For most Americans, winter is a season you either embrace or endure—there’s no in-between. Adjusting to it isn’t easy, so you just learn to cope. Believe it or not, some states have it far worse than others.
Let’s take a look at winter across various states and see if you’ve had similar experiences or agree with these observations. Grab a blanket and a warm drink—it’s going to be a frosty ride!
10. Massachusetts
Winter in Massachusetts varies greatly depending on where you are. Along the coast, temperatures tend to be slightly warmer, creating a different winter experience compared to inland areas.
As you move toward Central and Western Massachusetts, snowfall might lessen, but the temperatures take a sharp dive. No matter the region, though, winter in Massachusetts is far from forgiving—especially if you’re not a fan of the cold.
9. Montana
The Northern Rockies attract tourists year-round with their stunning, picturesque landscapes, drawing visitors back time and again—when the weather is friendly.
But during the colder months? Think twice.
Helena, Montana, holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in the lower 48 states: a bone-chilling -70°F. Elsewhere in Montana, Arctic air can roar down mountain slopes at wind speeds exceeding 100 mph—conditions you wouldn’t want to face
8. Idaho
Northern Idaho, often nicknamed “the chimney” due to its narrow, elongated shape, is where you’ll encounter the state’s harshest winter conditions.
Take Stanley, Idaho, for example—a town that endures an average of 292 days a year with temperatures below freezing. Better keep those fires stoked and roaring to stay warm!
7. Wisconsin
Wisconsin winters bring an impressive 167.5 inches of annual snowfall. While most of the chill is concentrated between December and March, that still leaves plenty of cold days to endure.
Luckily, Wisconsinites have their own remedy for winter survival—copious amounts of brandy. Sounds like a pretty cozy way to beat the cold!
6. South Dakota
South Dakota is a land of weather extremes, with scorching hot summers and some of the coldest winters in the country. If you’re visiting, stick to the eastern part of the state, where they average a relatively manageable 31 inches of snow.
Head west, though, and it’s a different story. The western region can see a staggering 198 inches of snow. Definitely time to pour another drink!
5. Maine
Most Mainers choose to live along the coast, and for good reason—it’s a bit more temperate. Venture inland into the vast forests that dominate the state, and you’ll find much colder conditions.
Winter in Maine can start as early as October and linger all the way through April. On the bright side, it’s a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts!
4. North Dakota
If you thought South Dakota winters were tough, North Dakota takes it up a notch. The average high winter temperature is four degrees colder than its southern neighbor—and trust us, that four degrees makes a big difference.
With temperatures averaging around 21°F, coupled with deadly blizzards and relentless cold, winters in North Dakota will have you shivering for months on end.
3. Alaska
Alaska is so remote from the rest of the U.S. that it feels more like it belongs to Canada. Living there requires incredible resilience, especially when enduring the brutal temperature drops.
In the Arctic regions of the state, residents face months of harsh weather paired with complete darkness. Take Barrow (now Utqiaġvik), Alaska, for example—it experiences a staggering 67-day stretch without sunlight during winter. Let that sink in and imagine just how tough life there must be.
2. Michigan
Michigan winters are a lengthy affair, characterized by persistent drizzle, snow, and a mix of the two that lasts for four to six months. The Great Lakes regions get hit the hardest, with annual snowfall reaching up to 202 inches.
Roads often turn into a mess of brown slush during the day, only to freeze into slick sheets of ice by night. Unlike states with bustling ski resorts to make winter more enjoyable, Michigan’s relentless cold can feel downright maddening as the months drag on with little reprieve.
1. Minnesota
When it comes to brutal winters, Minnesota takes the crown. While some states see more annual snowfall—Northern Minnesota averages about 170 inches—it’s the relentless severity that makes winters here unbearable.
Minnesota endures low-pressure systems like Alberta clippers sweeping down from the north and panhandle hooks rolling in from the south, bringing frigid temperatures and intense weather conditions.
Temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -60°F, and icy winds force residents to seal their windows tight, bracing for the long, harsh season.
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