Last Snowfall in Riverside, California: January 16, 1932

Riverside, California, located in the Inland Empire at ~860 ft (260 m) elevation, has a Mediterranean climate (Csa) with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Snow is exceptionally rare.

The Only Recorded Measurable Snowfall

• Date: January 16, 1932
• Amount: 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) — a trace coating.
• Conditions: Unusually cold storm system brought snow to low elevations across Southern California (Los Angeles recorded 2.0", San Bernardino 1.0").

Other "Snow" Events

• January 1949: Trace reported (unofficial).
• January 1962: Graupel (soft hail/snow pellets) — not true snow.
• February 2019: Graupel / hail mix in nearby hills; rain in city.
• February 2023: Hail/graupel in some neighborhoods; viral photos mistaken for snow.

Why So Rare?

• Elevation too low for snow level in typical storms (usually >2,500 ft).
• Maritime influence: Pacific air moderates temps.
• Urban heat island: Further raises low temps.

Nearby Snow Play

Residents drive 30–60 min to Mountain High, Snow Valley, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead (San Bernardino Mountains, 5,000–7,000 ft) for reliable snow.