For many of us, summer means sunshine, warm weather, and no snow. However, while uncommon, it is possible for snow to fall even during the hottest months of the year. In this article, we’ll explore how and where summer snow occurs, some recent examples, and why you might even want to experience it for yourself!
How Can It Snow in Summer?
Snow requires two things – cold air and moisture. In summer, the atmosphere provides plenty of moisture, but obtaining cold air is trickier. For summer snow to occur, a few key ingredients are needed:
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High Elevation – The higher up you go, the colder it gets. Many summer snow events happen in mountainous areas above 5000 feet or more.
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Storms and Cool Air – Summertime storms can drag down cool air from Canada and combine it with all that moisture to produce snow even when the ground is warm,
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Melting Snowpack – Some mountain peaks maintain significant snowpack year-round. Summer storms add to it preventing earlier melt.
So while unusual, with the right conditions, locations at high elevation can see legitimate snow accumulation – not just flurries – even in July or August.
Where Does It Snow in Summer?
Here are some of the most likely places in the United States to see summer snow:
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Pacific Northwest – The Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon have several peaks above 10,000 feet that collect snow all year. Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood frequently see summer storms.
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Rocky Mountains – The high elevations make Colorado’s peaks prime for summer snow. Arapaho Basin ski resort often stays open into June or July.
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Sierra Nevada – The tallest mountain in the lower 48, Mt. Whitney in California, regularly gets summer snow. As does the rest of the Sierra range.
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Alaska – From mountain peaks to glaciers, much of Alaska maintains year-round snow. Summer visitors can enjoy activities like skiing.
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Northeast – A few areas like Vermont’s Mt. Mansfield and New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington see occasional summer snow events after storms.
Recent Examples of Summer Snowfalls
To prove summer snow does happen, here are some recent snowy events from the hottest months:
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July 2022 – An unusual cold front brought snow to mountains in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming in mid-July. Several inches accumulated at elevations above 9000 feet.
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August 2020 – An August cold front combined with tropical moisture from Hurricane Elida to drop 9 inches of snow on Sunshine Peak in Colorado.
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July 2019 – Mt. Washington, New Hampshire was coated in snow on July 23rd after a low pressure system brought wintry conditions.
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June 2018 – Up to 24 inches of June snow buried the Glacier National Park region of Montana thanks to cool, wet weather.
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August 2017 – During an eclipse viewing event, 2 inches of snow fell unexpectedly on visitors in the Oregon mountains.
Why Experience Summer Snow?
If you think snow is only fun in winter, think again! Summertime snowfalls present unique opportunities you won’t find any other time:
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Cool Down from Summer Heat – When temperatures are sweltering elsewhere, head to the mountains for a refreshing chill.
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Unique Skiing & Snowboarding – Hit the slopes in swimwear or even your birthday suit! Several resorts offer summer sessions.
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Accessible Hiking Trails – Trails buried in snow much of the year open up for hiking and scenic vistas.
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Gorgeous Mountain Wildflowers – See colorful mountain flowers and snowy peaks together in stunning contrast.
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Rejuvenated Streams & Waterfalls – Snowmelt feeds waterfalls and rivers for nice summer rafting or fishing.
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Photography Potential – Capture amazing images of summertime snow against vibrant green valleys.
Be Prepared For Summer Snow Fun
While unusual, snow in summer happens more often than you might think and gives you a chance to have a cool experience during hot weather. Just make sure to take proper precautions, including:
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Check mountain weather reports and avalanche risks before heading out.
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Bring cold weather clothing – the wind and wet can make summer snow dangerously cold.
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Have proper footwear, traction devices, hiking poles, etc.
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Tell someone your plans and schedule check-ins for backcountry trips.
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Know when to turn back if conditions deteriorate or become dangerous.
With the right preparation and precautions for the conditions, you can safely enjoy the wonder, beauty and adventure of snow in the middle of summer! Doesn’t a snowball fight on a sunny July day sound refreshing?
Josh Gad – In Summer (From “Frozen”/Sing-Along)
FAQ
Can it snow when it is hot?
It turns out that you don’t need temperatures below freezing for snow to fall. In fact, snow can fall at temperatures as high as 50 degrees. Most residents of the northern United States have probably seen 40-degree snowfalls before, but snow at temperatures greater than 45 degrees is hard to come by.
Can it snow on July?
You’re not going to see it actually snowing anywhere in the lower 48 in July. You can get out onto a glacier easily enough, for example the Columbia Icefield between Banff and Jasper, but a July snowstorm isn’t going to happen.
Has Minnesota had snow in July?
Interestingly, July is the only month in Minnesota to never have recorded snow. The earliest recorded snowfall in Minnesota was on August 31, 1949, in Duluth, and the latest was on June 4, 1935, in Mizpath, MN—which is interestingly named after the Hebrew word for watchtower.
Does it snow in summer?
For many people, summer means sunshine, warm weather, and no snow. However, while uncommon, it is possible for snow to fall even during the warmest months of the year. In this article, we’ll explore how and where summer snow occurs, some recent examples, and why you might even want to experience it for yourself! How Can It Snow In Summer?
Where is summer snow most likely?
Here are some of the most likely places in the United States to see summer snow: Pacific Northwest – The Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon have several peaks above 10,000 feet that collect snow all year. Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood frequently see summer storms. Rocky Mountains – The high elevations make Colorado’s peaks prime for summer snow.
Which mountains get snow all year?
Pacific Northwest – The Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon have several peaks above 10,000 feet that collect snow all year. Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood frequently see summer storms. Rocky Mountains – The high elevations make Colorado’s peaks prime for summer snow. Arapaho Basin ski resort often stays open into June or July.
Does it snow in August in the USA?
Yes, JUNE! Has it ever snowed in August in the USA? One of the most extreme examples of August snow happened in 1992 when a bizarre winter storm the National Weather Service called “an unprecedented weather event” blanketed parts of Montana. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Does Alaska still have snow?
It’s no surprise that Alaska might still have some snow hanging around during the summer. One of the top places to go is the Alyeska Resort where you can take tram rides, hiking and biking trails, and eat at delicious restaurants with lovely views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks.
Can you still see snow in New England?
This national forest is one of the very few places in New England where you can still see snow in the summer. The Tuckerman Ravine is the spot for snow and sometimes it’s even good enough for skiing. It’s comprised of a glacial cirque and it’s often good for skiing up into July!