U.S. Halloween and Thanksgiving Weather Forecasts

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released a forecast for Halloween weather across the United States, predicting chilliness and rain that could affect trick-or-treating and other activities. Some areas may even have snow. Halloween falls at a time when weather can vary widely each year. While some years feature mild conditions, others may bring early winter storms or freezing temperatures. Although widespread winter-like conditions are not anticipated this year, parts of the U.S. might still see snow by October 31.

Old Farmer’s Almanac Halloween Week Forecast

The Almanac suggests chilly weather on Halloween for much of the U.S., with possible rain in areas including the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, South Central states, and Northwest. According to the Almanac’s 2026 fall forecast, snowflakes are likely in two regions. The Upper Midwest could experience mild weather with rain and snow showers. Alaska, except for the milder panhandle, expects cold with snowy periods.

AccuWeather meteorologists, not associated with the Almanac, indicated that some states might already have snow by Halloween, especially in high-elevation areas.

Possible Snow on Halloween

There are currently no winter storms expected to cause widespread Halloween disruption. According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert, higher elevations in areas like western Colorado, western Wyoming, eastern Idaho, and Utah might see snow. Most lower elevations will remain too warm for snow. Rain showers are expected in Arizona, southern California, Texas, Oklahoma, South Florida, coastal Washington, and Oregon.

Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving Forecast

For Thanksgiving, the Almanac predicts a higher chance of snow compared to Halloween. Possible snow could appear in the Northeast, Atlantic corridor, Appalachians, lower Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Alaska. Rain might occur in the Southeast, Florida, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. The warmest weather is forecasted for Texas, Oklahoma, Intermountain regions, Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. Sunny conditions are likely in the High Plains, Deep South, Pacific Southwest, and Desert Southwest.

U.S. Snow Outlook for This Winter

As winter approaches, El Niño is strengthening in the Pacific Ocean, raising questions about its impact on U.S. winter weather. El Niño is defined by warmer ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific, affecting jet stream patterns and North American weather. Stronger El Niño years often bring stormier conditions to the southern U.S. and above-average temperatures in northern areas. This means typical high snowfall states may experience less snow this winter. The Great Lakes frequently experience lake-effect snow, but a strong El Niño can complicate forecasts.

According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, northern states, including parts of the Northeast, expect above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation from November through January. Conversely, southern states, like Florida, will likely see rain as above-average temperatures prevent snowfall.