Top 10 “Warm” U.S. States That Are Surprisingly Freezing in Winter
In the U.S. most people think of year-round warmth in certain states, especially in the South and Southwest. It’s a common misconception, one that is often shocking to visitors and even locals when winter rolls around. Sometimes, a place gets its name because it has insanely hot summers, but that does not mean the following January you won’t need a thick snow coat.
You’ve probably fallen victim to postcard-perfect palm trees and sunshine. The truth is, though, that winter doesn’t leave these places untouched. Here’s a breakdown of some of the warmest states, some of which can—and do—leave you shivering in colder months.
Arizona
You might think of cacti and endless heat when you think of Arizona, but the desert vibes won’t fool you. With regular snowfall and temperatures well below freezing, high-altitude cities such as Flagstaff become winter wonderlands. In fact, Flagstaff gets 90 inches of snow a year—more than most Northeastern cities! It’s not even Phoenix, where blazing summers can still dip into the 30s in the winter morning.
New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its vibrant culture and sunny skies, but what’s not well known is that the state also holds a wintertime secret. Frigid temperatures and lots of snowfall occur in northern areas, especially Santa Fe and Taos. Elevation and Arctic cold fronts combine to make temperatures frequently plummet to single digits. If you go skiing in Taos or stroll through Santa Fe in January, you’ll wish you brought more layers.
Georgia
Winters in Georgia may be a little chilly. Though known for its humid summers, Atlanta is not immune to freezing temperatures, or even snow. To cite one, the city was clobbered by a massive snowstorm in 2014 and traffic froze, literally. Thousands of cars were stuck for hours on highways that had become parking lots, a reminder that Georgia can get downright frosty.
Nevada
If you think of Nevada, you probably think of Las Vegas, with its neon lights and sizzling heat. Nonetheless, this desert state freezes respectively in winter. Snow is common in Reno and other high-altitude regions, as well as subfreezing temperatures. December and January can bring chilly mornings in the 30s even out in Las Vegas. If you’re going to be on the Strip in the winter, pack a coat!
Florida
The “Sunshine State” of Florida is one associated with Disney trips, sandy beaches, and eternal summer. But even paradise gets its cold snaps. Cities such as Tallahassee and Jacksonville in Northern Florida usually freeze overnight during winter. In January 2018, a cold front brought temperatures as low as 26°F—hardly flip-flop weather! The usually balmy Orlando sometimes goes below 40°F, leaving tourists and locals scrambling for jackets.
Texas
Famed for its blistering summers and cowboy culture, Texas doesn’t get a reprieve from winter’s icy grip. South Texas remains relatively mild while Central and North Texas take some serious cold. For example, winter storms and temperatures of 20°F or less are possible in Dallas and Fort Worth. Do you remember the brutal freeze of February 2021? Snow and ice blanketed the state, knocking out power for millions and proving that Texas winters are every bit as fierce as its summers.
Louisiana
While Louisiana’s swamps and Mardi Gras may scream “warm weather,” winters can be a punch in the gut. For example, New Orleans is often seeing temperatures in the 30s or 40s at night. Snow is rare, but it can feel much chillier with cold rain and biting winds. The Big Easy suffered its coldest day in over two decades in January 2014, when temperatures plummeted to 19 degrees.
Mississippi
Magnolias and autumn in Mississippi can sometimes deliver a most surprising winter. Temperatures in the northern parts of the state frequently fall below freezing. Areas even further south, such as Jackson, have been stunned by snowfalls. Frost-covered lawns are often found on January mornings, and it’s not unusual to find pipes freezing in homes that are not prepared for the cold.
Alabama
Another Southern state, Alabama, also has a not-so-warm winter surprise. Summers are hot and humid, but winter ranges from frost to freezing rain to snow. For example, Birmingham averages around 1-2 inches of snow per year, but more extreme cold snaps have brought more. The state experienced a rare ‘snowpocalypse’ in January 2014 with drivers stranded and residents digging out after icy roads.
South Carolina
Sunny beaches and charming coastal towns of South Carolina could benefit from winter—often a different tale is told. Charleston and Myrtle Beach tend to remain mild, but inland places such as Greenville and Columbia can get freezing. Snowfall is rare, but Arctic air masses occasionally sweep through, and parts of the state can be blanketed. Charleston had 5 inches of snow in 2018, making it an unusual winter wonderland.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
