10 African Countries Where It Snows
Africa is the world’s hottest continent, and most people do not think Africa has the probability of experiencing snow. The primary seasons in most African countries are the dry season, often characterized by winds or harmattan, and the rainy season. In some regions, the rainy season is closely associated with the heat season, either preceding or coinciding.
Most African countries do not experience winter, so it seems somewhat surprising when you say it snows in Africa. Although it might not be extended like that in the European countries, it does snow in some parts of Africa. Here are the 10 African countries where it snows.
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10 African Countries Where It Snows
1. Tunisia
Tunisia, a country known for its diverse climate and geographic features, is one of the African countries where it snows. Tunisia experiences snowfall during the winter months from December to February, which is more prominent in regions with higher elevations.
The climate in Tunisia varies across different regions due to its unique position between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. The country is generally classified as semi-arid or arid, with little rainfall from June to September.
Tunisia witnesses higher precipitation and cooler temperatures in December than other months. The average temperature during this period ranges between 10°C and 18°C. While daytime temperatures may reach up to 25°C, they can drop as low as 5°C at night. The country’s northern regions have cooler temperatures than the rest of Tunisia.
Although snowfall in Tunisia is relatively rare, some regions do receive light snow on their highest mountain peaks during the winter months, such as alpine areas around Jebel ECH Chambi (the highest peak in Tunisia), Jebel Zaghouan, and neighboring mountains.
2. South Africa
One of the African countries where it snows is South Africa, where winter spans from June to August. While not all regions in South Africa witness snowfall due to their diverse environments, areas like Drakensberg and Cape exhibit extremely low temperatures, ranging from a median high of 12.3°C to as low as 4.7°C.
In particular, the Western Cape and Northern Cape experience the most significant amount of snow, with at least five snow days annually, accumulating up to 30 millimetres. Winter typically commences in June and concludes in August in these snowy parts of the country.
During winter, temperatures in the Drakensberg region can drop significantly, with median highs ranging from 12.3°C to as low as 4.7°C. It further dropped and is accompanied by an average of 6 millimeters of snow. Similarly, the Western Cape region has at least five snow days annually, with snowfall accumulating up to 30 millimeters.
3. Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country known for its game reserves, and national parks fall on this list. Although generally not experiencing widespread snowfall, there is one exception in Mount Kilimanjaro. As the tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro’s equatorial trade winds and high-altitude anti-trades influence its temperature, making it cooler than the surrounding areas.
Snowfall on Kilimanjaro is not limited to a specific time, but it is more prevalent during the first week of December and can occur throughout June, July, August, and September.
4. Morocco
Morocco is one of the African countries where it snows. Classified as a North African county, it has diverse temperatures in its highlands, semi-arid, Mediterranean, and sub-Mediterranean zones.
While most of Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterised by dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters, regions at higher elevations witness snowfall during winter. One of the places Snowfall is common around High Atlas, especially in areas at higher altitudes. The temperature during winter (December to February) can range from sub-zero temperatures to positive degrees during the day.
Also, cities like Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” in the Middle Atlas are particularly famous for their snow-covered winter landscapes. Other areas where it snows in Morocco include Rif Mountain and cities like Fez and Meknes
5. Algeria
Situated in North Africa, Algeria has a diverse climate across its vast territory. The country experiences three main climate types: continental in highlands and rocky areas, Mediterranean along the coast, and desert in the Sahara.
Winter in Algeria starts in December, with temperatures in Setif ranging from lows of 38.7°C to 11.5°C. Snowfall is particularly noteworthy in Setif, with accumulated 128 millimetres in January and 147 millimetres in February.
Additionally, in the northeastern part, the Kabylie region in northern Algeria and the Aurès Mountains experience colder temperatures and occasional snow.
6. Lesotho
Lesotho, the African landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, experiences a distinctive climate due to its high elevation, rugged terrain, and mountainous landscape. The country’s elevation is the highest of any independent country worldwide, contributing to its colder temperatures and snowfall, especially in winter.
Lesotho’s lowest point is around 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) above sea level, and its highest point, Thabana Ntlenyana, reaches an elevation of 3,482 meters (11,424 feet). During this period, temperatures drop significantly, and the highlands witness snowfall, with lows reaching 0°C and highs reaching 16-19°C.
7. Namibia
While snowfall is extremely rare in most parts of the country due to its warm and dry conditions, some regions in Namibia experience occasional snowfall.
Snowfall in Namibia is infrequent and is more likely in the eastern and southern mountainous regions, with higher elevations. An example is the Khomas Highland in the central part of the country and the Brandberg Mountain in the northwest.
8. Kenya
Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, experiences cooler temperatures, and the summit is often covered in snow and ice.
Snowfall on Mount Kenya is not limited to a specific season but can occur throughout the year. This is more frequent in the mountain’s lower slopes, as they experience cooler temperatures.
9. Ethiopia
This might sound surprising, but Ethiopia is one of the African countries where it snows. The Simien Mountains National Park, in northern Ethiopia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes and the potential for snowfall on the mountain peaks. They have high elevations and rugged terrain, making it possible to experience snow.
10. Uganda
Uganda, located in East Africa, is known for its equatorial climate, characterized by relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. While snowfall is sporadic in Uganda due to its proximity to the equator, there are high-altitude regions, specifically in the Rwenzori Mountains, where glaciers and snow can be found.
The Rwenzori Mountains, also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” are situated along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are home to some of Africa’s only remaining glaciers. Snow can be present on the highest peaks throughout the year. The temperature around the mountain ranges from 20°C to -5°C, producing glaciers, snow, and ice.
Conclusion
While snow in Africa may seem unusual given its reputation as a hot continent, its diverse climates and geographical features create pockets where snowfall is a reality, from the snowy peaks of South Africa and Tunisia to the highlands of Lesotho and the mountains of Ethiopia. Indeed, there are African countries where it snows.
