GEORGIA — Although Georgia is typically associated with mild winters, historical weather data show that measurable snowfall has occurred across parts of the state during the month of February.
These events are infrequent compared to colder regions, but they are well documented in climatological records and remain a recognized part of Georgia’s winter weather history.
February is generally the coldest month of the year in Georgia, increasing the likelihood that precipitation can fall as snow when sufficient cold air is present, according to the National Weather Service.
Measurable snowfall has occurred when Arctic air masses move southward into the Southeast and coincide with moisture from storm systems tracking along the Gulf Coast or the southern jet stream. When surface temperatures drop to or below freezing, even light precipitation can result in snow accumulation.
North Georgia, including the Appalachian foothills and higher elevations, has the highest historical frequency of measurable February snowfall.
However, records show that central Georgia and even parts of south Georgia have experienced snow accumulation during particularly strong cold outbreaks. In many cases, snowfall amounts have been light, but enough to be officially measured at weather observation sites.
Such events typically depend on precise timing and atmospheric alignment. Cold air must remain in place long enough for precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain, and storm systems must track close enough to provide moisture. While measurable February snowfall is not common in Georgia, past weather data confirm that it has occurred and remains a climatological possibility under the right conditions.
