What's the Average Snowfall in London, Ontario Each Winter?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

If you're new to London, Ontario or just want to plan ahead, it helps to know roughly how much snow the city gets in a typical winter.

London sits close enough to Lake Huron to pick up lake-effect snow, which pushes its seasonal totals higher than many other Southwestern Ontario cities. Winters here regularly bring well over a metre of total snowfall, with some years running heavier depending on how active the lake-effect bands are.

Snowfall isn't spread evenly through the season. A few big lake-effect events can dump a large share of the winter's total snow in just a handful of storms, which is part of why response time and equipment matter so much for local snow removal.

How the season usually unfolds

Long-term climate normals for London put average annual snowfall at roughly two metres, though individual winters can land well above or below that. The first measurable snow often arrives in November, the heaviest months are typically December through February, and March can still deliver a major storm. Most of the total falls between December and March, which is why our seasonal service runs December 1 to March 31. For anyone worried about the shoulder months, an extension from November 1 to April 15 is available for $95 plus HST.

Lake-effect snow: why totals vary across the city

When cold air moves over the open water of Lake Huron, it picks up moisture and drops it inland as narrow bands of snow. A band can bury one part of London while another part a few kilometres away sees flurries. It can also keep snowing for many hours. For snow removal, that means a single event can need more than one visit, which is why we return during long storms.

Freeze-thaw and ice matter as much as snow

Southwestern Ontario winters often swing above and below freezing. Snow melts in the afternoon, then refreezes overnight into a glaze on driveways, steps and walkways. Freezing rain adds to the risk. Ordinary rock salt works well near freezing but poorly below about -10°C. Our seasonal salt program is $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and pet-safe de-icer is $120 for households with animals.

Turning averages into a plan

• Seasonal service is automatic for every snowfall of 5 cm or more, so there is nothing to track.
• The City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared on each visit.
• Edges, steps and drains are marked before the snow hides them.
• A timestamped photo is taken after every visit.

Seasonal prices plus HST: $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car driveway, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for a 3-car, paver or stamped driveway. Per-visit service is $70 to $85 if you prefer to pay only when it snows.

Because year-to-year totals vary, it's smarter to plan for a full-season snow removal contract than to guess at a per-visit budget based on an average that might not match the winter you actually get.

At Thames Valley Snow, our seasonal plans are built around how London winters actually behave, including the lake-effect swings, so your cost is fixed however the winter turns out.

Getting your property ready before the first storm

Put stakes along driveway edges and near any curb, low wall or garden bed while the ground is still soft. Move hoses, planters and decorations away from where snow will be piled. Check that downspouts drain away from walkways so melt does not refreeze on the path.

FAQ

When does London usually get its first snow?

Often in November, though it varies year to year. Seasonal service starts December 1, with an optional November 1 extension.

Is a big snowfall cleared more than once?

Yes. We return during long storms.

Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See residential snow removal and snow removal prices.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.