- October 21, 2026
- Updated 11:24 am
Halloween Weather Predictions from The Old Farmer’s Almanac
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its weather forecast for Halloween across the United States. It predicts chilly temperatures and rain that may affect trick-or-treating and other festivities. Snow might also be present in some regions.
Halloween occurs at a seasonal juncture, so weather can differ greatly each year. Past Halloweens have seen mild weather, but there have also been instances of early winter storms and freezing temperatures, including snow accumulation. Although widespread winter conditions are unlikely this year, certain areas could have snow by October 31.
Old Farmer’s Almanac Halloween Week Forecast
According to the Almanac’s 2026 fall forecast, much of the U.S. will experience ‘chilly conditions’ on Halloween. Rain could affect the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, South Central states, and Northwest.
Heidi Stonehill, executive editor of the Almanac, informed Newsweek of expected snowflakes on Halloween in two regions: the Upper Midwest with ‘mild with rain and snow showers,’ and Alaska with ‘cold with snowy periods,’ except in the panhandle which will be ‘mild with rainy periods.’
AccuWeather meteorologists, independent of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, suggest snow might already be covering certain states by Halloween, especially in high-elevation areas.
Areas Most Likely To Experience Halloween Snow
Meteorologists are not currently tracking any winter storms that might disrupt Halloween widely.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert noted areas likely to see snow include high elevations in western Colorado, Wyoming, eastern Idaho, and Utah. Lower elevations in these states may not see snow, given higher temperatures. Rain showers could be seen in Arizona, southern California, along Texas to Oklahoma, in South Florida, and coastal Washington and Oregon.
Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving Predictions
The prospect of snow is higher for Thanksgiving than Halloween. The Almanac forecasts snow in the Northeast, Atlantic corridor, Appalachians, lower Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Alaska. Rain is anticipated in the Southeast, Florida, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. Texas, Oklahoma, Intermountain region, Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii are expected to have the warmest weather. Sunny conditions are predicted for High Plains, Deep South, Pacific Southwest, and Desert Southwest.
US Winter Snow Outlook
As winter nears, the strengthening El Niño in the Pacific Ocean prompts questions on its effects on U.S. winter weather. El Niño involves warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific, which can change jet stream patterns and impact temperature and precipitation in North America during winter.
Stronger El Niño years typically bring stormier weather to the southern U.S. and above-average temperatures in northern regions. Some states with high winter snowfall might experience less snow than normal. The Great Lakes area often sees lake-effect snow, but warmer-than-usual conditions tied to strong El Niño can make forecasting difficult.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center outlines that northern states, including sections of the Northeast, anticipate above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation from November through January. Meanwhile, above-average temperatures are expected in the Southeast, especially in states like Florida where snowfall is rare, meaning precipitation would likely be rain.