The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–2026 Winter Weather Forecast is here! Millions of readers rely on The Old Farmer’s Almanac—America’s original long-range weather authority since 1792—for insights on temperatures, snow, and seasonal conditions. Our 2025–2026 outlook predicts a winter that’s mostly mild—with pockets of wild, offering early guidance for travelers, gardeners, and anyone planning ahead. Explore the Almanac forecast to see what winter may bring to your region. (Note: The regional forecasts are at the bottom of this page.)
Get the Complete Year of Long-Range Weather Predictions—and So Much More!
Want 12 months of detailed forecasts, seasonal tips, and timeless wisdom? Grab your copy of The 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac today!
- Long-range weather forecasts for all 18 U.S. regions
- Seasonal tips, gardening advice, and timeless wisdom
- Astronomical data, holidays, anniversaries, and cultural trends
Available in print and digital formats: paperback, softcover, hardcover, oversized, and online access.
What Does The Old Farmer’s Almanac Predict for Winter 2025–2026?
The Big Picture
- Temperatures: Near normal to slightly milder across most of the country—except in the Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, and Ohio Valley, where colder-than-average conditions are expected.
- Precipitation: Overall below normal, with wetter areas such as Florida, the Intermountain West, and eastern Desert Southwest.
- Snowfall: Near or below normal for most areas. However, greater amounts of snow are expected in much of the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, eastern Ohio Valley, southern Rockies, and eastern Desert Southwest.
“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas,” says Editor Carol Connare.
“Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures, but from the Appalachians south through the Southeast and Florida, and westward across the Ohio Valley, we’re predicting a colder-than-normal winter.”
What’s Shaping the 2025–2026 Winter Outlook
- Solar Cycle 25 recently peaked: High solar activity historically warms Earth’s average temperatures, though the effect has weakened in recent decades.
- La Niña fading: The Pacific is transitioning to neutral conditions, shifting the jet stream and storm tracks across North America.
- Ocean oscillations steady: Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (warm) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (cool) remain stable, influencing regional storm patterns.
- Shifting stratospheric winds: The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation can affect polar vortex position, sending cold air southward.
- Polar vortex may wobble: If displaced, bursts of frigid air and snow could plunge deep into the U.S.
Where Do We Forecast? Our 18 U.S. Weather Regions
In The 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac, each of the 18 U.S. weather regions receives a monthly breakdown of temperature and precipitation trends—not just broad trends. (Looking for Canada’s Winter Outlook? We’ve got you covered with a dedicated page with the 2025–2026 Winter Forecasts for Canada.)
Regional Forecast Highlights (U.S.)
Region 1: Northeast
(Albany, Augusta, Burlington, Caribou, Concord)
Less intense cold and lower precipitation combine for a lighter-than-average snow season
Good news for winter travelers, but gardeners may need to watch for an early thaw.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: December, early January
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in mid-November, early and mid-December, early February
Region 2: Atlantic Corridor
(Atlantic City, Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, Richmond, Washington, D.C.)
Milder and drier, with most snow falling around the holidays and late winter
Fewer snow days could ease commutes, but not as we get ready to usher in 2026
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late December, early January, late February
Region 3: Appalachians
(Asheville, Elmira, Frederick, Harrisburg, Roanoke, Scranton)
Colder than usual with a split snow story: lighter in the north, heavier in the south
Bundle up and prep for winter chores—especially in the southern mountains.
- Temperatures: Below normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- and late December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal in the north and above south; the most snow will arrive in late December, late January, early and late February, mid-March
Region 4: Southeast
(Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh, Savannah)
A colder-than-normal winter, with some snowy surprises in the east
Prepare for heating needs and occasional travel delays, especially before the holidays.
- Temperatures: Below normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Above normal in the east, below west; snowiest in the east in mid-December; north, late January
Region 5: Florida
(Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa)
Cooler than usual, with a wetter-than-normal winter season
Watch for early-season tropical activity and waterlogged gardens.
- Temperatures: Below normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, much of January
- Precipitation: Above normal
- Tropical activity: Watch for tropical depression in early November
Region 6: Lower Lakes
(Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Rochester, Syracuse)
A milder winter with below-average precipitation and patchy snow
Lake-effect snow is still probable—stay alert during December and March.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Near to below normal; snowiest periods in mid- to late November, much of December, early and late January, early February, early to mid-March
Region 7: Ohio Valley
(Charleston, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh)
Chilly overall, with snowier spells mostly to the east
Good idea to prep snow gear early, especially for eastern areas likely to see more flakes.
