5 Shocking Facts About Snow In Houston: The January 2025 Storm That Changed Everything And The 2025-2026 Winter Forecast

Few weather phenomena capture the imagination of Houstonians quite like the sight of snow. For residents of the Bayou City, a region defined by its humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, accumulating snowfall is a truly rare, almost mythical event. As of today, December 10, 2025, the city is once again preparing for the possibility of winter weather, but the memories of the most recent significant snow day are still incredibly fresh, having occurred just last January.

The quest for a "snow day" in Houston is a cultural phenomenon, fueled by the city's long history of trace amounts and a few legendary, record-breaking storms. While most winters pass with nothing more than brief flurries, the meteorological conditions occasionally align to deliver a magical, yet disruptive, blanket of white—a rarity that makes each event a generational memory and a major news story across Southeast Texas.

The Last Time It Snowed in Houston: Winter Storm Enzo (January 2025)

For years, the infamous February 2021 winter storm (often associated with Winter Storm Uri) was the most recent, and most destructive, major winter weather event. However, a more recent and less icy event now holds the title of the last significant snowfall in the Houston area, making the information about snow in the city incredibly current and unique.

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The most recent accumulating snowfall occurred on January 21, 2025, during a storm that was locally dubbed "Winter Storm Enzo."

This event stands out in Houston's history for two major reasons:

• Significant Accumulation: Unlike many snow events that deliver only a trace amount, Winter Storm Enzo brought up to six inches of snow to parts of the Houston area.
• "Fluffy, Non-Icy" Snow: Crucially, the snow that fell was described as "fluffy" and "non-icy," which mitigated the immediate hazardous driving conditions that plagued the 2021 storm. Despite the lack of ice, the significant accumulation still led to widespread school closures, including the Houston Independent School District (HISD), giving children and adults a true, memorable snow day.

Prior to this January 2025 event, the last truly widespread and memorable event was the winter storm of February 15, 2021, which was characterized by a dangerous mix of ice buildup and snow.

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Houston's Snow Rarity: The Meteorological Mystery

The question of "Why doesn't it snow in Houston?" is one of the most common questions asked by newcomers and even longtime residents. The answer lies in the city’s unique geographical and meteorological position.

The Humid Subtropical Climate Factor

Houston operates under a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), meaning it experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. For snow to accumulate, two primary conditions must be met: sufficient moisture and freezing temperatures (32°F or 0°C) from the cloud base all the way to the ground.

The problem is the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf is a massive heat sink that moderates winter temperatures in Southeast Texas. While a powerful arctic air mass can push temperatures below freezing, the cold air often dries out as it travels south, or the lower atmosphere remains just warm enough to melt the snow before it reaches the ground, resulting in rain or sleet instead of fluffy snow.

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For a snow event to occur, a perfect and rare alignment is needed: a strong, deep-reaching cold front (Arctic air) must combine with a low-pressure system (moisture) tracking far enough south and west to draw Gulf moisture back over the freezing air mass.

Historical Snow Events: The Legendary Blizzards of the Past

While snow is rare—occurring in measurable amounts only once every two to three years on average—Houston has a history of truly significant, record-setting snowstorms that remain etched in local lore.

• The 1895 Great Blizzard: This legendary storm holds the record for the largest single-event snowfall in Texas history. While official Houston totals vary, the storm brought widespread, heavy snow to the entire region, setting a benchmark for all subsequent winter events.
• The Record Snowfall of 1960: The official one-day snowfall record for Houston was set on February 12, 1960, when 4.4 inches of snow accumulated. This Valentine’s Day-adjacent storm remains the figure to beat for any future winter weather.
• The Early Snow of 2008: On December 10, 2008, Houston experienced a significant 1.4 inches of snowfall, notable for its early-season timing.
• Trace Amounts vs. Accumulation: It is important to note the difference between "trace amounts" and "accumulating snow." Trace amounts, which are brief flurries or ice buildup that quickly melts, happen much more frequently, often once a year. Measurable, accumulating snow is the true rarity.

The 2025-2026 Winter Outlook: Will Houston See Snow Again?

With the calendar now in December 2025, the focus shifts to the current winter season. The forecasts for the 2025-2026 winter present a fascinating contrast, creating uncertainty and excitement among Houstonians.

National Weather Service (NWS) Prediction

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has released its 2025–2026 winter outlook, which suggests a season that will feel milder than usual for the Houston area. This outlook is often influenced by global climate patterns like La Niña, though the specific impact on Southeast Texas snow is always a complex interaction of factors.

Farmers' Almanac Prediction

In contrast, the Farmers' Almanac, using its long-standing formula, has predicted a potentially colder and wetter winter for the Texas and Southern Plains region. Their outlook suggests the possibility of icy rain and cold snaps, which, while not a direct snow forecast, increases the chances for the necessary freezing conditions.

The conflicting predictions mean that while a widespread snow day like the one in January 2025 is never guaranteed, the meteorological ingredients for a winter weather event—a combination of cold and moisture—are certainly on the table for the 2025-2026 season. Houstonians should remain prepared for the possibility of a Winter Weather Advisory, especially during the coldest periods in January and February.