While Augusta, Georgia is known for many things, freezing weather and harsh winters are not among them. It is true that snow is rare in Augusta, Georgia. But exactly how rare is snowfall here and what are the cold months like more generally?
From 1922 – 2022, the National Weather Services’ data shows that Augusta, GA averages just 0.8 in. (2.03 cm.) of snowfall every year during the months of December through February. The month of February accounts for half the average snowfall at 0.4 in., with December averaging 0.1 in (.254 cm.) and January 0.3 in. (.76 cm.), respectively. March is an outlier month with only four recorded instances of snowfall in the last 100 years.
With some of the basic data unpacked, this article will explore some further details on Augusta snowfall, as well common questions about what Augusta’s winters are typically like.
| Snowiest Months and Years in Augusta, GA in last 100 Years | Snowfall Record |
| February 1973 | 14.0″ (35.56 cm.) |
| February 2010 | 8.0″ (20.32 cm.) |
| February 1980 | 4.2″ (10.67 cm.) |
| January 2002 | 4.0″ (10.16 cm.) |
| February 1989 | 3.7″ (9.4 cm.) |
| February 1979 | 3.4″ (8.64 cm.) |
| February 1967 | 3.3″ (8.38 cm.) |
| January 1936 | 2.9″ (7.37 cm.) |
| December 1935 | 2.6″ (6.61 cm.) |
| January 1992 | 2.6″ (6.61 cm.) |
When was the last time it snowed in Augusta, Georgia?
According to National Weather Service (NWS) data, Augusta’s last recorded snowfall was 0.3″ (.76 cm.) in January 2022. Interestingly enough, this January 2022 snowfall matched the average Georgia snowfall in January for the past 100 years, which stands right at 0.3. inches. (Talk about an average snowfall this year!)
Prior to January of 2022, snow had not fallen in Augusta since January 2016, when 0.5″ (1.27 cm.) was recorded. While the data from the National Weather Service shows that snow can fall as late as March, that is very much a rare outlier for Augusta, GA. Recorded March snowfall the Augusta area has occurred only four times during the past century in the years of 1981, 1960, 1932, and 1924. Almost 40 years have passed since Augusta had any snowfall in March!
How Much Snow Augusta, Georgia Actually Gets
Augusta, Georgia has only averaged 0.8″ (2.03 cm.) of snowfall per year during the last century (1922-2022), with February being the snowiest month of the year, accounting for 0.4″ of that 0.8″ average. True, it is not fair to compare Augusta’s weather to the snowiest places in America, which are much further north. For example, Mount Rainier, Washington is the snowiest spot in the United States, receiving 671″ or 56 ft. (1704.34 cm.) per year. Mt. Rainier’s record year was 1971-1972, receiving just over 93.5 ft. of snow.
Given how diverse the United States’ geography and climate is, it’d be more helpful to compare Augusta’s snowfall averages with other regions in the Southeastern US.
On the higher end, you have the area of Raleigh, NC averaging 6.0″ (15.24 cm) of snowfall per year, whereas Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN average 1.9″ (4.83 cm.) and 8.1″ (20.57) respectively. Even closer by in South Carolina, Charleston averages only 0.5″ (1.27 cm.) of snowfall during the year, whereas Columbia outranks Augusta at 1.6″ (4.06 cm.). Compared to other regions of the Southeast, Augusta’s snowfall (or lack thereof) is certainly not an outlier, but rather falls within expected averages for the climate.
Most Snowfall in the History of Augusta, GA
February 9, 1973 and February 12, 2010 tie for the single snowiest days in Augusta, Georgia’s history, with a record 8.0″ (20.32 cm.) of snowfall. The honor of second snowiest day is February 8, 1973, in which there was an additional 6.0″ (15.24 cm.)of snowfall, bringing the recorded snow depth to over 13 inches for February ’73.
1973 is the year Augusta experienced the most snowfall, with a total of 14.4″ (36.58 cm.) for January and February. This is 6.4″ more snow than Augusta’s second snowiest year, which was 8.0″ in 2010 (*see above). In looking at these Augusta snowfall records, it is interesting to note that these are limited to one or two days of heavy snowfall. In fact, it does not appear Augusta has ever received more than a few days of snowfall in a row.
As we’ll see below, the snow does not stay on the ground for very long due to Augusta’s overall climate. Given these mild winters, outdoor recreation is not limited to a particular season in Augusta. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, I encourage you to check out this article on the nearest beaches to Augusta and the guide to camping in Georgia State Parks on our website.
What Augusta, GA Winters Are Like
Augusta winters are known being mild with an average winter month temperature of 49.2o F (9.56o C) during the months of December through February. The average highs and lows for an Augusta winter stand at 61.5o F (16.39o C) and 36.9 o F (2.72o C), respectively.
| Month | Max Temperature Avg. (°F) | Low Temperature Avg. (°F) | Avg. Temperature (°F) |
| Jan. | 59.6o | 35.3o | 47.4o |
| Feb. | 63.5o | 38.1o | 50.8o |
| March | 71.0o | 44.1o | 57.5o |
| April | 78.5o | 50.6o | 64.6o |
| May | 85.9o | 59.6o | 72.7o |
| June | 91.3o | 68.1o | 79.7o |
| July | 94.1o | 71.6o | 82.8o |
| Aug. | 92.6o | 71o | 81.8o |
| Sept. | 87.8o | 65o | 76.4o |
| Oct. | 79o | 53.1o | 66o |
| Nov. | 69.1o | 42.2o | 55.6o |
| Dec. | 61.5o | 37.3o | 49.4o |
| Annual | 77.8o F | 53o | 65.4o |
As you can see from the above chart, there is not a month where the average low temperatures dips below freezing, or 32o F (0o C). Given this reality, any snow on the ground tends to be short-lived in Augusta.
The Coldest Month in Augusta, GA
January is the coldest month in Augusta, having an average temperature of 47.4o F (6.56o C), with 35.3o F being the mean low temperature and 59.6o F as the mean high. February is the second coldest month with a 50.8o F average. Though February in Augusta averages the most snowfall, the low temperature average is 38.1o F, which is six degrees above freezing. As such, even February snowfall does not last long in the Augusta area.
Conclusion
As you can see from the data compiled by the National Weather Service over the past 100 years, Augusta is known for mild to warm winter months, averaging only 0.8″ of snowfall, which is short-lived due to winter temperatures that average 49.2o F (9.56o C).
