Does It Snow in California? See Snowiest Places and Average Amounts

When people imagine California, they think of sunny beaches, long hikes in gorgeous mountains, and spotting celebrities in Hollywood. But the reality is that California is so much more than that. The state of California is a big state with close to 40 million people. The climates and geographies of the state are vast and diverse. So, does it snow in California? Yes, it snows in California. The snowiest places are located throughout the state where the elevation is higher and the temperatures are lower. The places where it snows the most are in the Sierra Nevadas and around Big Bear Lake. The snowy season starts around December and continues into March.

Let’s take a look at where most of the snow in California takes place, the average amounts, temperatures, and more.

Average Snow in California

The northern, mountainous regions of California get snow often. It is not common for cities to get snow unless they are towns or smaller cities in the mountains. The Lake Tahoe region can get between 300-500 inches of snow during the winter months.

In terms of monthly snow, the region can see upwards of 60 inches of snow each month. The table shows the average amount of snow Lake Tahoe can get during the winter months between December and March, as well as the spring months of April and May.

How Cold Does It Get in California?

The temperatures in California vary by region. The weather in Southern California is much hotter than in Northern California. Likewise, the weather in the coastal areas of the state is warmer than in the mountainous regions of California.

When it comes to average weather, the more snowy and colder areas like South Lake Tahoe will see temperatures ranging from 44 degrees Fahrenheit to 16 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months of December, January, and February. The city of Alturas located in the Shasta region of the state will see similar temperatures ranging from 48 degrees Fahrenheit to 18 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months.

Snowiest Places in California

The snowiest places in California are usually the more mountainous areas of the state. The Sierra Nevadas are famously very snowy and there are many places to explore and do fun activities in the snow. The Lake Tahoe area as well as places near Los Angeles that are more inland and more mountainous also get a lot of snow.

When it comes to the snowiest place in the state, the prize goes to Lassen National Park. The area can get as much as 660 inches of snow per winter season. The cities, unfortunately, seldom (if ever) get snow and if they do, it is recorded as an anomaly.

Wildlife in Snowy California

The reality of California is that it is vastly diverse. There are deserts, mountains, beaches, and everything in between. You can find animals in certain areas of the state that would be impossible to find in other places.

When it comes to the mountainous regions where it snows, California is very biodiverse. A lot of wildlife makes the California mountains home. Animals that live in these regions include the California mule deer, the mountain coyote, several species of bears, California mountain lions, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

If you happen to look up at the sky, you might spot American bald eagles or red-tailed hawks. In terms of flora, you will find several species of pines, oaks, and cedars.

Fun Snow Activities

The most popular places for snow in California are Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lake, Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Mount Shasta, and the Sierra Nevadas. All of these places have popular ski resorts where you can go out and do some fun snow activities before you end your day curled up with a good book in front of the fireplace.

The various ski resorts have everything so you don’t need to buy equipment. You can also ski, snow kite, snowboard, and even do snow angels. Lastly, there are also nature hikes you can take nearby where you can explore the wildlife in their natural habitats or take pictures of beautiful snowy landscapes. 

Conclusion

And there you have it, it does snow in California. The snow that occurs in California is not located in big cities. It seldom snows there. You’ll have to go to places where the elevation is higher and the temperatures are lower.

The mountainous regions of the state are your best bet to see snow in winter, such as the Sierra Nevadas and Big Bear Lake near Los Angeles. Before you trek to the mountains, you can always make a pit stop in a big city and enjoy the last moments of relative California sunshine.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock.com