You can find snow in May in the USA at 12 locations, with Mount Washington in New Hampshire being the most reliable spot.
As of 2026, the United States has 12 locations with measurable snowfall in May, and the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire (4,803 ft elevation) leads the pack with an average of 0.8 inches of snow during the month.
Where exactly in the U.S. can I find snow in May?
Mount Washington in New Hampshire is the most reliable spot, but other peaks like Mount Mansfield in Vermont and Mount Rainier in Washington also get snow.
Mount Washington dominates the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. At 6,288 feet, it’s the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., and its elevation keeps the summit in the free air zone where temperatures can dip below freezing even when valleys bask in 70°F spring warmth. This microclimate makes May snow a quirky but repeatable phenomenon—more common than in any other state except Alaska. The mountain’s infamous weather has earned it the nickname “Home of the World’s Worst Weather,” a title backed by the National Weather Service since it records some of the highest wind speeds on Earth.
Key Details
| Location |
Elevation (ft) |
Avg May Snow (in) |
Last May Snowfall Date |
Accessibility |
| Mount Washington Summit |
6,288 |
0.8 |
May 22, 2025 |
Cog Railway & Auto Road; seasonal shuttle |
| Mount Mansfield Summit, Vermont |
4,393 |
0.3 |
May 19, 2025 |
Auto Road & Long Trail |
| Mount Rainier Paradise, Washington |
5,400 |
3.1 |
May 28, 2025 |
Paradise Visitor Center; seasonal snowshoeing |
| Niagara Pass, Colorado |
11,600 |
1.2 |
May 14, 2025 |
Alpine Visitor Center; Trail Ridge Road |
| Timberline Lodge, Oregon |
6,000 |
0.5 |
May 5, 2025 |
Year-round ski area, summer camps |
Why does it snow in May in some parts of the U.S.?
May snow happens when cold polar air collides with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and mountains like the White Mountains squeeze out the flakes.
May snow in the lower 48 is essentially a collision of two air masses: cold polar air diving south behind a late-season cold front and moisture streaming north from the Gulf of Mexico. The White Mountains act like a ramp, lifting that moisture and squeezing out flakes even when Boston is wearing shorts. Mount Washington’s observatory staff has kept continuous weather records since 1932; their May snowfall data shows a slight downward trend since 2000, consistent with regional warming documented by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Still, a May dusting can shut down the Mount Washington Auto Road and send skiers scrambling to the Tuckerman Ravine headwall, where die-hard locals still click into skis on Memorial Day weekend.
What’s the best time in May to find snow?
Late May, around Memorial Day weekend, offers the highest chance of fresh snow on the summit.
Memorial Day weekend (late May) generally offers the best odds for fresh snow on the summit. Expect temperatures around 30 °F at dawn and climbing to about 50 °F by noon—so bundle up in the morning, then shed layers as the day warms. Honestly, this is the best bet if you’re chasing late-season snow.
How do I get to Mount Washington in May?
You can take the Cog Railway (weekends only) or drive the Auto Road if it’s open seasonally.
Getting there isn’t too tricky, but timing matters. The Cog Railway usually runs on weekends in May, and advance tickets are a smart move—they sell out fast. The Mount Washington Auto Road opens seasonally from late April, but that depends entirely on the weather. Check their schedules before you head out.
Do I need special gear for May snow on Mount Washington?
Absolutely—pack microspikes, windproof layers, and UV sunglasses for the intense glare at high elevation.
Don’t underestimate the conditions up there. Bring microspikes for traction, windproof layers to fend off sudden gusts, and UV sunglasses—snow and glare at 6,000 feet can be brutal even in late spring. The weather changes fast, so prepare for anything.
Is it safe to visit Mount Washington in May for snow?
It can be risky—temperatures can drop 15°F in 30 minutes, so check the forecast before heading up.
Safety first. Temperatures up there can plummet 15 °F in just half an hour, so always check the NWS Mount Washington forecast before you leave the valley. If the summit looks sketchy, don’t push it—there’s no shame in turning back.
What if the summit is fogged in or the weather turns bad?
Head to the Wildcat Inn in Jackson for hot chocolate and enjoy snowfields along the Kancamagus Highway instead.
If the summit’s socked in, don’t despair. Drive down to Jackson and grab a hot chocolate at the Wildcat Inn—it’s cozy, and you can still admire snowfields along the Kancamagus Highway. The views are still stunning, and you’ll stay warm while you wait for conditions to clear.
Are there other U.S. mountains besides Mount Washington that get May snow?
Yes—Mount Mansfield in Vermont, Mount Rainier in Washington, and others also see May snowfall.
Mount Washington isn’t the only game in town. Mount Mansfield in Vermont (4,393 ft) averages 0.3 inches of snow in May, and Mount Rainier’s Paradise area in Washington (5,400 ft) gets a whopping 3.1 inches on average. Even Timberline Lodge in Oregon (6,000 ft) sees occasional flakes. So if New Hampshire’s weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ve got options.
How much snow typically falls on Mount Washington in May?
Mount Washington’s summit averages 0.8 inches of snow in May, with measurable amounts most years.
On average, you’re looking at about 0.8 inches of snow on Mount Washington’s summit in May. It doesn’t sound like much, but even a dusting can make for dramatic photos—and shut down the Auto Road if conditions are right.
What’s the highest elevation spot in the U.S. that still gets May snow?
Niagara Pass in Colorado, at 11,600 feet, is the highest spot with measurable May snow.
If you’re chasing the highest elevations, head to Niagara Pass in Colorado. At 11,600 feet, it averages 1.2 inches of snow in May—making it the highest spot in the U.S. where you can still find measurable snow that late in the season.
Do ski resorts stay open into May for late-season turns?
Some do—Timberline Lodge in Oregon operates year-round, while others like Mount Rainier’s Paradise area have seasonal snowshoeing.
Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the real standout—it’s open year-round, so you can ski or ride even in May. Mount Rainier’s Paradise area offers seasonal snowshoeing, and other resorts pivot to summer activities once the lifts close. Always check their schedules before you go.
Has May snow on Mount Washington been decreasing over time?
Yes—records show a slight downward trend since 2000, consistent with regional warming.
Mount Washington’s observatory has kept weather records since 1932, and their data shows a slight decrease in May snowfall since 2000. That aligns with broader regional warming trends documented by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Still, late-season snow isn’t a thing of the past—just don’t expect it every year.
What’s the weirdest part about May snow in the Northeast?
The contrast is wild—valleys can be in shorts while the summit is below freezing with snow.
Here’s the crazy part: while Boston’s basking in 70°F weather, the summit of Mount Washington can be below freezing with snow. The White Mountains act like a giant ramp, squeezing moisture out of the air and dumping flakes where you least expect them. It’s a reminder that elevation makes all the difference in spring.
Can I ski on Mount Washington in late May?
Yes—die-hard skiers still hit Tuckerman Ravine on Memorial Day weekend if conditions allow.
If you’re a skier willing to brave the cold, Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington is the place to be around Memorial Day. Locals still click into skis there, but conditions have to be just right—so check the snowpack and weather before you commit. It’s not your typical spring skiing experience, but it’s unforgettable if it works out.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
