Weather
Rockies Thanksgiving 2026: Almanac Sees Mountain Snow Nov. 23–26 Colorado-Utah
Rockies — El Niño does not eliminate mountain snow, and the Farmers’ Almanac is pointing to possible light snowfall at higher Rocky Mountain elevations during Thanksgiving week.
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-20T12:07:26.365Z
Rockies — El Niño does not eliminate mountain snow, and the Farmers’ Almanac is pointing to possible light snowfall at higher Rocky Mountain elevations during Thanksgiving week.
Its Oct. 19 update covers Monday, Nov. 23, through Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are included in its North Central forecast zone, where the publication projects cold late November conditions.
For the Rockies, the snow possibility is focused on higher elevations. The outlook does not specify snowfall totals, snow levels or timing for individual mountain passes, and it does not establish snow in every city within those states.
Wintry conditions have already reached some of Colorado’s high country. The National Park Service’s Oct. 16 report said a recent storm had brought notable snow to higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors were advised to expect snow or ice on trails above 9,000 feet .
El Niño’s effects vary across the Rockies. NOAA’s winter 2026 27 outlook favors warmer conditions in the northern Rockies and wetter conditions across the Southwest. That outlook covers December through February, so it does not determine Thanksgiving week weather.
The Colorado Climate Center also notes that El Niño years have historically tended to be wetter in Colorado, particularly during fall and spring. However, the relationship with peak seasonal snowpack is weak, and wetter weather does not automatically mean more snow at every elevation.
NOAA’s separate November outlook allows for short term fluctuations, including possible cooler spells in Montana despite the broader tilt toward warmth.
For holiday travelers, the distinction is practical: a warmer monthly or seasonal average still leaves room for mountain snow. Local temperatures and the timing of individual weather systems will determine what falls along a particular route.
Travelers should check National Weather Service forecasts and state transportation updates closer to departure. NOAA says snowfall generally cannot be predicted reliably more than a week ahead; the Almanac’s holiday outlook remains a long range projection.