The state with the snowiest Christmas in the U.S. is Michigan, boasting a 36% chance of snowfall on December 25th.
Conversely, the state with the least snowy Christmas is Hawaii, with a 0% chance of snowfall on December 25th.
Alaska records the highest median snow depth in the U.S., at 11.71 inches.
Minneapolis, Minnesota has a 77% chance of having at least an inch of snow on the ground for Christmas.
As the holiday season approaches, the desire for a picturesque white Christmas grows stronger. Snow transforms the holiday atmosphere, enhancing the joy of cozy evenings by the fireplace with hot cocoa in hand while watching snowflakes drift down.
If you’re dreaming of a snow-covered Christmas rather than just a traditional celebration, consider visiting one of these states.
Utilizing weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we computed the likelihood of experiencing a snowy Christmas, leading us to highlight these states. While snow is never guaranteed, your chances are significantly higher here than in other parts of the country.
Since the prospect of a white Christmas is enticing, we also included a section on cold-weather jobs that you might find appealing. Check it out below!
How We Determined This
We analyzed weather data from NOAA to identify states with the highest likelihood of a snowy Christmas.
NOAA employs three decades of climatological averages, including temperatures, snowfall patterns, and temperature variances, among other critical metrics.
All weather station data was averaged to calculate each state’s snowfall probability. Locations with unavailable data were assigned a zero probability.
Although we didn’t factor in snow quantity for our rankings, we explored the median snow depth for a fun comparison, revealing that some states can expect impressive snowfalls!
1. Michigan
Probability of Snowfall: 36%
Median of Snow Depth: 5.65 inches
Snowiest Station: Bergland Dam
Michigan offers the best chance for a white Christmas. With a 36% probability of snowfall on December 25, you can say goodbye to a dull green holiday.
The snow amounts are sufficient for winter activities like snowball fights and sledding. Are you ready to build a snowman?
2. Vermont
Probability of Snowfall: 32%
Median of Snow Depth: 6.27 inches
Snowiest Station: Mt. Mansfield
For those seeking snow, Vermont is an ideal destination. With a 32% chance of snowfall, you can expect some snow on Christmas Day.
With 6.27 inches predicted, you might even have a visit from Frosty! Don’t miss out on the snowy splendor at Mt. Mansfield.
3. Alaska
Probability of Snowfall: 30%
Median of Snow Depth: 11.72 inches
Snowiest Station: Haines 40 NW
Alaska is a well-known contender for snowy holidays, with a 30% chance of snowfall on Christmas Day.
Just be prepared for the potential of 11.72 inches of snow to accumulate!
4. New York
Probability of Snowfall: 29%
Median of Snow Depth: 4.48 inches
Snowiest Station: Newcomb
New York is a festive destination, especially with its iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice skating rinks.
With a 29% chance of a white Christmas, you might walk through 4.48 inches of snow if you’re lucky!
5. New Hampshire
Probability of Snowfall: 27%
Median of Snow Depth: 5.66 inches
Snowiest Station: First Connecticut Lake
New Hampshire ranks fifth for snowy Christmases, with a 27% chance of snowfall and an expected 5.66 inches. A great spot for a winter wonderland!
6. Maine
Probability of Snowfall: 25%
Median of Snow Depth: 6.58 inches
Snowiest Station: Eustis
If a white Christmas is your dream, consider a trip to Eustis, Maine, the snowiest station in the state.
However, anywhere in Maine offers a 25% probability of snow on December 25!
7. Idaho
Probability of Snowfall: 24%
Median of Snow Depth: 6.35 inches
Snowiest Station: Dixie
Idaho ranks seventh for the best chances of a white Christmas, with a 24% probability of waking up to snow flurries on Christmas morning.
8. Minnesota
Probability of Snowfall: 21%
Median of Snow Depth: 5.60 inches
Snowiest Station: Littlefork 10 SW
On December 25, Minnesota is no stranger to snow, with a 21% probability and the potential for 5.6 inches!
9. Wisconsin
Probability of Snowfall: 21%
Median of Snow Depth: 5.18 inches
Snowiest Station: Rainbow RSVR Tomah
Wisconsin consistently delivers snow each year. Expect the possibility of 21% chance of snow on Christmas Day, with a median depth of 5.18 inches for some festive fun!
