Discover the Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Arizona

Written by Colby Maxwell
Updated: April 12, 2023
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Arizona is well-known for being one of the hottest places in the United States. A huge portion of the state is hot, sandy desert only suitable for the hardiest animals, but this climate isn’t impervious to lower temperatures. In fact, there are portions of Arizona that can get downright cold! Today, we are going to discover the coldest temperature ever recorded in Arizona, plus learn a bit about the weather in the state overall. Let’s get started.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Arizona was -40°F.

The Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Arizona

On January 7th, 1971, the National Weather Service recorded the lowest temperature ever in Arizona. The temperature, recorded at the Hawley Lake observation station located in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona, was -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature is a record low for the state. It serves as a reminder of the extreme temperature fluctuations that can occur in desert regions, despite their reputation for warmth.

One reason these areas can get so cold has a lot to do with elevation. Generally speaking, the higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures can drop. The mountainous regions of Arizona can get quite frigid, especially during winter.

Where Is the Coldest Place in Arizona?

During January, Flagstaff has highs of only 42°F and regular lows of around 15°F.

©KBPhotoAZ/Shutterstock.com

Surprisingly, there are a lot of cold places in Arizona. One of the most well-known places is the city of Flagstaff. Flagstaff has been keeping weather records for over 120 years, and the record doesn’t lie: Flagstaff is downright cold! During January, for example, Flagstaff has highs of only 42°F and regular lows of around 15°F. On many nights, the temps can dip well below freezing and into the negatives when certain weather patterns move through.

Four primary regions experience the coldest weather in Arizona. These locations are the Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon County, White Mountains, and the Navajo Nation. Plenty of towns, cities, and national parks lie within these regions, revealing just how much of Arizona can be impacted by cold weather. Aside from Flagstaff, some other chilly places in Arizona include Happy Jack, Grand Canyon Village, Jacob Lake, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Kayenta.

The Extreme Weather of Arizona

The highest recorded temperature reached a staggering 128°F on June 29, 1994, at Lake Havasu.

©iStock.com/wingedwolf

Arizona is home to some extreme weather, with temperature fluctuations that can range from scorching hot to freezing cold. The state’s low desert regions are known for their intense heat. The highest recorded temperature reached a staggering 128°F on June 29, 1994, at Lake Havasu. Contrasting this with the lowest temperature of -40°F reveals the drastic temperature fluctuations in the state.

The weather is seasonal in many parts of Arizona, even if it doesn’t resemble standard seasons that frequent the majority of the nation. The early summer is the driest. This can be dangerous for anyone outside since dehydration is a serious threat. As the season changes, however, humidity increases, and massive floods and storms can sweep across the state. The prime time for these storms is from July to September, after which the temperatures are quite enjoyable.

During these intense periods of heat, a trip up to the high elevations of the state brings quick relief. In some cases, the temperature decreases by 5.5°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation. In places like the White Mountains, where the elevation gain is roughly 7,000-8,500 feet, the total temperature drop can easily be around 44°F. This means even if it’s a scorching 100°F in the desert, it could be a cool 56°F in the mountains!

Can It Snow in Arizona?

As crazy as it sounds, it can snow in Arizona, and it does every year in the Sonoran Desert. This desert is slightly above sea level, while most of the remaining area is above an elevation of 5,000 feet. Areas around Pheonix and lower regions may see occasional snowfall with just an inch accumulating on the ground. However, in higher elevations, one can experience anywhere from 6 to over 35 inches of snow.

On average, Arizona receives 4.76 inches of snow a year, with the higher portions carrying most of this average.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Monica Lara/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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