The 10 Snowiest Cities in the U.S., Ranked

Key takeaways Syracuse, Watertown, and Auburn – all in New York – are the snowiest cities in the U.S., seeing over 100” of snow in a typical year. A majority of America’s snowiest cities are located on the eastern shores of the Great Lakes, where Lake Effect snow is common. Cold and snowy winters are becoming less of a guarantee, but preparing for severe weather is still important, especially if you’re a new resident. Some people prefer sunny weather, while others love the rain. However, there’s something uniquely enchanting about snow. Every year across the U.S., snow blankets homes in a pillowy layer, quieting city sounds and often signaling the start of the holiday season. In recent years, though, winter snow hasn’t been a guarantee. The winter of 2023 – 2024 became known as the “Lost Winter” to many in the Midwest and East Coast, while 2025–2026 brought a similar lack of snow to much of the Western U.S. Still, snow remains a fact of life across a lot of the country, and some cities see far more than others, transforming into winter wonderlands for weeks or months on end. But which cities see the most snow? If you’re considering moving to a new area but aren’t sure where to choo...