Yep — Mt. Lemmon, Arizona overlooking Tucson, Arizona absolutely gets snow ❄️
Because it rises to about 9,157 feet (Mount Lemmon peak) in the Santa Catalina Mountains, it’s high enough to have a true winter climate, even though Tucson below is desert. There is a reason why we are considered the Sky Islands.
What snow on Mt. Lemmon is like
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Snow season: Typically December through March
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Heaviest snow: January–February
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Amount: Light dustings are common; major storms can dump several feet at higher elevations. Generally, every 1,000 feet you go up in elevation is a temperature drop of 3.5 degrees. This makes a big difference with snow amounts. During construction in 2021 we received almost 4 feet of snow from one storm.
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Lower elevations: May get snow or sleet occasionally, but it doesn’t last as long. Once the sun hits the snow on the road, it quickly melts.
- Running total for Winter 2025-2026 Snowfall Totals in Summerhaven, Arizona. Please keep in mind that Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley at about 1,000 feet higher in elevation receives significantly more snow. We will update these snow totals as we receive new snow!
- 2025-2026 Snow Season
February 19, 2026 – 2 inches
February 17, 2026 – 2 inches
February 14, 2026 – 2 inches
February 13, 2026 – 1 inch
January 25, 2026 – 2 inches
January 9, 2026 – 5 inches
January 7-8, 2026 – 8 inches
December 3, 2025 – less than 1 inch
November 23, 2025 – 2 inches
November 20, 2025 – 4 inches
2024-2025 Snow Season
April 4, 2025 – 1 inch
March 15, 2025 – 2 inches
March 14, 2025 – 2 inches
March 12, 2025 – 3 inches
March 7-8, 2025 – 8 inches
February 15, 2025 – 1 inch
January 29, 2025 – 3 inches
January 10, 2025 – 3 inches
November 17, 2024 – 1 inch
November 4, 2024 – 3 inches
2023-2024 Snow Season
April 6, 2024 – 1 inch
April 1, 2024 – 5 inches
March 23-25, 2024 – 9 inches
March 15, 2024 – 2 inches
March 8, 2024 – 4 inches
February 28, 2024 – 2 inches
February 10, 2024 – 5 inches
February 8-9, 2024 – 4 inches
February 7, 2024 – 13 inches
February 6, 2024 – 4 inches
February 1-2, 2024 – 11 inches
January 21-23, 2024 – 13 inches
January 7, 2024 – 3 inches
January 4, 2024 – 3 inches
December 23, 2023 – 1 inch
December 1, 2023 – 2 inches
November 25, 2023 – 1 inch
2022-2023 Snow Season
March 31, 2023 – 1 inch
March 1, 2023 – 12 inches
February 26, 2023 – 4 inches
February 21-23, 2023 – 13 inches
February 14, 2023 – 8 inches
February 13, 2023 – 3 inches
January 23, 2023 – 3 inches
January 15-17, 2023 – 21 inches
January 1-2, 2023 – 11 inches
December 28-29, 2022 – 6 inches
December 11-13, 2022 – 12 inches
November 3, 2022 – 1 inch
This was how the road up to Ski Valley looked during the spring of 2024 after multiple snowstorms in January and February.
What happens when it snows
- Ski Valley (near the top) often gets the most snow
- Catalina Highway may require chains or 4wd or be temporarily closed. To check the current road conditions, please call the Pima County Sheriffs Road Condition Hotline at (520) 351-3351. You can also reach out to our team using the chat feature at www.mtlemmonhotel.com
Fun Mt. Lemmon quirk
On the same winter day, you can build a snowman on Mt. Lemmon ☃️and then drive back down and have lunch in 70°F sunshine in Tucson 🌵
Why book a room when you can rent a cabin and get stuck in the snow at Mt. Lemmon Hotel?
Why Mt. Lemmon Hotel is the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Choosing Mt. Lemmon Hotel for your weekend getaway from the desert up into the mountains ensures a perfect blend of adventure with cooler weather, relaxation, and a unique experience in the heart of nature. Our private cabins provide the comfort and solitude needed for a rejuvenating break. The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities and delicious delights. Proud to be Tucson, Arizona’s cool escape from the heat.