Does it snow in Maryland?
Does it snow in Maryland? If you are planning a trip down to Maryland over the winter period, you are probably curious about the weather and wondering if it snows in Maryland during winter.
The short answer is: “Yes, it does snow in Maryland”. I this post our friend Lolah from the Maryland-focused travel blog DEYEWA will tell us all about winter in Maryland and when and where we can find snow.
Let’s dig in!
Does it snow in Maryland? Winter Weather
During the winter months, temperatures in Maryland can drop, and snowstorms can bring blustery winds.
Snowfall accumulation varies across the state, with some areas receiving more snow than others.
Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for cold weather and potential snow during winter in Maryland.
Where is Maryland located?
Maryland is located in the Mid-Atlantic region in the northeast of the United States bordering Delaware and Pennsylvania to the south and north, respectively, and West Virginia and Virginia to the west.
It also surrounds a good portion of Washington DC to the West. Its position on the Atlantic coast makes it a popular destination for tourists who are looking to take advantage of its unique coastal beaches.
When does it snow in Maryland?
Snowfall varies in Maryland based on geography and elevation, but typically snow falls in the state from December through March.
Although it might sometimes snow as early as November or not even snow at all till January.
Generally, the higher mountain elevations of Western Maryland receive more snow than the Eastern Shore or urban areas.
However, heavy snowfalls can occur outside that timeframe depending on prevailing weather conditions.
How much snow does Maryland get?
On average, Maryland receives about 20 inches of snow although it ranges from 10 inches on the lower Eastern Shore to 110 inches in Garrett County.
Snowfall amounts can vary greatly from year to year and region to region within the state.
In some areas of Maryland, snowfall totals may exceed 24 inches, while other parts of the state may receive less than 10 inches each season.
Where does it snow in Maryland?
Snowfall in Maryland varies widely across the state, but some of the areas that generally get heavier snow include Garrett County (the western part of the state), Frostburg, Elkins, and Oakland.
Maryland’s coastal areas tend to experience lighter snowfalls while higher elevations can see greater accumulation.
Winter storms usually bring more than four inches of snow during a single storm. In addition, there are mountain peaks like Savage Mountain located near Western Maryland’s Providence State Park that receive a significant amount of yearly snowfall.
Additionally, the temperature and climate of each region will affect how long the snow sticks around.
🏂Snow in Oakland
Oakland, Maryland is known for its heavy snowfall, especially during winter storms. The mountainous region of Garrett County is home to Deep Creek Lake, which often sees several feet of snow during storms.
The area also has a ski resort, Wisp Resort, which offers many winter activities and provides great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the region.
If you make your way down to this area, be sure to check out some amazing things to do in Deep Creek Maryland during winter.
⛷️ Snow in Frostburg
Frostburg is known for its cold winters and heavy snowfall. One year, Frostburg experienced a record-breaking snowfall of 58 inches in one month! The area is also home to some great winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
🛷 Snow in Elkins
Elkins is another popular area for winter sports enthusiasts. It typically receives heavy snowfalls that provide the perfect conditions for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.
🌨️ Snow in Annapolis
Annapolis, Maryland is located near the Chesapeake Bay, and though it experiences milder winters than other parts of the state, it still gets significant snowfall.
While much of Annapolis’ snowfall typically does not exceed 6 inches, some areas can see significantly higher amounts, especially in winter storms.
This makes Annapolis a prime spot for winter activities.
❄️ Snow in Baltimore
Baltimore typically receives moderate to light snowfall during the winter months. While most years do not bring an abundance of snow, it is not unheard of for the city to see more than a foot of snow at one time.
The area along the Chesapeake Bay can sometimes experience greater amounts of snow than other parts of Maryland because of a phenomenon known as “lake effect snow”.
Baltimore also experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the state, making it easy for snow to accumulate and stay on the ground for longer periods of time.
⛄️Snow in Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland is usually spared from heavy winter storms due to its location near the Chesapeake Bay.
However, it is not uncommon for the region to receive several inches of snow in one storm.
The terrain and elevation of some areas can make them more susceptible to heavier accumulations, but generally, the area experiences light to moderate snowfall.
Can you ski in Maryland?
Yes, you can ski in Maryland. The state is home to some of the finest ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering downhill skiing and snowboarding on mountain slopes with hundreds of acres of terrain.
Many resorts also offer night skiing and other winter activities like snow tubing and ice skating.
There are also plenty of cross-country skiing trails throughout Maryland for those seeking a more serene experience in nature.
There are even glacier ski areas in Garrett County, which provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
The best Ski resort towns in Maryland
Maryland is a great place to go skiing and snowboarding. From the western part of the state where Garrett County sees heavy snowfall, to Southern Maryland’s milder winters, there are plenty of ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts.
➡️ Wisp Resort
Located in the deep forests of Western Maryland’s Garrett County, this resort is home to 33 trails that range from easy to difficult.
