Does it snow in Arkansas? Yes, it absolutely does snow in Arkansas.
However, Arkansas is not the kind of place where you can book a January vacation and expect to build a snowman. Some winters bring several rounds of snow and ice. Other years, we barely see more than a few flurries.
Arkansas is in that unpredictable part of the country where it can be sunny and 60 degrees one day and sleeting the next. Arkansas winter weather enjoys keeping us humble. We like to say that you know you live in Arkansas when you experience all four seasons in one day.
So, how much snow does Arkansas get, when and where is it most likely to fall and what should you expect if you are visiting during the winter?
Let’s talk about it.
How Often Does It Snow in Arkansas?
Most areas of Arkansas receive at least a little snow from time to time, but measurable snowfall does not happen regularly throughout the winter or even every winter.
We have what our weather people call snow events. There may be several snow events one year and almost none the next.
Arkansas goes weeks without a flake and then receives most of its seasonal snow in one or two “events.”
When Does It Typically Snow In Arkansas?
No matter where you live in the state, most Arkansas snow falls during December, January, February and March.
Let me tell you, those March snowfalls can really catch you off guard.
My freshman college dorm in Searcy, Arkansas had a rooftop that we would go up on to tan. One beautiful March day it was in the 70s and we were all lying out on the roof in our bikinis. The next day it dumped about 8 inches of snow and we were all playing outside wearing heavy coats and sunburns.
Which Part of Arkansas Gets the Most Snow?
According to the National Weather Service, average annual snowfall ranges from less than an inch in southeastern Arkansas to more than a foot in portions of northwestern Arkansas.
That is a pretty big difference for a relatively small state!
The greatest chance of snow is generally in northern and northwestern Arkansas, especially in the higher elevations of the Ozark Mountains.
Places such as Fayetteville, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Jasper and Mountain Home tend to have a better chance of seeing snow than Pine Bluff, Texarkana or towns in southern Arkansas.
It’s hit or miss where I live in Central Arkansas.
Elevation matters too. A mountaintop may receive several inches of snow while a nearby valley gets rain, sleet or very little accumulation.
The National Weather Service has even adjusted some of its winter weather forecast zones in Arkansas because higher terrain within the same county can receive significantly more snow and ice than lower elevations.
Although northern Arkansas receives more snow on average, it is still not a guaranteed snow destination. Fayetteville’s normal annual snowfall is only about 6.5 inches, and the amount changes dramatically from year to year.
If seeing snow is the entire purpose of your trip, Arkansas is not a good choice.
If you are already planning a winter trip and snow happens to arrive while you are here, consider it a bonus.
Does It Snow In Little Rock?
Yes, it snows in Little Rock.
Central Arkansas usually receives less snow than the northern part of the state. We may go through an entire winter with only flurries or a light dusting.
Then, every so often, a larger storm comes along and reminds us that Arkansas is capable of producing real winter weather.
In February 2021, a major winter storm brought more than 11 inches in a single day. I’ll never forget how beautiful it was! And best of all, we didn’t lose power!
Most of the time, though, Little Rock snow arrives in much smaller amounts.
Does Arkansas Ever Have A White Christmas?
Rarely, but it has happened!
Little Rock received more than 10 inches of snow during a Christmas storm in 2012. It actually started Christmas evening, but we still count it as a white Christmas!
Bentonville had snow on December 23 and 24 in 2009 which meant there was still snow on the ground on the 25th.
There was also a major, historic Christmas storm in Little Rock in 2000. But this one…y’all, this one was a doozy. Anyone who was living in Central and southern Arkansas at the time will never forget it…and that brings us to the real problem with winter in Arkansas.
Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain in Arkansas (AKA: Ice Storms)
Snow gets all the attention because it is pretty, but ice, ice is what Arkansans dread.
Arkansas winter storms often include a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Sometimes the type of precipitation changes several times during the same storm.
Northern Arkansas may receive snow while central Arkansas gets sleet and southern Arkansas gets cold rain or freezing rain. A very small difference in temperature can completely change what falls from the sky.
Sleet can accumulate on roads and make them slick, but freezing rain is more damaging. Freezing rain falls as liquid and then freezes into ice on everything it touches.
So let’s go back to that ice storm on Christmas in 2000. The freezing rain started Christmas Day in the afternoon.
We left our Christmas celebration at my mother’s house early so that we could make it home before the roads got too bad. We had to pull over and walk the last bit because our vehicle wouldn’t make it up the hills. But we made it in the house, breathed an initial sigh of relief, relaxed for about 10 minutes…then the power went out…and stayed out for the next 9 days.
And we were some of the lucky ones.
So, we Arkansans may joke about shutting down the state for an inch of snow, but sometimes the roads are not covered in fluffy snow at all. They are covered in ice.
You cannot simply channel your inner Minnesotan and drive on ice. Ice does not care where you are from.
Is it True that Everything Closes Down When it Snows?
It is sorta true. Nonessential businesses and especially schools will often close for even a dusting of snow.
