As we enter the winter season, the days darken and snow covers the earth. Although the trees are bare and the animals are hidden, there are still many special things to witness around. Plus, cold weather leads to fun indoor activities and cozy meals. Help your students relate to the changes in the world around them with these great facts about winter. Mix and enjoy!
Also, click the button below for a Google slideshow with all of our facts about winter in an easy-to-present format!
Fun and Interesting Facts About Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year.
States with the coldest winters include Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Montana.
Not all places have snowy winters.
These states include Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. They are very warm because of the snow!
Water freezes at 32°F (0°C).
When the temperature drops below this point, the water turns into ice. Snow forms when there is moisture in the air. Building snowmen and having snowball fights is always fun when there’s lots of snow!
No two snowflakes are exactly alike.
Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes over dust particles in the air, creating unique crystal shapes.
The first official day of winter is called the winter solstice.
The winter solstice usually begins on December 21 and is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
There are more hours of darkness than light in winter.
We see more darkness than light because the tilt of the Earth makes the sun appear lower in the sky.
Alaska only has a few hours of daylight in the winter.
Depending on the city, Alaskans only see 3 to 6 hours of daylight in December and January. Alaska’s Utqiagvik region stays dark for 67 days straight! This may be one of the most surprising facts about winter.
Polar nights are days without sunlight.
White nights occur in parts of the world in the far north, including parts of Norway, Sweden, Canada, Greenland and Russia. They can last for days or even months!
Many animals hibernate.
Hibernation is a deep sleep that helps animals conserve energy when food is not available. This goes on for weeks or months, depending on the type. Check out this list of interesting hibernating animals and a free set of printable worksheets.
Some animals have fur that adapts to winter weather.
Some animals grow thick fur in the winter while others have fur that changes color completely. For example, fox fur and polar bear fur turn white in winter to hide in the snow.
Penguins have special adaptations to cold weather.
Penguins have a thick layer of fat (blubber) and tightly packed feathers to keep them warm. They gather in large groups, too, when needed. Time to relax!
Some animals migrate to warmer areas in the winter.
Also known as south flies, these animals include flies such as birds and butterflies. For example, the monarch butterfly travels thousands of kilometers to avoid the cold.
Animals gather and store food in the fall to have food for the winter.
They often hide nuts and seeds in the ground or in trees, the way we use our pantries and refrigerators. How wise!
Many trees lose their leaves in winter.
Evergreen trees, such as pines and firs, keep their leaves all year round. That is why they are used as Christmas trees.
Ponds, lakes, and rivers can freeze over in the winter.
This creates solid ice sheets. People often go ice skating or play ice hockey in frozen water. Be careful and check with an adult first!
Comfort food and hot drinks are enjoyed in winter.
Comfort food is hearty food like thick soup, stew, and chili that warms your belly. Hot cocoa with marshmallows on top is always a delicious treat! Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips are also common cooking ingredients as they store well during the colder months.
The Winter Olympics are held every four years.
Popular sports include skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, figure skating, bobsledding, and curling.
The first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France, in 1924.
The next Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina, Italy.
The northern lights occur in areas near the Arctic Circle in winter.
Also known as the aurora borealis, these colorful lights are spectacular displays in the night sky. They occur when particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s are celebrated in the winter.
People decorate their homes, gather with family and friends, give gifts, and enjoy special holiday foods during this holiday season. The party is on!
Some constellations are more visible in the night sky during winter.
Orion the Hunter is one of the easiest stars to see in winter. Others include Auriga, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Carina, Eridanus, Gemini, Monoceros, and Taurus.
Many countries celebrate the winter season with special events.
Quebec, Canada, hosts a famous Winter Festival with snow sculptures, parades, and games. You can even stay in a hotel made of ice, called Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel)! The Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan is a similar event to celebrate snow and ice.
Frost forms when moisture in the air freezes into tiny ice crystals.
Ice crystals are often seen on cold mornings and create a brilliant, sparkling light.
A severe winter storm.
It features strong winds, heavy snow, and extreme temperatures. These storms can create whiteout conditions, making it difficult to see or walk. Hunt in safety during the snow!
People who leave their homes in the north for warmer places in the winter are called snowbirds.
This is because these people imitate the behavior of birds when they are looking for a warm winter! Florida has more snowbirds than any other state. Many of them migrated from the northeast and upper Midwest of the United States and eastern Canada.
Find my Google Slides presentation about facts about winter!
If you liked our facts about winter, click the button below to get your copy. Formatted facts to share with your class or just laugh at yourself!
Want to learn more facts about winter? Check out our list of Picture Books About Winter.
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