It is the most well-known ski resort in Maryland and is also the only 4 season ski, golf, and recreational destination resort.
With its terrain parks, tubing park, and halfpipe, as well as ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, Wisp Resort has something for everyone.
Where to stay at Wisp Resort
Wisp resort has lodging for visitors at its Lodge at Wisp which has 169 rooms of various styles for guests.
Outside of the resort’s lodging, here are a few other options:
➡️ Roundtop Mountain Resort
Located in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania near the Maryland border, Roundtop Mountain Resort is one of the closest resorts to Baltimore and Washington D.C.
With its 21 trails, 9 lifts plus zip lines, snow tubing runs, paintball, summer camps, and more, this resort has something for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
It is quite beginner-friendly compared to other skis however, that also depends on what trail you ride as a lot of its trails are still above intermediate skill level.
Where to stay in Roundtop Mountain Resort
There is no lodging on the resort, but there are some great options nearby.
- Hampton Inn, Harrisburg West
- Homewood Suites, Harrisburg West
- Towneplace Suites by Marriott, Harrisburg West
- Courtyard by Marriott
➡️ Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a premier ski resort located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, just a few hours from Baltimore and Washington D.C.
With its 39 trails ranging from beginner to expert levels, Seven Springs provides an amazing mountain experience for snowboarders, skiers, and winter sports enthusiasts alike.
The resort also has a snow-making machine which is helpful when there is not as much snow so visitors are unable to tell the difference since it makes up for it.
The resort features a wide range of amenities such as a terrain park, half pipe, night skiing, and snow tubing, along with several restaurants, shopping outlets, and even a spa.
Where to stay in Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs Mountain Resort has signature properties available for guests to lodge. They vary depending on location, amenities, etc, some of them include:
There are also some hotel options if you prefer to stay outside the resort:
What is the coldest month in Maryland?
The coldest month in Maryland is usually January, with average lows of 28 °F (-2 °C). February is usually the second coldest month with an average low temperature of around 29 °F (-2 °C).
December tends to be slightly warmer than these two months but still remains cooler than the other months.
Maryland is known for having mild winters, but temperatures can still drop to dangerous levels. Snow and ice storms are common during the winter months as well.
How cold does Maryland get?
During winter in Maryland, the temperatures can range from an average low of around 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (or -6 to -1 degree Celsius) to an average high of 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit (or 4 to 10 degrees Celsius).
It can get even colder in some areas with temperatures dipping below 0°F (-18°C).
Things to do in Maryland during winter
Winter in Maryland is full of activities and things to do, no matter the weather.
Whether you’re looking to get out and explore nature or stay cozy indoors, there are plenty of fun destinations and activities to enjoy.
You can also check out some places to visit within 4 hours of Baltimore at various times of the year.
1. Explore Outdoor activities
Outdoor winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and ice fishing.
Maryland is also home to some of the most beautiful parks and recreation areas, making it easy to explore and take in the winter scenery.
2. Wisp resort
With more than 33 slopes and trails ranging from beginner to expert levels, as well as snow tubing and terrain parks, Wisp is one of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in the mid-Atlantic region.
The resort also offers night skiing, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.
3. Assateague Island National Seashore
Exploring Assateague Island National Seashore during winter is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Maryland’s coastal region.
Located on the Eastern Shore, Assateague Island is 37 miles of pristine beaches, dunes, marshes, and wildlife habitats.
During winter months, temperatures range from an average low of 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (or -6 to -1 degrees Celsius) and the island offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the area.
Since it’s located about 8 miles from Ocean City, be sure to check out some other great things to do in Ocean City during winter.
4. Baltimore Museum of Art
For those looking for a more indoor winter experience, Maryland also offers many museums such as The Baltimore Museum of Art, a great place to go to when it’s snowing outside.
They are only open on Wednesdays through Sundays but admission is free except for certain exhibits.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artwork from around the world, spanning many different cultures and eras.
The museum offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year such as painting, arts and crafts, drawing, sculpture, photography and more.
The Baltimore Museum of Art is also home to several special exhibitions throughout the year that explores various periods or styles of art. It is definitely an amazing indoor place to explore.
5. Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore is a great place to explore science in an interactive way.
The center has several floors of exhibits, including the largest planetarium dome in the region, as well as live presentations and shows.
Does it snow in Maryland? Final thoughts
Winter in Maryland is an exciting time of year with plenty to do, both indoors and outdoors. With temperatures ranging from 20-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Snowfall varies depending on your location within the state. But no matter what the weather is like outside, there are plenty of things to do!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowshoeing or indoor destinations like museums and aquariums, Maryland has something for everyone during wintertime.
So if you’re asking whether it snows in Maryland – yes it does! And even when it doesn’t, this mid-Atlantic state still offers a wide variety of activities that will keep you entertained all season long.