Winter Weather Outlook For 2025–2026 Compared to Last Winter
We might be in the middle of summer, but if your thoughts are on the winter ahead, we’ve got you covered with the Winter Weather Forecast 2026. The 2025–2026 winter is shaping up to differ significantly from the 2024–2025 season, influenced by a strong La Niña and peaking solar activity in Solar Cycle 25. Today, we compare and contrast the upcoming winter with last year’s, breaking down temperature, precipitation, and snowfall trends by region in the United States and Canada. With charts for visual clarity and practical planning tips, we’ll help you prepare for what’s coming.
How The Winter Weather Forecast Was Made
This winter weather forecasts blend solar science, climatology, and meteorology, analyzing sunspot activity, historical weather patterns, and oceanic phenomena like La Niña, which will dominate 2025–2026. Using 1991–2020 climate normals, we compare this winter’s expected trends with 2024–2025’s actual conditions. While exact daily predictions a year out aren’t possible, these long-range forecasts are our best guess as to what is coming.
Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025: Region-by-Region Comparison
Below, we compare the 2025–2026 winter forecast to the 2024–2025 season across key regions, using charts to illustrate temperature and precipitation differences. Each section includes tips for skiers to make the most of the season.
1. Northeast (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern New York, Western Massachusetts)
2025–2026 Forecast: A colder, snowier winter with temperatures 2–3°F below normal and snowfall 5–10% above average. Expect cold snaps in mid-January and early March, with heavy snow in early December, late January, and mid-February. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter was milder (1–2°F above normal) with below-average snowfall, disappointing skiers with icy conditions and rain-mixed storms. Key Differences: This winter will be 3–5°F colder and snowier (60–70 inches vs. 50–60 inches last year), promising better powder days.
Tips for Skiers:
- Target Stowe or Killington for prime powder, unlike last year’s patchy snow.
- Book mid-January or February trips for peak snowfall, avoiding last year’s rain-heavy periods.
- Layer up with insulated gear for colder temperatures than 2024–2025.
Chart: Northeast Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
2. Atlantic Corridor (Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Richmond)
2025–2026 Forecast: A milder, wetter winter with temperatures 2–4°F above average and 10–15% more precipitation, mostly rain. Snow will be limited, with storms in mid-December, early February, and late March. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter had near-average temperatures and drier conditions, with minimal snow and fewer storms. Key Differences: This winter will be 2–3°F warmer and wetter (12–15 inches of precipitation vs. 10–12 inches last year), reducing skiable snow compared to last year’s modest base.
Tips for Skiers:
- Look to inland resorts like Gore Mountain for snow, as coastal areas will see more rain than last year.
- Avoid February trips if seeking powder, as rain will dominate unlike 2024–2025’s drier conditions.
- Check resort snow reports frequently, as snowpack will be less reliable than last winter.
Chart: Atlantic Corridor Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
3. Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, & Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin)
2025–2026 Forecast: A cold, snowy winter with temperatures 3–5°F below normal and snowfall 15–20% above average, especially in late January and early February. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter was milder (near normal) with below-average snow, limiting lake-effect snow events. Key Differences: This winter will be 3–5°F colder and snowier (50–60 inches vs. 40–50 inches last year), offering better skiing conditions.
Tips for Skiers:
- Head to Boyne Mountain or Crystal Mountain for deeper powder than last year’s thin base.
- Plan trips for late January to early February to catch heavy snowfalls, unlike 2024–2025’s weaker storms.
- Use high-performance skis for variable snow conditions due to colder temperatures.
Chart: Great Lakes Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
4. Southeast & Deep South (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi)
2025–2026 Forecast: A warm, wet winter with temperatures 3–5°F above average and 20–25% more precipitation, mostly rain. Snow will be rare, with storms in January and March. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter was cooler (near average) and drier, with minimal rain and no significant snow. Key Differences: This winter will be 2–4°F warmer and wetter (18–22 inches vs. 14–17 inches last year), making skiing nearly impossible.
Tips for Skiers:
- Skip local resorts like Cloudmont, as rain will dominate unlike last year’s drier conditions.
- Consider traveling north to the Great Lakes or Northeast for snow, unavailable locally this season.
- Focus on indoor training or plan spring trips to avoid this winter’s wet weather.
Chart: Southeast Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
5. Pacific Northwest (Western Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
2025–2026 Forecast: Northern areas will be cold and snowy, with 10–15% more snowfall than average. Southern areas will be milder and wetter, with rain dominating. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter was milder with average snowfall in the north and moderate rain in the south. Key Differences: Northern areas will be 2–3°F colder with more snow (40–50 inches vs. 35–40 inches last year), while southern areas will see similar temperatures but more rain.
Tips for Skiers:
- Hit Whistler or Mount Baker for deeper snow than last year’s average conditions.
- Time trips for late December or early February to catch peak snowfalls, unlike 2024–2025’s weaker storms.
- Southern skiers should head north, as rain will limit local resorts more than last winter.
Chart: Pacific Northwest Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
6. Canada (Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta)
2025–2026 Forecast: Ontario and eastern Manitoba will see a cold, snowy winter with 20% more snow than average. British Columbia and Alberta will be cool and wet. 2024–2025 Recap: Last winter was milder in Ontario with below-average snow, while western provinces had average precipitation and temperatures. Key Differences: Ontario will be 3–5°F colder with more snow (50–60 inches vs. 40–50 inches last year). Western provinces will have similar temperatures but more rain.
Tips for Skiers:
- Target Lake Louise or Banff for better snow than last year’s thin base.
- Plan Ontario trips for January 15–20 to catch heavy snow, unlike 2024–2025’s milder conditions.
- Western skiers should stick to higher-altitude resorts to avoid rainier conditions than last winter.
Chart: Canada Winter 2025–2026 vs. 2024–2025 Temperature and Precipitation
Why This Winter Will Be Different: La Niña’s Impact
The 2025–2026 winter will be shaped by a strong La Niña, with cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures driving colder, snowier conditions in northern regions and wetter weather in southern areas. This contrasts with 2024–2025’s weaker El Niño, which brought milder, drier weather. Expect more frequent storms this winter, especially in January and February, compared to last year’s quieter patterns.
How Accurate Are These Forecasts?
Long-range forecasts aim for 60–80% accuracy by focusing on seasonal trends. Last year’s predictions hit about 65% accuracy due to El Niño’s unpredictability. For precise planning, check short-term forecasts closer to your ski trips using apps like Weather Underground.
Preparing for Winter 2025–2026
- Northeast & Great Lakes: Skiers will enjoy deeper snow than last year; book early for resorts like Killington or Boyne.
- Atlantic Corridor & Southeast: Limited snow means traveling north for skiing, unlike last year’s modest opportunities.
- Pacific Northwest & Canada: Northern resorts will offer better snow than 2024–2025; western areas require higher-altitude destinations to avoid rain.
- General Tip: Monitor snow reports and book flexible trips, as storms will be more intense than last winter.
Conclusion
The 2025–2026 winter will bring colder, snowier conditions to northern regions and wetter, milder weather to southern areas, a sharp contrast to the milder, drier 2024–2025 season. La Niña will fuel better skiing in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Canada, while southern regions face rainier conditions.
