Aomori City in Japan receives the most snowfall in the world, averaging around 8 meters (over 26 feet) of snow per year, more than any other urban area on the planet. The region's geography, positioned between mountains and coastal fronts, creates ideal conditions for frequent and intense snowstorms.
Other Extremely Snowy Places
- Niseko, also in Japan's Hokkaido region, experiences nearly 50 feet of snow annually, making it a paradise for skiers and powder enthusiasts.
- Sapporo and Toyama, both Japanese cities, also have substantial snowfall, averaging between 3.6 and 4.8 meters per year.
- St. John’s in Canada is another city high on the list, with average snow depths reaching over three meters annually.
- Historical records show Mount Ibuki in Japan recorded the world’s deepest snow cover at 11.82 meters (over 38 feet) in 1927.
Why Japan Is So Snowy
Japan's heavy snowfall is due to cold Siberian winds crossing the Sea of Japan, collecting moisture, and then dumping it as snow once the air hits Japan’s coastal mountains. This unique climate phenomenon results in large parts of the country being classified as heavy snow zones, covering more than half the country’s land area.
Cities With Most Annual Snowfall
City| Country| Avg. Annual Snowfall
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Aomori| Japan| ~8 meters 578
Niseko| Japan| ~15 meters 10
Sapporo| Japan| ~4.8 meters 57
Toyama| Japan| ~4.1 meters 57
St. John’s| Canada| ~3.3 meters 5
Japan, especially its northern cities and mountainous areas, is the snowiest region on earth by annual accumulation and snow depth records.