The chances of snow on Christmas in Ohio

OHIO — In Ohio, the likelihood of experiencing snowfall on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (December 31) varies across the state, influenced by regional climate patterns.

Christmas Day Snowfall

On Christmas Day, measurable snowfall is relatively uncommon in Ohio. For instance, in Toledo, approximately 54 Christmases have recorded zero snowfall, and another 30 have seen only a trace of accumulation.

Only about 20 Christmases have brought between 0.1 and 0.4 inches of snow, and just seven have seen between 1 and 3 inches. 

In Cleveland, the average snowfall for December is about 8.4 inches, with January being the snowiest month. 

While December snowfall is common, significant accumulation on Christmas Day itself is less frequent.

New Year’s Day Snowfall

New Year’s Day also sees limited snowfall across Ohio. In Columbus, the average snowfall on January 1 is approximately 0.2 inches. 

Similarly, Cleveland’s average snowfall for January is about 18.4 inches, but this is spread throughout the month, with no specific data indicating a higher likelihood of snowfall on New Year’s Day. 

Regional Variations

Northern Ohio generally experiences more snowfall than southern regions. For example, Youngstown averages nearly 70 inches of snow per year, while Cleveland averages around 65 inches. 

However, even in these areas, significant snowfall on Christmas or New Year’s Day is not guaranteed.

Conclusion

While Ohio does experience snowfall during December and January, the chances of having measurable snow on Christmas or New Year’s Day are relatively low.

Residents can anticipate cold temperatures and the possibility of light snow, but substantial accumulations on these specific days are uncommon.

The latest forecast for your area may be viewed at weather.gov.