10. Montana
Probability of Snowfall: 19%
Median of Snow Depth: 4.37 inches
Snowiest Station: Cooke City 2 W
Montana is your last best chance for a white Christmas, with a 19% probability of experiencing snowfall on this magical day.
Brrr, It’s Cold in Here
As promised, we compiled a list of perfect jobs for those who love the winter season.
Whether you want to spend your days outdoors or enjoy everything winter has to offer, these jobs are ideal for you.
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Ski Lodge Employee
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Polar Oceanographer
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Avalanche Forecaster
Thinking about these jobs brings a chill! We hope you stay warm out there!
Dreaming of a White Christmas
From Vermont, where the classic film “White Christmas” was filmed, to New York with its iconic Christmas tree, there are countless reasons to visit these states during the holiday season.
Perhaps the most compelling reason is the likelihood of a white Christmas. The holiday feels incomplete without a fresh blanket of snow.
The table below provides detailed insights into which states are likely to enjoy a white Christmas and which ones won’t (we’re looking at you, Florida).
| Rank | State | Probability Of Snowfall | Median Of Snow Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 35.6% | 5.65 inches |
| 2 | Vermont | 32.2% | 6.26 inches |
| 3 | Alaska | 29.6% | 11.71 inches |
| 4 | New York | 29.3% | 4.48 inches |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 27.1% | 5.65 inches |
| 6 | Maine | 24.6% | 6.57 inches |
| 7 | Idaho | 24.0% | 6.35 inches |
| 8 | Minnesota | 21.4% | 5.6 inches |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 21.4% | 5.18 inches |
| 10 | Montana | 19.3% | 4.37 inches |
| 11 | North Dakota | 18.6% | 4.5 inches |
| 12 | Wyoming | 18.2% | 4.96 inches |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 17.9% | 2.82 inches |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 16.3% | 3.91 inches |
| 15 | West Virginia | 15.9% | 2.38 inches |
| 16 | Colorado | 15.8% | 4.31 inches |
| 17 | Ohio | 15.3% | 2.22 inches |
| 18 | Connecticut | 15.2% | 3.41 inches |
| 19 | Utah | 14.5% | 4.51 inches |
| 20 | Iowa | 14.3% | 3.93 inches |
| 21 | Indiana | 13.5% | 2.54 inches |
| 22 | South Dakota | 13.2% | 4.03 inches |
| 23 | Rhode Island | 12.8% | 2.8 inches |
| 24 | Illinois | 11.4% | 2.83 inches |
| 25 | Washington | 11.0% | 2.79 inches |
| 26 | Nebraska | 10.2% | 3.20 inches |
| 27 | Oregon | 7.8% | 2.44 inches |
| 28 | Nevada | 7.6% | 1.84 inches |
| 29 | Maryland | 7.4% | 1.44 inches |
| 30 | New Jersey | 7.0% | 1.76 inches |
| 31 | Kansas | 6.8% | 2.04 inches |
| 32 | Missouri | 6.4% | 2.03 inches |
| 33 | New Mexico | 6.2% | 1.10 inches |
| 34 | Kentucky | 5.2% | 0.40 inches |
| 35 | Virginia | 5.1% | 0.93 inches |
| 36 | Delaware | 4.0% | 0 inches |
| 37 | Oklahoma | 2.8% | 0.24 inches |
| 38 | Tennessee | 2.6% | 0.04 inches |
| 39 | North Carolina | 2.0% | 0.13 inches |
| 40 | Arizona | 2.0% | 0.45 inches |
| 41 | California | 1.7% | 0.69 inches |
| 42 | Arkansas | 1.6% | 0.06 inches |
| 43 | Texas | 0.9% | 0.05 inches |
| 44 | South Carolina | 0.4% | 0 inches |
| 45 | Mississippi | 0.4% | 0 inches |
| 46 | Alabama | 0.3% | 0 inches |
| 47 | Georgia | 0.3% | 0 inches |
| 48 | Louisiana | 0.1% | 0 inches |
| 49 | Florida | 0.0% | 0 inches |
| 50 | Hawaii | 0.0% | 0 inches |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
