Best Countries for Snow Days: Data‑Driven Insights

Dreaming of frequent snow days? Some places have a lot more than others. In this post we’ll examine which countries are most likely to call off school for snow, drawing on climate data and historical closure patterns. While every winter is unique, the trends are clear: certain parts of the world are blessed with powdery white days off time and again.

High Latitude Champions

It’s no surprise that northern latitude countries dominate our list. Canada and Russia are famous for their long, snowy winters. In Canada, provinces like Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba see dozens of snow days every year. Russia’s Siberian regions routinely experience temperatures below –30 °C and heavy blizzards. Finland, Norway and Sweden also rank highly. These nations invest heavily in snow infrastructure but still close schools when storms coincide with dangerously low temperatures or high winds.

Asia’s Snowy Hotspots

Japan holds the title of one of the world’s snowiest countries. The Sea of Japan creates “snow belts” where moisture‑laden air dumps metres of snow each winter, particularly in Hokkaido and along the west coast. Elementary and high schools in these regions often close multiple times per season. China’s northeastern provinces (Heilongjiang, Jilin) and parts of Mongolia and Kazakhstan also see significant snow days.

Europe’s Alpine Delights

While western Europe enjoys a temperate climate, the Alps bring heavy snow to Austria, Switzerland and France. Schools in alpine villages sometimes close when snowdrifts make mountain roads impassable. Eastern European countries such as Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states experience prolonged winter conditions, though they’re generally well‑prepared. The United Kingdom occasionally sees snow days when rare cold snaps blanket the Midlands and Scotland.

Unexpected Snow Days in the South

What about countries we don’t normally associate with snow? Even Mexico, Saudi Arabia and parts of Australia (Tasmania) can see snow at higher elevations. Because these regions lack snow ploughs and experienced drivers, schools often close after just a dusting. In the Andes, Argentina and Chile get frequent winter storms in June and July, leading to closures in alpine communities. South Africa’s mountain regions and Lesotho occasionally have snow days too.

Why Some Countries Close More Often

It’s not just the amount of snow that matters; it’s how societies respond. Communities accustomed to heavy snowfall invest in equipment and training, so they don’t need to cancel school unless the storm is exceptional. By contrast, areas with rare snow events have little incentive to buy snowploughs or train drivers; schools close quickly for safety. Our snow day chance calculator accounts for these regional differences by adjusting thresholds for each country and even down to the state or province level.

If you’re wondering how often your region experiences snow days, try our worldwide snow day calculator or read our guides on predicting a snow day for your school. You can also explore our list of snow day factors to see what goes into the decision.

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