in Texas is generally hot and dry, so snowfall is a rare occurrence in most parts of the state. So when does snowfall in Texas?
Snow is usually found in December and January in minor to insignificant amounts. However, for a few days in February and March, snowfall is possible in the highest elevations of the Lone Star state.
Where Does Snow Fall In Texas?
If you live in the southern states, there is a good chance you have never seen a lot of snow. If you are visiting Texas and want to see snowfall, you will need to visit the northern part of the state, particularly the Panhandle region.
The coldest parts of Texas tend to be in the north, with Amarillo having the lowest average temperature at 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top 5 Places To Find Snow Fall In Texas:
- Amarillo
- Lubbock
- Midland
- Abilene
- Wichita falls
The following list contains cities with snow on the ground for one day or more and cities with snow that lasted for over a week.
City Snowfall
| North Texas | Average Snow Measurements in Inches per year |
| Killeen | 0 |
| Waco | 0.7 |
| Dallas | 1.7 |
| Fort worth | 2.0 |
| Wichita falls | 3.1 |
| South Texas | |
| New Braunfels | 0 |
| Kingsville | 0.1 |
| Laredo | 0.1 |
| Austin | 0.2 |
| San Antonio | 0.2 |
| Choke Canyon Lake Dam | 0.3 |
| Alice | 0.5 |
| Midland | 4.3 |
| West | |
| Del Rio | 0.2 |
| Lajitas, Big Bend Park | 0.5 |
| Odessa | 0.9 |
| San Angelo | 1.3 |
| Guadalupe Mountains Park | 2.8 |
| El Paso | 2.8 |
| Abilene | 3.7 |
| Lubbock | 7 |
| Amarillo | 17.2 |
| East | |
| Sam Rayburn Lake Dam | 0.0 |
| Toledo Bend Reservoir | 0.0 |
| Lake Fork | 0.2 |
| Lufkin | 0.3 |
| Longview | 0.7 |
| Texarkana | 2.1 |
| Gulf coast | |
| Brownsville | 0 |
| Beaumont | 0 |
| Galveston | 0.1 |
| Houston | 0.1 |
| McAllen | 0.1 |
| Corpus Christi | 0.2 |
| Victoria | 0.3 |
| Aransas wildlife refuge | 0.3 |
The central region of Texas is a place where the local economy is constantly substantial and growing, especially in the agricultural, ranching, and oil industries.
At the same time, it’s also a heavily affected region by seasonal weather changes and natural disasters.
The area features one of the most extreme temperatures in the continental United States.
The Best Places To Go For Snow Fun!
It’s a bit strange to think about snowfall in the middle of one of America’s hottest and humid states.
As any Texan knows, the possibilities for snow fun are extremely limited in the Lone Star state. Even so, there are still plenty of places where Texans can go to get their winter fix of snow and ice.
When you want to find the best snow fun locations in Texas, you need to look in a few specific places.
1. Amarillo
First, you need to look in northern Texas. The Panhandle is the most likely place for snow to fall in Texas. Amarillo is a small city just north of the Texas panhandle.
Amarillo’s Palo Duro Canyon, located about sixty miles east of the city, has quickly become one of the best winter destinations in the Lone Star State.
The Palo Duro Canyon is also called “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” being the 2nd largest in the US. It is located near Amarillo on Highway 287 and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Texas.
The Canyon stretches for about 120 miles through the Texas panhandle. Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon will find scenic overlooks, wildlife centers, hiking trails, fishing lakes, campgrounds, cabins, and more.
2. Lubbock
The Buddy Holly Center is a music museum and archive in Lubbock, Texas, United States. It features exhibits on the life of Buddy Holly and the legacy of the musicians who influenced him.
The Center opened in 1999 and was designed by Wyatt C. Hendrick and his architecture firm. The Center was designed to preserve and display artifacts and information about the singer’s life and provide a space for musical performances.
The statue of Buddy Holly’s signature glasses is a welcoming sight.
Another place to visit is Lake Alan Henry, located just south of Lubbock and has a good chance of getting at least one snowfall every winter.
Most of the time, the lake freezes over before the roads and highways leading to it get too bad, making for a fun afternoon or evening. Lake Alan Henry is known for its excellent fishing and beautiful scenery.
3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
It is a relatively small national park and only opened in 1972. The mountains are part of the Permian Basin, known for their oil, but other features are.
The Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas and the Guadalupe Mountains. The mountain range sits on the edge of a high volcanic plateau and also has a large canyon that cuts through it.
This nature reserve is a beautiful place to go hiking and camping.
4. El Paso
El Paso has a unique, diverse, and rich history. It was founded as a Spanish settlement in the 16th century, became part of Mexico during the Mexican Revolution, and then grew into a city now a significant economic and transportation hub for the U.S.-Mexico border.
Scenic Drive in Franklin Mountains State Park is one of the best places to enjoy a snowy afternoon.
The view from Scenic Drive overlooks downtown El Paso and the Franklin Mountains, but it takes on a different look when dusted with snow.
Visitors will also enjoy the El Paso zoo and botanical garden, which has many animals from all over the world.
There are also many lakes and rivers in the region where visitors can ice fish or go ice skating. In addition, there are several ski resorts nearby where people can go.
5. Prairie Lea
Prairie Lea- This community is off the beaten path and a bit more isolated than most other communities on this list. It is worth checking out if you are looking for a more isolated getaway.
They have a nice little area with hills and sledding hills and several trails that people can hike and even bike on.
6. The Big Bend Park
The Big Bend National Park is one of the most significant units in the national park system. It encompasses 801,163 acres of mountainous desert lands along the Rio Grande River in west Texas. Big Bend offers strikingly different landscapes, colors, and biomes.
Big Bend was designated a national park in 1933, but it was not until 1944 that a visitor center opened to the public.
A visit to Big Bend is like a journey into other worlds. The terrain ranges from desert to mountain forest and is an example of the Chihuahuan Desert vegetation found in the southwestern portion of North America.
Big Bend National Park protects one of the last remaining stands of Ponderosa pine in Texas. The rugged mountains and canyons are complemented by the deep green of its desert vegetation and the reds, ochres, and browns of its arid desert scrub and desert grasslands.
6. Fort worth
Fort Worth has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist attractions. It is one of the most visited areas in Texas.
One thing that most tourists do while they are there is visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens. This unique landscaped serves as an excellent place for relaxing and taking in nature. You will also have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife here.
Conclusion
While it doesn’t routinely snow in the major cities like Austin and Dallas, there are still plenty of areas that see regular snowfall.
If you’re planning a visit to Texas and love the snow, be sure to plan your trip around the winter months. The best time to enjoy the snowy weather in Texas is December through February. Be sure to check out the above-listed seven places during your next trip!
