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

Does it snow in Texas?

The answer is yes! It’s kind of! This blog post will talk about how often it snows in Texas, and what the history of Texas snowfall has been like.

Texas is a long-standing place for winter weather events, which have been from both the Gulf of Mexico and mainly the Rocky Mountains. These storms can bring light to moderate precipitation, and sometimes even ice storms, depending on the temperature. It does snow in Texas. Yes, but not all over the state…

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

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But, it does snow in Texas!

Texas has been blessed with significant snowfall 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

Does it Snow In Texas? 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 even in Texas history was back in 1895, when a whopping 20 inches of snow fella on Valentine’s Day. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Texas Panhandle receives more snowfall than other parts of Texas.

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

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

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 doesn’t snow often in Texas but it does come down in spectacular style when it does. In very recent history there were snow events in 2015 and 2017 with 2015 ranked the most destructive of modern day history. When snow falls, it is often a significant loss for cattle and other animals.

Snowy japanese Garden Texas
Snowy Japanese Garden Texas

Where Is the Most And Least Snowfall In Texas?

Texas is a large state, so it should be no surprise that Texas has different amounts of snow across the board. Certain areas, like the Panhandle, receive more snow than others, including the southern reaches.

Here are some of Texas’ most famous locations for snowfall:

– Amarillo TX Dallas TX

The southern reaches, closer to Mexico, receive the least snowfall. 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. Watch your weather forecast to see if there is any natural white calving. We have some suggestions for where you can see the most snowfall from Texas.

– Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the Grand Canyon of Texas, located near Amarillo. This park is great for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

– Fort Davis is another popular tourist spot in the Texas panhandle. You will have the opportunity to see snow, or at least cold weather, in this area. It can get below freezing during winter. The observatory makes it a great place to take your family on a fun adventure.

– If your goal is to visit a warmer area but still see the white snow, Big Bend National Park in Texas’ southern reaches does have snow. The national park closes during winter months due to temperatures dropping below freezing all year.

Texas Cactus in snow

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. It’s worth the trip because there is so much white stuff. This is especially true if you are looking for activities to do with your family over holiday break or during school vacation.

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. Take your friends and family along to these places to enjoy the snowfall. Or, perhaps, you’ll be able to go on a sledding adventure (though we don’t recommend you using your truck as a sledge unless you own a truck). Make some lasting memories. It snows in Texas! Sometimes, it stays for longer than a day. If you are looking for the white stuff of your childhood dreams, then Amarillo is the place to be.