Yes, it snows in Arkansas. Most of the time, we just get a dusting of snow and there isn’t usually enough to build a snowman. The average yearly snowfall in Little Rock, Arkansas is about 4 inches.
However, every once in a while, we get thrown a curve ball. The February of 2021 was one of those crazy curve balls.
On Valentine’s Day, a massive cold front rolled into Arkansas bringing snow with it. The snowfall at our house in Central Arkansas totaled 11 inches. We built huge snowmen, a snow fort, and an igloo for our bunnies that live in our woods.
It was absolutely beautiful.
Snow in Arkansas
According to the National Weather Service, the snow depth in Little Rock, Arkansas on February 18, 2021 was 15 inches. It was the largest snowfall I have seen in my lifetime. During that time, the temperature also dipped down to -1 degrees Fahrenheit.
It was a winter storm for the record books!
It was a nice break from the usual ice storms we usually get.
Arkansas snow falls by region
Because of the diverse terrain and regions in Arkansas, temperatures and snowfall can vary widely throughout the state.
Arkansas is divided into 5-6 regions depending on who you ask. They are: the Ozark Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains, Central Arkansas, the Coastal Plain (Southern Arkansas), and the Mississippi Delta in Eastern Arkansas.
Each region can be widely different when it comes to weather events.
Let’s talk about exactly where snow falls in Arkansas.
Where Does It Snow In Arkansas?
You’ll usually see the largest snowfalls in Northwest Arkansas where Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale are located. Fayetteville averages 7 inches of snow per year.
Snow generally falls in small amounts throughout the winter; Little Rock sees about 5 inches in a season. More snow falls farther northwest and in the higher elevations of the Ozarks, while in the southeast, the precipitation is more apt to fall as rain. -source
When I was in college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, we got more snow fall because the U of A is in Northwest Arkansas and at a higher elevation than my hometown in Central Arkansas.
We’re always jealous over the snowfall in Northwest Arkansas!
The lowest snowfall totals are always in Southern Arkansas. For example, the average snowfall total in Hope, Arkansas (the boyhood home of Bill Clinton) is only 3 inches and that doesn’t all come at one time.
Arkansas does get snow
For all of you snow lovers, Arkansas does get snow. If you want the most snow, move to higher elevations in Northern Arkansas and the high regions of the Ozark Mountains. It’s still no guarantee but it’s more likely.
As you can see from above, even though the higher elevations in Arkansas get more snow than other regions of the state, it’s still not much.
If you would rather stay away from all the “white stuff”, Southern Arkansas would be a safer bet. In fact, Southern Arkansas has some of the best places for winter camping in Arkansas.
Once again, there is no guarantee though because Arkansas weather can be quite unpredictable! Just enjoy the ride.
Also, don’t miss this: 6 [EXCITING] Things to Do on a Snow Day in Arkansas that you’ll love
Snow at my House in Arkansas
Some people like snow and some people don’t. Some people enjoy it as long as it doesn’t last too long while others could sit and watch it fall for weeks as long as they have a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Personally, I’m that second variety of person. I could watch it fall for weeks.
Every Winter, my husband and I sit down to watch a few Hallmark Christmas movies and wish we had big snows that are often depicted in those movies!
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