Los Angeles is well-known for its beautiful beaches and balmy weather—not for snow. But has it ever snowed in Los Angeles?
It is a fact that it has indeed snowed in Los Angeles in the past. The city is located west of the Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains, which act as a barrier for cold air from the Pacific Ocean. Since the elevation of Los Angeles is quite low, with most of it being at sea level, temperatures rarely go below freezing—creating the perfect conditions for snow to form.
The last time it snowed in Los Angeles was on January 3, 2020. The temperature dropped to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, causing snow to fall for the first time since 1962. Areas around the San Gabriel Mountains—such as Glendale, Pasadena, and San Fernando Valley—got the most coverage, with up to one inch of snow on the ground. Other parts of the city, such as Hollywood and Downtown LA, only experienced a few flurries.
It has also snowed in Los Angeles in the past. In 1932, snow was reported in the hills of LA, and in 1949, snow was recorded as far south as Long Beach. In January 1962, snowflakes were even seen in the city itself. More recently, in January 2007, LA had a brief snow flurry, and in December 2008, there was light snowfall in some parts of the city. However, these snowfall events are few and far between.
It’s interesting to note that Los Angeles has experienced snow in the past, but it is usually confined to areas at higher elevations. Since the city itself is located near sea level, snow is an infrequent and rare occurrence.
Has it ever snowed in Los Angeles? A Look at LA’s Rare Snowfall
Los Angeles is perhaps best known for its warm, sunny weather. But have you ever wondered if it has ever snowed in the City of Angels? Believe it or not, snow does sometimes occur in Los Angeles, though it is extremely rare.
The most recent snowfall in Los Angeles occurred on February 21, 2021. Though it was a light dusting, it still caused a flurry of excitement for Angelenos. The snow was only visible at the highest elevations in the area, such as Mount Wilson and Sandberg Peak.
The most remarkable snowfall in Los Angeles occurred in 1962, when up to two inches of snow blanketed the city. During that especially cold winter, some of the higher elevations in the region saw eight inches of snow. This was the most snowfall the city had seen in 80 years, since snowflakes were observed in downtown Los Angeles back in 1882.
Snowfall in Los Angeles is caused by cold air that mixes with moisture from the ocean. This combination can create snowflakes, especially in areas where the temperature drops below freezing. However, the odds of that happening in LA are low, since the city is located in a mild-climate zone.
Although snow is extremely rare in Los Angeles, there are other weather phenomena that can occur. These include hail storms, fog, heavy rain, and even thunder and lightning. The extreme weather can cause disruption in the city, so be sure to check the forecast before you head out!
While snowfall is extremely rare in Los Angeles, it does still occur from time to time. The most striking snowfall in recent history occurred in 1962, when two inches of snow blanketed the city. However, keep in mind that other extreme weather conditions can also occur in Los Angeles, so make sure to stay aware of the forecast.
The Surprising History of Snowfall in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city that is known for its sunshine and warm climate, but it is often surprising to find out that it has had snowfall in the past. The first recorded snowfall in Los Angeles happened as far back as 1882, and the most recent snowfall in the city was in 1962. While the city doesn’t get a lot of snow, it is possible for it to happen if the right conditions align.
The first recorded snowfall in Los Angeles happened on January 10th, 1882. It was a light snowfall that lasted for a few hours, and it was enough to cover the ground in a thin layer of snow. Since then, there have been several other light snowfalls recorded in the city. Some of these occurred in 1932, 1949, and 1962.
The snowfall that happened in 1932 was the most significant to date. It was a much heavier snowfall than what had been previously recorded, and it lasted for several hours. It was enough to cover the ground in several inches of snow, and some areas even got up to eight inches of accumulation.
The most recent snowfall in Los Angeles happened on January 22, 1962. This snowfall was light, and it only lasted for a few hours. The snow accumulation was not very significant, and most of it melted away within a few hours.
Snowfall in Los Angeles is not common, but it is possible if the right conditions align. In order for it to snow in the city, the temperature must be below freezing, and there must be a low-pressure system in place that brings moisture to the area.
It is a rare occurrence, but snowfall in Los Angeles is not unheard of. The city has experienced snowfall in the past, and while it is not common, it is possible for it to happen again.
| Year | Snowfall |
|---|---|
| 1882 | Light Snowfall |
| 1932 | Heavier Snowfall |
| 1949 | Light Snowfall |
| 1962 | Light Snowfall |
If you’re looking to experience snowfall in Los Angeles, your best bet is to wait for the right conditions to align. While the city doesn’t get snow often, it is possible for it to happen if the temperature is below freezing and there is a low-pressure system in place.
Yes, it has snowed in Los Angeles multiple times.
The most recent snowfall in Los Angeles occurred on February 28th, 2019.
The most recent snowfall in Los Angeles was light, with an estimated 0.2 inches of accumulation.
No, snowfalls in Los Angeles are not common, as the average annual snowfall is less than one inch.
The record for most snowfall in Los Angeles is 8.2 inches, which was set in 1932.
The first recorded snowfall in Los Angeles occurred in 1882.
Snowfalls typically occur in Los Angeles during the winter months of December, January, and February.
The coldest months in Los Angeles are usually January and February, although snowfalls remain rare.
Yes, snowfall is more common in other parts of California such as the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
No, it does not snow in Los Angeles in the summer, as snowfalls are only recorded in the winter months.