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How do snowflakes form?
Quick answer
A snowflake forms when water vapor in a cold cloud freezes directly onto a tiny particle, building an ice crystal. As it falls through changing temperature and humidity, it grows six symmetric arms — which is why no two snowflakes are quite alike.
Step by step
- Water vapor freezes onto a tiny dust particle in clouds.
- Ice crystals grow with six-fold symmetry.
- Their shape depends on temperature and humidity as they fall.
- Tiny differences make each snowflake unique.
People also ask
How do snowflakes form?
Water vapor freezes onto a particle in a cold cloud, growing into a symmetric six-armed ice crystal.
Why do snowflakes have six sides?
Water molecules bond in a hexagonal pattern when they freeze, giving crystals six-fold symmetry.
Are all snowflakes really different?
Essentially yes — each follows a slightly different path, so their detailed shapes are virtually never identical.
Part of the guide: Water & Weather Phenomena →