- Temperatures: Below normal
- Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early January, late January into early February, mid-March
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Near to above normal in the east, below west; snowiest periods in late December, early January, early and late February
Region 8: Deep South
(Jackson, Little Rock, Montgomery, Mobile, Nashville, New Orleans, Shreveport, Tupelo)
Warmer-than-average winter with chilly snaps and some northern snow
Protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing before cold hits in January.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; best chances for snow in the north in mid-November, late January, early February
Region 9: Upper Midwest
(Duluth, Green Bay, International Falls, Marquette, Minneapolis)
Mild winter by local standards with some snowy bursts
Shorter cold snaps may ease winterizing chores, but don’t skip them.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Much of December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late November, late January, early February
Region 10: Heartland
(Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, Topeka)
Warmer than normal, with light snow and short cold spells
Less shoveling overall, though late January could bring a winter punch.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal in the north, near normal south; snowiest periods in mid-November, late January, early February
Region 11: Texas and Oklahoma
(Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio)
A drier and warmer winter with occasional cold snaps
Keep pipes insulated and prep for a potential early northern snow in November.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; best chance for snow in mid-November
Region 12: High Plains
(Amarillo, Billings, Bismarck, Cheyenne, Denver, Rapid City)
Milder winter overall, though snow and cold come in waves
Late winter may bring surprises—don’t put away the shovel too soon.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid-December, late January, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal in the north, near normal south
- Snowfall: Below normal in the north, near normal south; snowiest periods in late February, mid- and late March
Region 13: Intermountain
(Boise, Flagstaff, Grand Junction, Pendleton, Reno, Salt Lake City, Spokane)
Mild winter with mixed precipitation and fluctuating snow amounts
Southern areas may see more snow—check forecasts before winter travel.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Late November, early December, early February
- Precipitation: Slightly above normal
- Snowfall: Below normal in the north, above-normal south; snowiest periods in late January, early February, late March
Region 14: Desert Southwest
(Albuquerque, El Paso, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson)
A warm winter with rain and mountain snow varying by location
Higher elevations should prep for early snow in December and January.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Mid-November, early December, late January
- Precipitation: Above normal in the east, below-normal west
- Snowfall: Above normal east, near normal west; snowiest periods in early December, early to mid-January
Region 15: Pacific Northwest
(Eugene, Eureka, Portland, Seattle)
Mild winter overall with chilly spells and below-average snow
Less snowpack could impact late-winter gardening and water reserves.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Late November, early December, early February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest in early February
Region 16: Pacific Southwest
(Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
Warmer and drier winter with below-average mountain snowfall
Expect fewer storms, but remain alert during late-season rain bursts.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Late January, late February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below-normal mountain snows
- Stormiest periods: Late November, mid-January, late February
Region 17: Alaska
A milder winter with some cold snaps and reduced snowfall
Travel could be easier, but there are still plenty of chances for snow.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coldest periods: Early to mid-December, mid-February
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late November, mid-December, early February
Region 18: Hawaii
A warm winter overall with occasional stormy spells
Watch for heavy rain during November and December storms.
- Temperatures: Above normal
- Coolest periods: Late November, late January into early February, mid-March
- Precipitation: Below normal
- Stormiest periods: Early and late November, early December, mid-February, mid- to late March
The 2025-2026 Winter Weather Forecast in your inbox!
You will also receive our FREE Almanac Daily newsletter. We will never share your information.
Order The 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac Now
Be among the first to hold the classic yellow book filled with seasonal predictions, gardening advice, Moon phases, folklore, and more. For generations, we’ve helped readers prepare for the months ahead with our trusted blend of weather, wit, and wisdom.
🛒 Order today from our official store:
- Print Edition — filled with forecasts, Moon phases, gardening advice, and folklore.
- Digital Edition — perfect for reading on the go, anytime, anywhere!
What Are Long-Range Forecasts?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac provides seasonal weather outlooks for the entire U.S. and Canada. Unlike short-term forecasts, these long-range predictions show whether a region is likely to experience colder, warmer, wetter, or drier conditions over the months ahead. They are especially useful for gardeners, farmers, planners, travelers, and anyone preparing for winter.
How Accurate Are the Long-Range Forecasts?
The long-range predictions released by The Old Farmer’s Almanac are based on solar science, climatology, and historical weather patterns. While no forecast can guarantee exact temperatures or snowfall, our method has proven reliable for showing general trends and regional conditions. Each year, we compare predictions to actual outcomes, helping readers plan ahead for winter weather, gardening, and travel. Learn more about how accurate The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts are here.
Prepare for Winter with The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Whether you’re planning gardening, travel, or simply staying ahead of the weather, The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–2026 Winter Forecast provides trusted, long-range insights across North America. Get your copy today to enjoy a full year of forecasts, seasonal tips, and timeless wisdom from America’s original Almanac.
How The Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts the Weather
We combine solar science, climatology, and meteorology to generate long-range forecasts. By analyzing decades of historical data and current solar activity, we predict likely outcomes for temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall across all 18 regions. Learn more about how the Almanac predicts the winter here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this the same as the Farmers’ Almanac forecast?
A: This page features the official winter outlook from The Old Farmer’s Almanac—the original and oldest Almanac founded in 1792 during George Washington’s presidency. There are many “farmer’s almanacs” across the country, but this is the little yellow book that features our founder, Robert B. Thomas, and the “father of all almanacs,” Benjamin Franklin.
Q: Can I rely on this forecast for my local area?
A: Our long-range forecasts show general trends for each region, not day-by-day predictions. They are best used for planning gardening, travel, or winter preparedness.