11 Coldest Places to Spend Winter in Arizona

Arizona has a reputation for hot weather. In the summer, the Phoenix metropolitan area typically breaks nationwide records for its soaring heat, with average highs around 105°F. It's not unusual to see temperatures reaching 114°F or hotter.

READ: How to Survive Winter in Arizona. Hint: It's Not That Hard!

With press like that, it's hard to imagine Arizona—or any part of our state—under a blanket of snow. That's the thing about Arizona—it's nothing if not diverse. Our majestic mountains feature higher elevations, and those heights invite lower winter temperatures.

It's not unusual for Arizona to see the earliest winter snowfall in the nation. Last year, in fact, Flagstaff broke records for the most snowfall in the nation.

READ: How To Survive an Arizona Winter

Even if you don't live in the more mountainous regions of the Grand Canyon State, odds are good that you're not more than a few hours' drive from the snow in the winter months.

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If You Like Snow but Hate the Hassle, Arizona is the State for You

Getting socked under winter weather can be a drag, especially if you live in one of our colder states. Prairie states like Illinois and Minnesota can be covered in feet of snow, and with temperatures in negative numbers, the cold, blustery weather can last for months.

That is why I prefer Arizona. Our family can pack a lunch, drive to the mountains, enjoy a day of snowman-making, snowball fights, and sledding, and then return home to more reasonable temperatures.

Or, I can plan a trip to Alpine to rent a cabin and enjoy some wintery weather. Some of the best skiing and winter sports can be found in Arizona's Snowbowl. When I've had enough, I can leave it all behind and return to warmer climes.

Here are the coldest places to find winter in Arizona. Stay for a while or a short time - it's winter on your terms.

Sources: Weatherbase | National Weather Service | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)