Sometimes the threat of snow is enough for schools to close, depending on the timing, location and expected road conditions.
I’m sure that most adults who grew up in Arkansas remember watching the list of school closings scroll across the bottom of the TV screen and cheering when theirs appeared.
Why do things shut down? Because we don’t have the same snow-removal equipment as states that deal with heavy snow every winter!
I will say this though, the last few snows here in Little Rock the road crews have done an excellent job of salting ahead of time and staying on top of things.
Do Southerners Really Run Out For Milk and Bread Before a Snow?
Ummm, yes. Is that a problem?
Actually we do. It’s because our storms are so unpredictable. You never know how long you will be iced in or if you are going to lose power. You gotta be prepared!
Is It ever Warm in Arkansas in the Winter?
Yes!
To me that’s the saving grace of winter in Arkansas. There will be a mix of overcast days, cold days, rainy days, and then…we get these glorious sunny mild winter days. We honestly have a little of everything.
January is the coldest month in Little Rock and the average high is around 50 degrees! Of course that’s an average – we have some frigid days, but we also have some 60 degree days.
What About Driving in Arkansas in the Winter?
Most winter days are perfectly fine for traveling around Arkansas.
However, if it does snow, travel can become difficult very quickly!
Mountain roads, bridges, overpasses and shaded rural highways are often the first places to become slick. Some scenic roads are steep and winding, which is not a particularly charming combination when ice is involved.
Before driving during or immediately after a winter storm, always check the road conditions. I use IDrive Arkansas. The road map shows whether highways are clear or affected by snow, slush or ice.
Honestly, if roads are icy, the best thing you can do is just stay where you are. Make some cocoa. Light the fireplace. Read a book. Admire the snow from the window.
There is no scenic overlook in Arkansas worth sliding into a ditch for.
Is Arkansas Worth Visiting in the Winter?
Absolutely!
Most winter trips will not be interrupted by a major snow or ice storm, but always check the forecast before traveling.
Winter is actually my favorite season for hiking, especially on clear days when the leaves are off the trees and the views seem to go on forever. There are fewer bugs, fewer crowds and no summer humidity trying to melt you into the trail.
If we have had a few days in a row of freezing temperatures (which doesn’t happen very often) then I recommend trying to see a frozen waterfall. It’s a glorious sight! We have a list of some easy waterfall hikes that might work if the timing is right.
Winter is also a great time to stay in a treehouse cabin, or perhaps a cabin with a hot tub. You can also visit Hot Springs with fewer crowds. Or hang out in some of the bigger cities like Little Rock or Bentonville.
For a complete comparison of every season, see our guide to the best time to visit Arkansas.
Snow is not a regular part of an Arkansas winter. It is an event. Sometimes a big event…and sometimes a non-event.
Plan to have fun in Arkansas in the winter, but keep an eye on the forecast and do take snow and ice warnings seriously.
Most Beautiful Places in Arkansas When it Does Snow
A few places that are especially beautiful when snow does fall are Mount Magazine State Park, Eureka Springs, Petit Jean State Park, the Ozarks and the Buffalo National River area.
Now listen, y’all, I am NOT suggesting that you run out on the roads to see these places when it starts snowing. But if you just happen to be there, you are in for a treat!
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow in Arkansas
Does Arkansas get a lot of snow?
No. Arkansas does not receive large or dependable amounts of snow. Northern and higher-elevation areas generally receive more than central and southern Arkansas.
What month does it snow in Arkansas?
Snow is most likely between December and March, with January and February generally offering the best chances.
Does it snow in the Ozark Mountains?
Yes. The Ozark Mountains are among the most likely areas of Arkansas to receive snow, particularly in northern and northwestern Arkansas and at higher elevations.
Does it snow in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Yes, but measurable snow is not common. Hot Springs is more likely to experience occasional light snow, sleet or freezing rain than consistent winter snowfall.
Does it snow in Northwest Arkansas?
Yes. Northwest Arkansas generally receives more snow than the rest of the state. Even there, snowfall varies greatly from year to year and is not guaranteed.
Does Arkansas have white Christmases?
Occasionally, but they are rare. Snow on Christmas Day is not something visitors should expect when planning an Arkansas holiday trip.
Is Arkansas safe to visit during the winter?
Most winter days are perfectly safe for travel. When snow or freezing rain is forecast, monitor road conditions closely and avoid driving until roads have been treated and conditions improve.
Does It Snow in Arkansas? The Final Answer
Yes, Arkansas gets snow, especially in the northern part of the state and in the higher mountains, but it does not happen consistently enough to guarantee a snowy winter vacation.
Some years bring only a few flurries. Other years bring storms that cover much of the state and close schools, roads and businesses.
That uncertainty is part of winter in Arkansas. Many of us have watched a forecast promise several inches of snow, only to wake up to cold rain.
We have all been hurt before.
But when the rain really does change to snow and brings that quiet beauty to the Natural State…It’s pretty magical.
At least until the power goes out.
