Do you feel like your city gets pummeled by winter weather? Unless you live in one of these snowy cities, you probably have it easy.
The snowiest city in the US is Rochester, New York, which gets over eight feet per year. Buffalo, New York, is a close second, with nearly the same amount.
Here are the snowiest cities in the U.S., along with their average annual snowfall in inches:
1. Rochester, NY: Snow Lovers’ Paradise with 99.5 Inches Annually
Considered one of the snowiest cities in the country, Rochester, NY, deserves to be at the top of our list. Even though its average is closer to 90 inches than the 99.5 stipulated above, this is still a very substantial amount of snowfall compared to other cities in the country. Being part of the Great Lakes snowbelt is one of the main reasons Rochester, NY, receives such high annual snowfall.
2. Buffalo, NY: A Winter Wonderland with 94.7 Inches of Snow
Buffalo, NY, typically receives about 94.7 to 100 inches of snow per year. Keep in mind that the 94.7 inches of snow mentioned is the average annual snowfall for the city, not a single-event total. As a matter of fact, the highest cumulative snowfall for a single year was an astounding 200 inches in the winter of 1976-1977. This goes a long way in showing why Buffalo, NY, is considered one of the snowiest cities in the US.
3. Snowfall Spotlight: Cleveland, Ohio, Sees 68.1 Inches Each Year
With an average total of 68.1 inches of snowfall per year, it goes without saying that Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the snowiest major cities in the entire USA. This is all because of the lake-effect snow the city receives due to its proximity to Lake Erie. When cold air moves across the relatively warm waters of Lake Erie, it picks up moisture. As soon as it hits land, the now-warm, moist air cools and releases its moisture as heavy snow. This is the main reason why Cleveland, Ohio, gets record snowfall every year.
4. Snowfall Spotlight: Salt Lake City, UT Gets 56.2 Inches Annually
Compared to the top three cities, the 56.2 average inches of snowfall that Salt Lake City, UT, gets each year does not seem like much. But do not be fooled, compared to other major cities in the country, this is still a highly significant amount of snowfall. The highest cumulative snowfall ever recorded in Salt Lake, Utah, was a whopping 108.3 inches, which occurred during the winter of 1996. Considering these facts, it is easy to see why Salt Lake City, Utah, deserves to be on this list.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Snowy Charm: 54 Inches
Averaging approximately 54 inches of snow annually, Minneapolis, Minnesota, experiences significant snowfall when winter comes. The substantial amount of snowfall the city receives is not only characteristic of the region’s climate but also speaks directly to its widely renowned “snowy charm.” The people of Minnesota do not simply hunker down and wait for the snow to pass. They dress appropriately and prepare to enjoy the season. In this city, winter presents a unique time for local celebrations. For instance, the World Snow Sculpting Championships are held yearly in nearby Stillwater.
6. Denver, CO: A Winter Wonderland with 53.8 Inches of Snow
Denver typically experiences an average of 53.8 inches of snowfall per year. The heaviest snowfalls in Denver commonly occur during March, April, and December. One reason the 54 inches of snowfall Denver usually sees would not be considered a “winter wonderland” is that the city is known for its sunny days and mild winters, despite significant snow events. This means that despite heavy snowfall, harsh winters in the town never last, as the snow often melts quickly on many clear days.
7. Experience Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Snowy Charm: 46.9 Inches
Based on the 1991-2000 climate records, Milwaukee averages 46.9 inches of snowfall per year. If you are looking for a winter wonderland full of charm, then this is the city for you. As the saying goes, “Milwaukee’s charm hits different.” From its frosted streets to its icy lakes, Milwaukee is the perfect winter wonderland for those looking to enjoy the season. With an average snowfall of 47 inches and temperatures ranging from lows in the teens to highs around the low 30s, this is the perfect place for those looking to have some fun in the winter.
8. Boston, MA: A Winter Wonderland with 43.8 Inches of Snow
Boston, MA, usually experiences an average of 43.8 inches of snow during the winter. While this might sound like a little less snow compared to the other cities discussed earlier, know that it is quite a significant amount. It is essential to understand that Boston winters are usually snowy, icy, and rainy. The city usually experiences highly irregular weather patterns during the winter. This is why Boston winters are characterized by far less consistent snow cover and are not as cold as the cities mentioned above.
