Miami, Florida is best known for its sunny days, balmy weather, and beautiful beaches. So it may come as a shock to some to learn that Miami has seen snowfall at least once in its history. And it wasn’t just a fluke, either: there was enough snow to make a snowman.
The event occurred on January 19, 1977. It was the only recorded snowfall in Miami’s history. Snow flurries were reported in the morning, with temperatures in the mid-30s (Fahrenheit). By the afternoon, snow had accumulated on the ground. The snow was light and didn’t stick, but it was still enough to make a snowman. The snowfall lasted only a few hours, and melted away as the temperatures warmed later in the day.
The snowfall was so rare — and so unexpected — that it made international news. People from around the world were eager to know how snow had managed to fall in the subtropics.
In reality, Miami’s snowfall wasn’t so unusual. It was caused by a cold front that had pushed south from Canada. The front brought with it cold air, low humidity, and precipitation; the combination was just right for snowfall.
The rare event was also just enough to make it into the record books. According to the National Weather Service, the 1977 snowfall was the only time in Miami’s history that snow has been recorded. It is also the only recorded snowfall in the entire state of Florida.
So while it is possible for Miami to experience snow, it is extremely rare. There have been a few reports of snow flurries since 1977, but nothing that has stuck to the ground. And while the probability of snow in Miami is low, it is always possible, especially when cold air meets warm waters.
Is It Possible for Miami to Have Snow?
It may surprise some people to learn that snow has been reported in Miami on five known occasions – but only once since 1977. The most recent snowfall in Miami was in 1977, the other snow reported in Miami was on February 9th, 1899. In total, there have been five known occurrences of snow in Miami.
Snow is typically associated with cold temperatures, but for Miami, temperatures are typically too warm for snow. The temperatures necessary for snow to fall are 28°F or lower, and Miami rarely reaches temperatures that low. The average high temperature for Miami in the months of December, January and February are in the 70s and 80s – far too warm for snow.
Though it is rare, it is possible for snow to fall in Miami when temperatures drop low enough. In order for snow to fall in Miami, a combination of cold air and humid air must form. This is less common in the Southern United States, making snow in Miami even more rare. The cold air must be dry enough to allow snowflakes to form and strong, high winds are necessary for the snow to reach ground level. Low and humid air does not allow snowflakes to form, so snow cannot fall under those conditions.
Snow is an unlikely occurrence in Miami, but it does happen, and it has happened in the past. The lack of snowfall in Miami is a result of temperature and humidity conditions, but it is possible for these conditions to change and bring snow to the city.
The table below shows the five known occurrences of snow in Miami.
| Date | Year |
|---|---|
| February 9 | 1899 |
| January 19 | 1917 |
| January 20 | 1922 |
| January 19 | 1977 |
| February 2 | 1977 |
The Rare Occurrences of Snow in Miami, Florida
It may come as a surprise to many, but snow has indeed made its way to Miami, Florida – albeit extremely rarely. The city, which is well known for its tropical climate, is situated on the Southeast coast of the U.S., and yet, it has experienced snowfall a handful of times in its history. The average temperature in Miami is around 78°F (25.5°C) throughout the year, and the temperature rarely drops below the freezing point.
The first recorded snowfall in Miami occurred in January of 1977. The event was so rare that local residents were quite surprised and made the most of it. This snowfall was followed by a second event that occurred almost exactly two years later, on January 19th, 1979. This second event was slightly more significant, with the snow falling at a deeper level and bringing more surprises to the locals.
The most recent event of snowfall in Miami occurred in January of 2020. This event was much more significant than the earlier occurrences. It was so rare that it was the first time in history that snow had been recorded at Miami Beach. The snowfall was light and lasted for about 15 minutes, but it still brought a great surprise to the locals and visitors alike.
The occurrence of snow in Miami is such a rare event that there is no data available on its frequency or likelihood. However, based on the past occurrences, it is safe to assume that the chances of this phenomenon happening again are very slim. Nevertheless, it is still worth noting that it is indeed possible for snow to occur in Miami, although the chances remain very slim.
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| First recorded snowfall | 1977 |
| Second recorded snowfall | 1979 |
| Most recent recorded snowfall | 2020 |
It is clear from the above table that snow in Miami is an extremely rare phenomenon. The chances of snow occurring in Miami remain very slim, but it is possible for it to occur. While the chances of snow occurring remain low, it is still worth noting that it is possible for this phenomenon to occur.
Yes, Miami has had snow on rare occasions.
Snow in Miami is extremely rare.
Most Miami residents do not often get to experience snow and so appreciate it when it does arrive.
The last time Miami had snow was in 1977.
Snow in Miami has a limited impact since it is so rare and usually melts quickly.
Miami usually gets less than an inch of snow when it does occur.
Most of the time, Miami does not need to take any actions to handle snow.
It usually requires temperate air and a cold front in order for snow to be seen in Miami.
You can find pictures and videos of Miami snow on various platforms on the internet.
It is important to take extra caution if you are driving in the snow in Miami due to the lack of experience with this type of weather.