Discover the Coldest Place in Mississippi

Written by Colby Maxwell
Updated: February 28, 2023
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Mississippi hit its coldest temperature ever at -19 degrees Fahrenheit on January 30, 1966, in Corinth. This record chill isn’t just the coldest in Mississippi but also the coldest in the Gulf Coast region.

Ever wondered what’s the coldest place in Mississippi?

This topic might not come up very often, given the state’s reputation for hot and muggy weather. However, there are some pretty chilly spots in Mississippi, particularly in the state’s north. This is because the higher elevation and distance from the Gulf of Mexico can lead to frigid temperatures.

Let’s explore the coldest place in Mississippi, including the coldest temperature ever recorded! We will also look at other interesting facts and information.

The Coldest Place in Mississippi

Corinth pinned on a map of Mississippi, USA

Corinth pinned on a map of Mississippi, USA.

©Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock.com

The coldest place in Mississippi is the city of Corinth, located in the northeastern part of the state. Corinth has an average January low temperature of just 28 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the coldest city in Mississippi.

Other locations in the north can reach similar temperatures (like Holly Springs). However, their average temps are just a few degrees warmer than in Corinth. The city is situated at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea level, likely contributing to its colder temperatures.

The Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Mississippi

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Mississippi was -19 degrees Fahrenheit. This occurred on January 30, 1966, in the town of Corinth. This temperature is not only the coldest ever recorded in Mississippi but also the coldest in the Gulf Coast region. This includes states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.

Even though the southern states are known for being warmer than the rest of the country, it can still get pretty nippy during certain parts of the year! In situations where record-breaking temperatures are recorded, the local infrastructure usually struggles to handle it. Indeed, they only have 86 snow plows for an entire state.

How Cold Winters Are in Mississippi

While Mississippi is known for its hot summers, the state experiences a fair amount of cold weather during the winter. In fact, the average low temperature in January, the coldest month of the year, is just above freezing at 34°F.

This means that many parts of the state experience freezing temperatures regularly during the winter. This seasonal change is normal for the eastern portion of the United States. It is often referred to as “seasonal extremes.”

If you live in Mississippi, you better have some light clothing for the summer, but make sure you don’t forget to add a winter coat to the mix, or you may be out of luck come winter!

The Role of Elevation in Mississippi’s Cold Weather

As we mentioned earlier, the coldest place in Mississippi is the city of Corinth, which is located at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea level. This elevation is relatively high for Mississippi, which is generally a low-lying state. The higher elevation in Corinth likely contributes to its colder temperatures, as colder air sinks to the ground in areas with higher elevation.

The coldest temperatures are usually recorded along these high points in states with large mountain ranges. Although Mississippi doesn’t have a range like the Blue Ridge or the Rockies, the further north and higher elevation locations do get a bit of the colder weather associated with those geological features.

Other Cold Places in Mississippi

While Corinth is the coldest city in Mississippi, it is not the only place in the state that experiences chilly temperatures. Other cold places in Mississippi include the city of Oxford, which has an average January low temperature of 29°F, and the town of Tupelo, which has an average January low temperature of 30°F.

These areas are also located in the northeastern part of the state, where the higher elevation and distance from the Gulf of Mexico can lead to colder temperatures.

Snow in Mississippi

Mississippi River flowing north near its source at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. This sign is at the fifth highway bridge over the Mississippi River after an early autumn snowfall.

Some of the snowiest cities in Mississippi include Corinth, Oxford, and Tupelo, which typically receive around 1-3 inches of snowfall each year.

©Edgar Lee Espe/Shutterstock.com

While it is not common for Mississippi to experience large amounts of snowfall, the state does receive some snowfall each year on average. According to various weather sources (Movingist, Current Results), the average annual snowfall in Mississippi is around 4 inches.

This snowfall is typically concentrated in the northern part of the state, where the higher elevation and distance from the Gulf of Mexico can create conditions that are more favorable for snowfall. Some of the snowiest cities in Mississippi include Corinth, Oxford, and Tupelo, which typically receive around 1-3 inches of snowfall each year.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Colby is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering outdoors, unique animal stories, and science news. Colby has been writing about science news and animals for five years and holds a bachelor's degree from SEU. A resident of NYC, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone about what birds he saw at his local birdfeeder.

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