9. Detroit, Michigan, Gets 42.7 Inches of Snow Each Year
Detroit, Michigan, usually receives an average of 42.7 inches of snow every year. It is essential to note that this is significantly lower than in other cities in the state closer to Lake Michigan. Located far from Lake Michigan (283 miles), Detroit does not experience lake-effect snow, which occurs when a city is close to a large body of water. However, understand that its annual snowfall is still very considerable. Snowfall varies season by season in this city. For instance, in the winter of 2008, a record 82 inches of snow fell. However, in 2024, the town recorded a low of 28.7 inches of snowfall.
10. Pittsburgh, PA: A Winter Wonderland with 41.9 Inches of Snow
Pittsburgh, PA, typically gets an average of 41.9 inches of snowfall every winter. While individual seasons can vary, a consistently high average snowfall helps create the superb ‘winter wonderland’ scenes the city is renowned for. Referencing the 1991-2000 climate data report, January is usually the snowiest month in Pittsburgh. The winter with the most snowfall in the city’s history was 1950-1951, when a record 80 inches fell. Subsequently, the lowest amount of snow ever recorded in Pittsburgh was an average of 8.8 inches, recorded in 1918 – 1919.
11. Hartford, CT: A Winter Wonderland with 40.5 Inches of Snow
Speaking of winter wonderlands, Hartford, CT, is another perfect city for snow lovers. The city is known for its brisk and snowy winters. With an average snowfall of about 40.5 inches, Hartford has all the conditions needed to create a perfect wonderland in the winter. However, according to a recent 30-year average weather report for the city, snowfall typically ranges from 48 to 51.7 inches per year. Putting this fact into account, a single winter season averaging 40.5 inches of snow is quite substantial but not necessarily a record winter snowfall in Hartford.
12. Experience Chicago, Illinois’ Snowy Charm: 36.7 Inches
The average annual snowfall in Chicago is approximately 36.7 inches. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city experiences significant lake-effect snow due to its proximity to the lake. January is usually the snowiest month of the winter, averaging about 11.3 inches of snowfall. It is essential to keep in mind that the amount of snow that is received each winter in Chicago can vary dramatically. For instance, according to the 1991 – 2000 climate records, snowfall totals have ranged from 9.8 inches (1920 – 1921) to 90 inches (1978 – 1979).
13. Providence, Rhode Island, Gets 33.8 Inches of Snow Each Year
In Rhode Island, only Providence County and Western Kent County receive the most snowfall each year, compared to other coastal regions, such as Washington County. The average annual snowfall in Providence, Rhode Island, is approximately 33.8 inches. Typically, winters in Providence are characterized by ice, blizzards, snow, or periods of freezing temperatures. Keep in mind that winter conditions vary significantly from year to year. A recent winter had a seasonal total of only 8.1 inches of snowfall, which was 63 percent below average at that point of the season.
14. Columbus, OH: A Winter Wonderland with 27.5 Inches of Snow
The average amount of snow experienced in Columbus, Ohio, in a single winter is about 27.5 inches. While this clearly indicates that the winters in Columbus are never that severe, this average is enough to create a perfect winter wonderland. January and February are usually the snowiest months each winter, each averaging about 9.5 inches and 7.6 inches of snowfall, respectively. The highest seasonal snowfall ever recorded in Columbus was 56.4 inches, which occurred in the winter of 2013-2014. Subsequently, the most snow to ever fall in a single day was 15.5 inches, recorded on March 8, 2008.
15. Indianapolis, IN: A Winter Wonderland with 25.9 Inches of Snow
According to data from the 1991-2000 climate study, Indianapolis, IN, typically receives 25.9 inches of snow on average each winter. However, other sources cite a historical average closer to 25.5 inches of snow. On average, most of the snow falls in December and January. Even though snowfall is a typical winter characteristic of the area, snow usually arrives in small, intermittent events that melt quickly. In this city, winters are typically cold and wet, with a mix of snow, sleet, rain, and ice.
16. New York, NY: Snow Lovers’ Paradise with 25.1 Inches Annually
New York typically receives approximately 25.1 inches of snow per year during the winter season. Snowfalls in the city usually enhance the area’s and its surroundings’ beauty tremendously. The perception of New York City as a “snow lover’s paradise” largely stems from the aesthetic transformation of the city’s landmarks, such as Central Park, by the intense snowfalls that the city experiences during the winter. The winter of 1995-96 holds the record for the most snow ever to fall on the city, with an average of about 75.6 inches…