If you live in some of the hottest parts of the United States, then you know that summer can last from May through October. It’s just a fact of life in those parts. That makes heading out of town to a cooler spot not just a vacation, but a necessity to keep your sanity during the hot summer.
And when you want to cool off, what better place than to hit a spot with a bit of snow? For instance, while it still can routinely hit 100-plus degrees in some parts of the country during September (we’re looking at you, Texas), it can also routinely snow in other parts of the nation.
That means nearly year-round — including during the dog days of summer — you can leave whenever you are and find a place to cool off… maybe even with snow.
Below, we’ve rounded up nearly a dozen places where you can head if you want to find snow. The data comes from a recent article from Weather.com highlighting spots in America that receive September snow and local weather data. Given how early in the season these spots see snow, you can also expect them to have snow later in the year — providing nearly year-round coverage of the white stuff.
Towns With Snow Nearly All Year
Lander, WY
According to Weather.com, Lander see average September snow of 2.8″ annually, although that’s skewed by a massive 33″ of snow it received in September of 1982. Meanwhile, nearly every month (with the exception of July and August) normally see at least some snow.
Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne is located in the southeastern part of Wyoming, just about 10 miles north of the Colorado border. It’s the state capital, and home to about 65,000 people. It consistently snows from October through April, but it’s not uncommon for every month except for July and August see at least some days with snowfall.
Helena, MT
Another state capital, Helena is in the heart of Montana — also known as “Big Sky Country.” According to Weather.com, the city has seen 29 Septembers with at least one inch of snow since 1880. It even averages about a third of an inch of snow in August! Visitors wanting to explore the area will love the beauty of the national forests and being about halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
Great Falls, MT
Great Falls is the third-largest city in Montana, sitting right along the Missouri River in the center of the state. Every month except July averages at least some snowfall. In total, Great Falls receives more than 60 inches of snow annually, making the area an ideal place to search if you’re looking for a break from the heat elsewhere in the country.
East Glacier, MT
As you would expect from from it’s name, East Glacier sits right at the edge of Glacier National Park, one of the most famous parks in the country. The jumping-off-point to the park is small — fewer than 1,000 folks call it home — and nearly one-mile high. Of course, that elevation means it’s a snowy place. The town average nearly 2″ of snow each September, when much of the rest of the nation is still baking in the heat of summer.
Colorado Springs, CO
Home to the United States Air Force Academy, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain and more, Colorado Springs is a popular place for year-round tourism. If you’re interested in snow and cold weather, the city see snows on average every month of the year except during the three summer months. Even then, highs average in the lower 80s, with lows in the 50s. That’s downright chilly to those living in the southern United States.
Denver, CO
The Mile-High City has grown quickly, and what’s not to love. It sits at the foot of mountains, has a thriving brew culture, tons of outdoor activities, and a generally cool vibe that makes it a ton of fun to visit. If you want snow on your trip, then visit between September and May (that’s nine months out of the year), during which the city gets its nearly five feet of annual snowfall. According to Weather.com, the city even received 16 inches of snow in September of 1984.
Red River, NM
Almost anyone who visits Red River in New Mexico falls in love. A resort town in the Taos County, it averages snowfall for every month except August. Meanwhile, at more than 8,000 feet in elevation, high temps never get higher than an average in the mid-70s during the peak of summer. Of course, there is plenty of skiing and a number of hotels and resorts for you to rest up between runs down the mountain.
Crested Butte, CO
Want snow? A lot of snow? Crested Butte fits the bill. The average year sees about 200 inches of snowfall; that’s more than 16 feet of snow. At nearly 9,000 feet in elevation, the Colorado ski resort town is a favorite of people looking to escape the heat and hit the slopes. Even at the peak of summer lows dip into the 30s. That’s cold any time of year, but especially during July or August.
Estes Park, CO
An idyllic mountain town about an hour and a half from Denver, Estes Park is the gateway to the famous Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is known for the many elk that call it home (including resting in the medians of the roadways). It’s also famous as a cool respite. Even if there is no snow in the town, a 20-minute drive into the national park can quickly put you in the middle of the white stuff, even during the summer.
Mt. Washington, NH
Known as one of the windiest places on the planet, Mount Washington is also pretty darn chilly. A favorite among skiers, the summer on the mountain (around 6,300 feet) rarely sees high temperatures of greater than the mid-50s. Meanwhile, there is snow on average every single month except July. In fact, Mount Washington receives a staggering 280 inches of snow annually — that’s more than 23 feet. Maybe that’s why there are several ski slopes in the area.
Have another favorite spot that gets snow nearly year-round? Let us know in the comments below.
