Does it snow in California, The Golden State? It snows in California, The Golden State.
The answer is yes! It’s kind of! You will find snow in many parts of California, such as the Sierra Nevada or northern California around Lake Tahoe. It’s safe to say that many of California’s low-lying areas have a climate too warm (warm) for snow to be experienced more than a dusting.
This blog article will show you the best places to find snow in California.
California is known for its hot, endless summers and the joy that sun-seekers find here. If you live on the west coast, and you want to get some snow, the question “Where is it snowing in California?” will be asked.
If you are in California and want to experience the thrill of having your fingers and toes numb, you will love this list. What are the best places to see California’s snow? This list has the answer to your question!
There are many winter wonderland escapes in California, so if this is your first time visiting one of these places and you want to experience the joy of the cold, we have you covered with helpful tips on how to dress for it. Are you ready California snow seeker? Let’s get started!
Further Reading: Have questions about U.S State Parks. Read our US State Park FAQ – we got your pub quiz questions answered!
Where to find snow in Northern California
Mount Shasta (Siskiyou County)
Does it snow in California? It does in this beautiful mountain town called Mt. Shasta. This little town gets around 60 inches (5 feet) of snow every winter.
Get ready to see more snow on Mount Shasta’s actual Mountain. So called the ‘Snow Bowl’ you can expect to see around 100 inches (9 ft) of snow.
If it’s winter sports in California you’re after, you can ski and snowboard here. Up on Mount Shasta you’re at an elevation of 7,600 feet. This is an area that is rapidly becoming a popular spot for winter getaways. However, it is quieter than Tahoe if your goal is to enjoy a more peaceful Winter Skiing trip.
Truckee in Nevada County
This is an area very popular with Skiers and snowboarders and other winter sports in California.
Incredibly, this region of the Golden State received just over 200 inches of snow every year and therefore ranks it as the snowiest city in the United States.
You wouldn’t think California would be the snowiest state, but the Sierra Nevada climate is what makes it so.
Lake Tahoe
Where can you find the most snow in California. This honor is yours, so get out your snowy mittens Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe receives approximately 215 inches of snow per annum a massive 18 feet. As you can see, snow at Lake Tahoe attracts many winter sports enthusiasts. The area has many snow resorts to accommodate the thousands of people who come here for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking along the beautiful lakeside trails.
Yosemite National Park
Such a popular area for climbers and free soloists. Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most visited. The park is overrun by mini camper enthusiasts and skoolies during climbing season, which runs from spring through late summer. Yosemite is the location of the famous Free Solo Climb of El Capitan.
Yosemite is one of the best places in California for snow during the winter months. California snow: Where is it? This is where I go during California’s winter. It is a great place to meet people who are interested in winter outdoor activities and to gather under the majestic mountains. Yosemite is stunning year-round because of the magic that exists where snow falls in California.
Sequoia National Park
Where does it snow in California? Sequoia National Park in California is a great place to see snow! Sequoia National Park should be a top choice for places to visit in California.
Sequoia’s vast forests and enormous trees are well-known. Imagine how magical this place can look in winter when snow covers the ground and tall trees.
Sequoia makes for a great skiing destination. The snow levels make it one of the most popular ski trails in California, if not the whole US.
The best time for snow in California, in particular Sequoia is from December to February,
The normal Winter season operates from December through May and so it’s perfect if you can’t manage to get away around Thanksgiving or the Holiday Season in December. Sequoia National Park is a wonderful place no matter the season. It is one of the most beautiful places in California to see snow.
Mammoth Lakes (Eastern Sierras)
Where does it snow in the Eastern Sierras area of California? Mammoth Lakes in winter is a wonderful place. This is a popular spot for winter vacations in California. The Mammoth Mountain Resort is the center of a vibrant Ski culture.
Mammoth lake caters for a lot of abilities and age groups. You don’t have to ski downhill around Tamarack. There is a magical Ice Rick called Mammoth Ice Rink. Here you can have great fun, then go out and enjoy the winter wonderland that comes alive at night when the lights reflect off the snowy buildings. Everyone is laughing and drinking with much merriment.
Mammoth Lakes is a favorite place to visit with loved ones and one of the best places in California where you can see buckets of snow.
Convict Lake (Mono County)
Convict Lake in Mono County is where can you find snow and have some peace and quiet at the same time. This is a beautiful natural area that you can retreat to on snowy California days.
Convict Lake can be found on the way to Mammoth Lake, so make sure to take a break and enjoy a peaceful walk along Convict Lake. Bring your snow shoes.
Mount Whitney
Still asking where does it snow in California? Is there another place? Mount Whitney, CA is a region with great snowfall. Although it is a mountain that can be climbed in the warmer months, it can be quite impressive during winter.
Mountain Whitney isn’t the area that gets the most snowfall, but it does get its share between December and February. Mount Whitney can still be climbed in winter. There are many routes that lead to the summit, each with different capabilities. Although the more difficult route is the best, the simpler ones are just as beautiful. The summit will not be covered in snow unless there is Snowmageddon, but it is worth the trek to see the whitened terrain below. Be sure to add Mount Whitney as a destination for a good hike in snow and frost whitened Californa.
Mt. Laguna (San Diego County)
If you’re living in San Diego, Mt. Laguna is the nearest place where snow can be seen. It’s a great place to see snow! It is only one hour drive from San Diego.
Mount Laguna, San Diego gets around 13 inches of snow per year. Although you won’t ski up there, it is a great place to spend a day with your kids. Laguna offers a variety of snow activities for children. California snow? It’s just a short distance from downtown San Diego.
Los Padres National Forest & Mount Pinos/Frazier Mountain
Within Ventura County, CA, Los Padres National Park is home to peaks such as Mount Pinos and Frazier Mountain. These peaks, among others, receive a lot of snowfall in winter. Mount Pinos is known to receive up to 7 feet of snow in winter.
If you are looking for where it snows in California, Los Padres National Park is the best place to start. It’s located just a short drive from Santa Barbara and is a place of incredible natural beauty. This park is a great spot to take a day trip to if you want to find snowy areas in California, without needing to travel on snowy roads to major resorts like Mammoth Lakes.
Los Padres will provide you with stunning views and forest hiking trails just a hop away from your home.
Mount San Jacinto, Palm Springs – The Big Surprise
Snow in Palm Springs? You must be kidding me right? Well, I kid you not.
When you think about Palm Springs, it’s a desert-like oasis in SoCal. It is therefore hard to believe that there shouldn’t be snow in this area. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can take you up to the top of Mount San Jacinto.
With an summit elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, Mount San Jacinto gets a hell of a lot of snow days up here. You can bring your snow gear, sleds, and warm jackets to the tramway and enjoy a day in Palm Springs.
Does it Snow in California
At this stage, if you read this far, you surely see that there are loads of places to see snow in California.
Many people from other parts of the world don’t know California. They think only of California when they think of California.
There are many places in California where people ski every winter. Is it possible to snow in California? Wonder no more. Enjoy your winter snow.
