Does it Snow in Arkansas?

A lot of people often wonder whether it Snows in Arkansas or not since it is located in the southern part of the United States.

The state’s geography causes hot air from the Gulf of Mexico to rise, while cold air from Canada settles over the northern half of Arkansas, causing most of the precipitation to fall in that area. but does it Snow in Arkansas? Let’s Find out!

Does it Snow in Arkansas?
Natural Dam, Van Buren, Arkansas, USA

Does it Snow in Arkansas?

The answer to this question is, Yes, it does snow in Arkansas. Arkansas experiences ana average of 4 inches of Snowfall per year. Although the amount of snowfall changes yearly.

The state’s highest point is Mount Magazine, which is located in the northwest part of the state. The average elevation of Mount Magazine is 2,753 feet (839 meters).

While Arkansas is not known for being a particularly snowy state, there are some areas that do see significant snowfall on occasion. The northwestern part of the state, along the border with Missouri, generally sees the most snow. 

This is due to the fact that the Ozark Mountains tend to trap cold air and moisture, resulting in greater snow accumulation. 

Central Arkansas also sees occasional heavy snowfall, but it is not as common as in the northwest.

How Often Does it Snow in Arkansas?

Lake Wedington, Arkansas, USA
Lake Wedington, Arkansas, USA

Although Arkansas is not generally known for its snowy winters, the state actually receives snowfall on a regular basis. 

Most of the state’s snowfall occurs in the northwestern and northern parts of Arkansas, where the Ozark Mountains receive more moisture from snowstorms. 

The yearly average snowfall in Arkansas is about 4 inches (10 cm), but some areas of the state can receive up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow in a season.

When Does it Snow In Arkansas?

The date when the first snowflake falls in Arkansas varies widely from year to year. The state’s highest elevation, Mount Magazine in the Ozark Mountains, usually has a few inches of snow on the ground by early November. 

But it’s not unusual for the Arkansas River Valley and other low-lying areas to have to wait until December or even January for their first measurable snowfall of the season.

There is no definitive answer, as the amount of snowfall differs from year to year and also depends on which part of Arkansas you are talking about. However, in general, it tends to snow between November and March.

The Weather in Arkansas

Beaver Lake, Arkansas, USA
Beaver Lake, Arkansas, USA

Arkansas generally has a temperate climate, but there is some variation depending on the region. The northern part of the state is generally cooler than the southern part, and the western part of the state tends to be wetter than the eastern part.

The state does get some snowfall, particularly in the northern and western parts, but it is not usually heavy or prolonged. In general, Arkansas is a pleasant place to live, with four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days.

Most Popular Winter Activities to do in Arkansas

Even though it does not snow every year in Arkansas, there are plenty of winter activities to keep residents and visitors busy. One popular activity is ice fishing.

Some of the best places to go ice fishing in Arkansas are Beaver Lake, DeGray Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Millwood Lake.

Another popular winter activity is snowmobiling. Some of the best places to go snowmobiling in Arkansas are Mount Magazine State Park, Buffalo National River, and Ouachita National Forest.

If you’re looking for a more traditional winter activity, you can always go sledding or build a snowman at one of Arkansas’s many state parks.

Does it Snow in Little Rock, Arkansas?

Although it does snow in Arkansas, the state generally sees very little accumulation each year. The most snowfall ever recorded in a single day was 14 inches (35.6 cm) in Carrollton (northwest Arkansas) on January 10, 1982.

Does it Snow in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is located in the northern part of the state, and it does snow there occasionally. The city averages about 10 inches of snow per year. However, snowfall can vary greatly from year to year. For example, in 2010, Fayetteville received over 25 inches of snow, while in 2011, it only received about 2 inches.

Does it Snow in Arkansas in December?

Although it does snow in Arkansas, it is not a common occurrence. The state typically sees around 5-10 inches of snow each year, and most of this falls in the northwestern corner of the state. 

That said, it is not entirely unheard of for parts of the state to see significant snowfall in a given year. 

For example, in 2010, a winter storm dumped up to 18 inches of snow on parts of Arkansas.

The Best Places to go Sledding in Arkansas

The best places to go sledding in Arkansas are:

  • Lake Fayetteville Park in Fayetteville
  • Mount Magazine State Park in Paris
  • Pleasant Hill Park in Little Rock
  • Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Roland

The Conclusion

After taking all of this information into account, we can come to a conclusion about whether or not it snows in Arkansas. 

It does snow in Arkansas, but not very often. The state sees an average of around six inches of snow per year, which is less than other states in the US. 

However, there are some parts of Arkansas that see more snow than others. For example, the northern part of the state generally sees more snow than the southern part.