Does it Snow in Midland Texas? Known as “The Tall City,” Midland is known for its landmarks and thriving arts community.
Warm temperatures, low humidity, and consistent sunshine characterize Midland, Texas’s dry-desert environment. Rainfall is extremely uncommon here.
However, many people also ask, “Does it snow in Midland, TX?” It seems unlikely considering its desert climate, but let’s find out more about it now.
Yes, it is possible to see snow in Midland, but it is only likely to happen in the winter months with snowfall not exceeding 2 inches.
More about the Climate of Midland Texas
The typical high temperature of Midland, Texas, in July, is roughly 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making the summers uncomfortable at best.
Temperatures drop to a more bearable low of 70 degrees at night. However, the winters are moderate, with average daytime highs of 61 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows of only 31 degrees Fahrenheit in January.
Here is more about the average temperatures in Midland, Texas:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. Temp | 45°F | 49°F | 57°F | 66°F | 74°F | 81°F | 83°F | 82°F | 75°F | 66°F | 54°F | 46°F |
Average High and Low Temperatures in Midland Texas
From May 14th to September 14th, when average high temperatures drop below 88°F, summer is the most prominent season in Midland.
With a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 72 degrees, July is clearly the warmest month of the year.
The cool season, on the other hand, lasts for 2.8 months (November 23–February 18), during which time average daily highs are below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here is about the average high and low temperatures throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. Low | 34°F | 38°F | 45°F | 53°F | 63°F | 70°F | 72°F | 71°F | 65°F | 55°F | 43°F | 36°F |
| Avg. High | 59°F | 65°F | 73°F | 81°F | 89°F | 94°F | 95°F | 94°F | 87°F | 78°F | 68°F | 60°F |
Fact: Average lows in January are around 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs around 59 degrees.
Other Aspects of Climate in Midland Texas
Midland, Texas receives a low amount of precipitation (14.9 inches per year).
Intense thunderstorms in late spring and early summer account for the majority of the annual precipitation total.
Here is about the rainfall in the area:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall | 0.5 inches | 0.6 inches | 0.7 inches | 0.9 inches | 1.7 inches | 1.8 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.6 inches | 2.1 inches | 1.5 inches | 0.8 inches | 0.6 inches |
Midland gets a lot of sunny days, with an astounding 266 or more sunny days per year.
Between June and August, this sun-kissed beauty is at its pinnacle. In contrast, winter and spring are characterized by sporadic cloudiness.
Fact: The average amount of rain falls in September, making it the wettest month.
Does It Snow in Midland Texas?
Midland, Texas does get snow occasionally, but it rarely amounts to more than a dusting.
In Midland, the annual average snowfall is about 2 inches, with measurable snowfall occurring for about 3 or 4 days.
Midland saw 13.5 inches of snow in 1918, the city’s all-time record for a single winter. Recent records show that the snowiest winter was 2011-2012, with a total of 12.1 inches.
So, while it does snow in Midland, it rarely amounts to much.
How Often Does It Snow in Midland Texas?
With about 2 inches of snowfall per year on average, winters in Midland, Texas are far from snowy.
Only three or four days per year often see significant snowfall in the area, reflecting the overall lack of snow.
Interestingly, despite Midland’s very low yearly snowfall average, the city periodically experiences significant snowfall.
History of Snowfall in Midland Texas
On January 9, 2012, Midland received a whopping 10.6 inches of snow, making it the site of the world’s greatest 24-hour snowfall on record.
Amazingly, the snow did not stop falling for three days straight, from January 9th to 11th, 2012, keeping the total accumulation at 10.6 inches.
These large snowfalls stand in stark contrast to the relatively light snow that often occurs in Midland; yet, the city’s snowiest winter on record occurred in 1992, when 12.1 inches of snow fell.
Though this does happen occasionally, Midland is still an area where snowfall is rare and, on average, does not accumulate to a significant depth.
When Will You See Snow in Midland Texas?
Although snowfall is possible in Midland, Texas, at any time between October and April, the most likely months for significant snowfall are December, January, and February.
Extremely elusive in October, you might only catch a glimpse of it if you are lucky. And it is not much through other winter months.
For instance:
- The typical snowfall in November is about half an inch.
- The average snowfall in the area is 1.4 inches in December.
- The average snowfall in January is 1.6 inches, making it the snowiest month.
- The average rainfall decreases to 0.7 inches in February.
As spring progresses, snow becomes less common. In most years, the amount of snowfall in March and April is negligible, amounting to a few flakes at most and never sticking around.
Where Can You See Snow in Midland Texas?
There are a number of factors to think about if you want to see snow in Midland, Texas.
To begin, the location of Midland on the western border of the Cap Rock Escarpment can increase the likelihood of snowfall due to the escarpment’s ability to store precipitation.
It is possible that somewhat elevated regions in the city’s northeast receive slightly more snow than those in the southwest, but the differences are not huge.
Northern and eastern areas, especially the High Plains where Lubbock is located, are more prone to severe snowfalls because of their higher elevations.
The city of Midland, Texas, receives an average of 4.3 inches of snow per season, although having had snowfalls of 10.6 inches in a single day in January 2012 and 12.8 inches in a month in February 1929.
Here is how the climate in Midland compares to the rest of the country:
| Weather | United States | Midland, Texas |
| Rainfall | 38.1 in. | 15.5 in. |
| Snowfall | 27.8 in. | 2.5 in. |
| Precipitation | 106.2 days | 42.2 days |
| Sunny | 205 days | 266 days |
| Avg. July High | 85.8° | 95.3° |
| Avg. Jan. Low | 21.7° | 31.2° |
| Elevation | 2443 ft. | 2779 ft. |
Fact: Midland receives a moderate amount of snow, with localized increases in accumulation more common in the city's northern and eastern suburbs.
Why Is Snowfall Rare in Midland Texas?
You may have gathered the fact that Midland does not receive a lot of snow throughout the year, but what could be the factors behind it?
Let’s find out now!
Geographic Location
Midland, Texas receives a comparatively small amount of snow due to the city’s location.
The semi-arid Permian Basin region, in which Midland is located, receives far less precipitation, including snowfall, than more northern and central places.
Because of its relatively low elevation—around 2779 feet—Midland rarely experiences severe winter storms and heavy snowfall that typically hit the central and northern Great Plains.
Also, at 32°N, Midland is located beyond the normal zone for frequent snowstorms in the winter in the central United States.
Fact: Midland receives less snow than more northern places due to a combination of circumstances, including its relatively mild climate and location.
Weather Patterns
Midland, Texas receives relatively little snow because of its climate patterns.
The Rocky Mountains provide a natural barrier for Midland, which keeps it safe from the worst of the winter weather that ravages other parts of the country.
Because of this shielding, winter storms that dump heavy snowfall on regions to the north and east are less likely to hit Midland.
Even though cold fronts occasionally bring brief periods of cold air from the north, they usually lack moisture by the time they reach Midland. This means that heavy snowfall is not as likely as it would be if the right conditions existed.
An Important Consideration
When snow does fall in Midland, it is usually a thin dusting that does not stick around for long.
Due to the abundance of sunshine and high daytime temperatures, any snow that does fall usually melts within a day or two.
Takeaway
Does it snow in Midland, Texas? Yes, the city experiences rare snowfall events. It is unlikely though because of its dry-desert climate.
Do not expect anything more than 2 inches of snow in most cases. The Rocky Mountains have a role to play in changing the amount of snowfall in the area.
But, the truth is that no matter when you decide to visit, you will always find something interesting to see in Midland, Texas.
