Saudi Arabia sees rare snowfall after 30 years, desert mountains turn into winter wonderland

For the first time in three decades, snow has graced parts of Saudi Arabia, turning desert-framed mountains into icy landscapes and surprising residents with a rare winter spectacle. From snow-capped peaks to desert plains dusted in white, the Kingdom experienced a weather event that many had only imagined.

A cold air mass sweeping across northern Saudi Arabia brought rain, strong winds, and record-low temperatures, creating ideal conditions for snowfall. In areas near Tabuk, including Jabal Al Lawz and the Trojena highlands, temperatures fell to around -4°C, allowing snow to settle at altitudes near 2,600 metres. Social media quickly filled with photos and videos showing the mountains blanketed in white, capturing the historic moment.


Residents of Tabuk and Hail have embraced the rare weather, stepping outside to ski, play, and capture the snowy scenery. Videos shared online show adults enjoying skiing, children playing in the snow, and even camels wandering across snow-covered desert plains beneath dark, dramatic clouds, a surreal scene that quickly went viral. The snowfall turned parts of the Kingdom into an unexpected winter playground, blending the familiar desert landscapes with a temporary, magical layer of ice and snow.

Alongside the snow, the cold wave brought widespread and persistent rainfall to several regions, reinforcing the impact of the inclement weather. For many, the combination of freezing temperatures, snow-capped mountains, and sudden, unexpected winter activities offered both excitement and disbelief, marking a rare and unforgettable moment in Saudi Arabia’s climate history.