Texas is known for being a warm state, that is, it experiences hot weather and its primary geographic features include desert landscapes. So, snow is not automatically associated with winter in the state.
However, thanks to its diverse regional climates and its large expanse—it is second in size only to Alaska—winter weather can vary significantly across the state. So, while winter in the Lone Star State does not typically come with snow, it is a possibility. However, snow is a rare event and the amount of snow differs greatly by region.
In general, snowfall and freezing rain are more likely in the northern and western parts of Texas, especially in more elevated areas. Meanwhile, an accumulation of the white powder is less common in the southern and central parts of the state.
But, if you’re still trying to wrap your head around the idea of snow in the state, here’s why Texas gets snow in winter in the first place. Although just because it happens does not mean that Texans adjust well to snow in Texas!
When the Conditions Are Just Right
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) defines snow as “precipitation that forms when water vapor freezes. It is not frozen rain, but a crystallization of ice that typically forms in clouds.”
For snow to form, two specific weather conditions must be present.
- First, the temperature must be low. In particular, it should drop below 0°C (32°F).
- Second, there must be sufficient humidity or moisture in the atmosphere.
When winter time comes to Texas, temperatures drop, but it’s typically not enough to produce snow.
“For [snow] to happen, Texas needs just the right mix of atmospheric conditions — arctic air diving down from the north, abundant moisture from the Gulf or Pacific, and a source of rising motion in the atmosphere, often provided by a system of low atmospheric pressure,” meteorologist Anthony Franze shares. “It’s a rare combination to get right, especially considering every atmospheric ingredient needs to be timed up perfectly. However, Texas snow does happen from time to time.”
Winter Storms Bring Snow
Another cause for winter snow in Texas are winter storms, which typically comes with freezing rain or ice, sleet, and/or snow. Winter storms may also include high winds, extreme cold or ice storms.
In the Lone Star State, winter storms occur between November and March, according to the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP). They are usually the result of large low-pressure systems moving rapidly across the country. Thanks to moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, these winter storms can produce ice accumulations of 2 inches or more.
Where You’re Most Likely to See Snow in Texas
Snow is most common in North Texas, in the Texas Panhandle, and in areas with higher elevations.
Here’s a rundown of the Texas cities where you’re most likely to see snow.
Amarillo
Amarillo is known for its Route 66 history and rugged cowboy culture, and when it comes to snowfall, it’s one of the Texan cities that will most likely deliver.
Receiving an average annual snowfall of around 18 inches, Amarillo offers the highest chances of a white Christmas in the Lone Star State, if that’s what you’re after. There was measurable snow during Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day in the city 21 times based on recorded data (16% of the time), according to Franze. Measurable snow refers to snowfall accumulation of at least 0.1 inches (around 2.5 mm).
Snow starts falling as early September, peaks in March, and can last as late as May. The weather and scenery at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park create a good mix for a winter hike, and the snowy ground provides a different platform for viewing Cadillac Ranch’s public art installation.
Borger
Another Texas city that receives a higher amount of snow than other places in the state is Borger. Located in the Panhandle, its total annual average snowfall is 20.3 inches and peaks in December and January.
Lubbock
Located in the High Plains region of Texas, Lubbock receives an average annual snowfall of 7 inches.
Snow can start falling as early as October and last until April, with peak cold periods occurring in mid-to-late January and early February. This period sees the city’s dominant red dirt and sprawling plains transform into a Southern winter wonderland.
If you’re looking for a white Christmas, there’s a good chance you’ll experience one in Lubbock.
Pampa
About 55 miles northeast of Amarillo, Pampa is also located in the Texas Panhandle. With a total annual average snowfall of 11.9 inches, locals often hold festive gatherings and to enjoy winter sports.
Snowfall in Major Texas Cities
In the state’s major metropolises, snowfall isn’t as abundant. Here’s what you can expect:
Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, located in North Central Texas, receives the most amount of snow among the urban areas in this list. Its total annual average snowfall is 1.3 inches. However, it has seen a few years where total annual average snowfall exceeded 10 inches, with the latest being in the 2009-2010 season with 17.1 inches. The highest amount of snow that Dallas has ever received, according to available recorded data, is 17.6 inches in the 1977-1978 season.
San Antonio
The Alamo City receives snow from time to time, but there have only been 32 winters that have resulted in measurable snow in the city since 1885 when official records began to be kept. If you average that out, it’s just once in about every three to four years. For significant snowfall, i.e., 2 to 4 inches, this only occurs every decade or so.
Austin
Austin receives snow, sleet, or freezing rain approximately once every two to three years, with an average annual snowfall of only 0.2 inches. There have only been seven years when snowfall exceeded 5 inches in the city, with the highest amount recorded in November 1937 at 11 inches.
Houston
Thanks to a humid subtropical climate, Space City rarely gets snow that its total average annual snowfall is essentially zero. However, that doesn’t mean that snow is impossible. In 1973, Houston received 4.8 inches, which is currently the highest yearly total snow for the city.