Well, lets get straight to the point – does it snow in Spokane Washington?
Yes, it does snow in Spokane, WA, and the snowfall can be heavy. On average, Spokane sees 44 inches of snowfall per year.
This post explores about Spokane, looking at how winter is like in the city. We also look at what you can do if you are visiting, or if you are spending your first winter here as a new resident.
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Does It Snow In Spokane Washington?
Yes, Spokane gets snow.
In fact, if you’ve ever asked yourself, does it snow in Spokane, Washington? brace yourself—it’s more than a dusting.
Spokane winters mean thick blankets of snow that make downtown look like a Hallmark movie set.
On average, Spokane sees 44 inches of snowfall per year. That’s no joke.
During the coldest months, December and January, the city transforms into a snowy wonderland.
You’ll see fresh snow glittering by 6 a.m., just as street crews plow arterials to keep the morning commute from becoming a slip-and-slide.
So why does Spokane get so much snow? It’s all about geography.
The city sits in the Inland Northwest, where Pacific storms collide with colder, drier air from Canada. This creates the perfect recipe for snowstorms.
Spokane’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains also plays a role.
The Rocky Mountains block warmer Pacific air, forcing it upward and cooling it enough to dump heavy snow throughout the Spokane area.
This “rain shadow effect” means Spokane often gets more snow than wetter coastal cities like Seattle.
How Much Snowfall Does Spokane Get Usually?
Spokane’s annual snowfall averages about 44 inches, but some years it feels like Mother Nature overachieves.
In 2008, the city hit an epic record with 97 inches of snow. That’s over eight feet! People still talk about that winter like it’s Spokane’s version of a war story.
Meanwhile, in 2015, we barely saw 17 inches all winter—a reminder that winters here like to keep you guessing.
Spokane usually gets the most snow between December and January. During the snowiest stretches, the total can hit 17 inches in just a few days.
It piles up fast, and street crews work around the clock to keep major roads and train tracks passable. If you are travelling to Spokane from Seattle, you’ll be fine.
If you’re planning to visit Spokane during the winter months, expect snowy days and cold in the air.
The snow often sticks around until late February, with icy mornings and stunning snowy landscapes throughout Spokane County.
Fresh snow on the ground glistens under the cloudy skies, making for perfect photo ops—even if you’re just headed to the grocery store.
How Is Winter Like In Spokane?
Winter in Spokane is like stepping into a snow globe—but with more shoveling and fewer singing carolers.
Does it snow in Spokane, Washington? Absolutely. And that snow changes daily life in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Mornings often start with a familiar routine:
- brushing snow off the car,
- scraping ice off the windshield, and
- timing your commute to beat the street plows.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch them early and have a smooth drive. If not, expect slow-moving lines of cars inching their way across icy roads.
For locals, snow doesn’t cancel plans—it just makes them more interesting. Parents bundle their kids in layers for school runs, knowing recess means epic snowball fights.
Coffee shops stay packed with people thawing out over hot drinks after navigating downtown Spokane’s snowy streets.
Grocery stores get busy whenever the forecast hints at a storm. It’s practically a winter tradition to grab extras “just in case.”:
- hot cocoa,
- canned soup, and
- firewood.
Neighbors often help each other clear driveways after heavy snowfalls. Community life in Spokane thrives, even when the snow piles up.
Winter also means playtime. Many residents head to nearby ski resorts or go ice skating at Riverfront Park.
On quieter days, you’ll see cross-country skiers gliding through neighborhood trails or families building snowmen in their front yards.
Things To Do In Spokane During Winter
One good thing is that the local life in Spokane does not die, even when the city is deep in the snow.
Here’s some things to do in Spokane during winter, be it if you are visiting, or if you are a local resident.
Riverfront Park: Start your adventure at Riverfront Park. When the ice ribbon opens, you’ll glide through twists and turns that’ll make you feel like a kid again—except this time, hot cocoa waits at the end.
Skiing at Mt. Spokane: This is a must. You’re only 40 minutes away from fresh powder and epic views. Insider tip: hit Lodge One for their breakfast burritos before you shred the slopes.
Riverside State Park: If skiing isn’t your thing, rent a fat-tire bike and cruise Riverside State Park’s snowy trails. It’s quiet, stunning, and weirdly thrilling to bike through snow. Just bring gloves—you’ll thank me later.
Sledding: For a more low-key thrill, check out sledding at Polly Judd Park or Lincoln Park. The hills here are steep enough for a good rush but still family-friendly.
Spokane’s winter farmers market: Located downtown, this is a hidden gem. Locals sell spiced cider, handmade wool mittens, and artisan pastries. Snag a croissant as flaky as the snowflakes falling around you.
Watch Some Concerts: Need some post-snow warmth? The Spokane Symphony’s holiday concerts at the Fox Theater are magical. Enjoy the art deco ambiance paired with live orchestral music.
Manito Park: The Japanese Garden there gets under a blanket of snow, it feels like stepping into a postcard, complete with snow-covered bridges and peaceful, frozen ponds.
Bowling & Burger: For quirky fun, hit the Garland District for some vintage bowling at Garland Bowl and grab a burger at Ferguson’s Cafe—an old-school diner that’s pure nostalgia.
Indaba Coffee: Spokane has many great coffee shops. You can start with Indaba Coffee. Their lavender lattes and cozy vibes feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to people-watching.
Bars: If coffee ain’t your thing, theres plenty of bars in Spokane, offering alcoholic drinks that will warm your body, and melt your blues away.
Yes, it snows in Spokane. But the real magic isn’t in the flakes—it’s in the experiences you’ll discover when you embrace winter here.
Winter In Spokane, WA: Still Enjoyable
So, does it snow in Spokane Washington? Yup, and heavy. Spokane’s winters offer a unique blend of scenic beauty and seasonal charm, with consistent snowfall making it ideal for winter activities.
Whether you’re visiting or settling in, understanding Spokane’s winter weather helps you prepare for the season.
Embrace the cold and enjoy the magic that winter brings to Washington’s Inland Northwest!
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