So, you're checking the window or the weather app, wondering: is it snowing in Flagstaff AZ right now?
If you're looking at the sky today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the short answer is no. Honestly, it's actually pretty gorgeous out there. We’re seeing temperatures hovering around 50°F to 55°F under mostly sunny skies. While the "City of Seven Wonders" is famous for its massive winter dumps, today is more of a light-jacket-and-sunglasses kind of day.
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But that's the thing about Flagstaff. It's tricky.
People come up from Phoenix expecting a frozen tundra only to find a dry, dusty town. Or they visit for a "nice autumn hike" and end up stuck on I-17 because a sudden blizzard just dumped 14 inches of powder in four hours. Flagstaff isn't just high—it sits at nearly 7,000 feet—it's temperamental.
The Reality of Flagstaff Snow Right Now
While it isn't actively snowing today, the ground isn't exactly bare. If you head up toward the San Francisco Peaks or the Arizona Snowbowl, you’re going to find a decent base. As of this week, Snowbowl is reporting a season total of around 85 inches, with a base depth of roughly 34 inches.
Basically, the "snow" is there, it's just not currently falling from the clouds.
Last week, between January 7th and 9th, a solid winter storm rolled through. Most parts of town saw a few inches, while higher elevations like Fort Valley and the mountain itself got hit much harder. That’s why the ski lifts are running and the trails are mostly open. But down in the historic downtown area near Route 66, much of that has melted into slush or vanished under the 2026 January sun.
Current Forecast at a Glance
- Today (Jan 14): Sunny. High 51°F, Low 31°F. No snow.
- Tomorrow (Jan 15): Even warmer. High 54°F. Still no flakes.
- The Weekend: We might see some clouds roll in by Sunday, but the chance of precipitation is sitting low at around 10%.
Why Everyone Gets Flagstaff Weather Wrong
Most travelers see "Arizona" and think "Saguaro cacti."
Flagstaff is a different planet compared to Tucson or Phoenix. It’s one of the snowiest incorporated cities in the United States, often out-snowing places like Denver or Salt Lake City. But because the sun is so intense at this altitude, the snow doesn't always stick around on the sidewalks like it does in the Midwest.
You'll see a foot of snow on Monday and clear asphalt by Wednesday. This creates a false sense of security for drivers.
Pro Tip: Just because it’s 50 degrees today doesn't mean the roads are clear tonight. As soon as that sun drops behind the ponderosa pines, the melt-water turns into "black ice." It’s the invisible nightmare of Northern Arizona driving.
Where to Find the Best Snow (When it’s Not Falling)
If you’ve driven up specifically to play in the white stuff and find the town looks a bit dry, don't panic. You just have to gain a little altitude.
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Arizona Snowbowl
This is the big one. Even when the city is dry, Snowbowl uses state-of-the-art snowmaking to keep the runs alive. If you want to ski or snowboard, this is your destination. Just be prepared for the "Snowbowl Road" traffic—it can be a literal parking lot on weekends.
Flagstaff Snow Park at Fort Tuthill
For families who just want to tube or build a snowman, this is usually the go-to. They do a great job of preserving the snow they have, even during these warmer "Bluebird" days we’re having right now.
Arizona Nordic Village
If you prefer cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, head north on Highway 180. Because it’s tucked into a "snow pocket" of the Peaks, it stays colder and holds onto the natural powder much longer than the rest of Coconino County.
How to Prepare for a Flagstaff Winter Trip
Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Flagstaff office reports before you leave. They are, hands down, the most accurate source for this specific region. Apps like AccuWeather are okay, but the NWS guys understand the "orographic lift"—the way the mountains literally suck moisture out of the air to create localized blizzards.
- Check the ADOT Cameras: Go to az511.gov. If it is snowing, you need to see if I-17 is restricted.
- Pack Layers: Seriously. You’ll be sweating in a t-shirt at noon and shivering in a parka by 5:00 PM.
- Tire Chains or 4WD: If a storm is actually in the forecast, the police will often stop 2WD vehicles at the base of the mountain. Don't be that person blocking the road.
- Hydrate: The air here is incredibly dry. You’ll feel the altitude much more if you aren't chugging water.
Actionable Next Steps
Since it’s not snowing today, use the clear weather to your advantage. It’s a perfect time to visit the Lowell Observatory or walk around the Museum of Northern Arizona without worrying about a blizzard.
If you are dead-set on seeing fresh flakes, keep an eye on the long-range models for the end of January. Historically, the last week of January and the first two weeks of February are when Flagstaff gets its most "biblical" snowstorms.
Current Status: Clear skies, open roads, and plenty of "old snow" left on the mountain for skiing. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts—in Flagstaff, the next storm is always just one pressure drop away.