Northern Saudi Arabia Experiencing Rare Snowfall, Captivates Locals

A rare weather phenomenon transformed parts of northern Saudi Arabia into a winter wonderland as significant snowfall occurred on December 18, 2025. The event particularly affected the Tabuk region, where the majestic Jabal Al-Lawz, also known as Almond Mountain, received a stunning blanket of snow. This unexpected occurrence surprised residents and drew global attention, as images of snow-covered landscapes replaced the typical arid vistas of the Arabian Peninsula.

The snowfall on Jabal Al-Lawz, which rises approximately 2,580 metres above sea level, created a striking visual reminiscent of the Swiss Alps rather than the surrounding desert. Reports indicated that snow extended beyond the mountains, settling on high desert plains, rocky slopes, and even brown sand dunes. The stark contrast between the white snow and the usual desert terrain left many locals astonished as they witnessed familiar landscapes transformed by an unusual winter event.

Meteorologists attributed this rare snowfall to a strong cold air system moving through northern Saudi Arabia, which pushed temperatures well below seasonal averages. Some areas experienced lows of around -4°C. This same system also brought heavy rainfall and icy conditions to neighbouring regions, creating a wide range of winter weather effects.

Locals embraced the unexpected snow, venturing outdoors in warm clothing and capturing the moment with photographs and videos. Footage shared online showed camels, vehicles, and pedestrians navigating snow-covered roads, adding to the surreal nature of the scenes unfolding across the region. As visuals of this extraordinary snowfall circulated on various platforms, the response was overwhelmingly one of disbelief. Many social media users questioned the authenticity of the images, suspecting they might be digitally altered due to the stark contrast between the snow and Saudi Arabia’s typical climate.

Despite the speculation, meteorological data confirmed the authenticity of the snowfall. Experts stated that the phenomenon was driven by natural atmospheric conditions and dismissed any claims of digital manipulation. Snowfall in Saudi Arabia, while not entirely unprecedented, is generally limited to higher elevations during the peak winter months of December through February. As such, occurrences in lower areas remain rare and noteworthy.

In addition to Jabal Al-Lawz, snowfall was reported in parts of the Tabuk highlands and the Trojena area. The Hail region also experienced snow, marking one of the rare instances of such weather in several decades. Meteorologists further forecasted the possibility of snow or frost in Al-Ghat, northern Riyadh, and Al-Qassim, indicating that the winter weather system could impact a broader area.

The unusual sight of snow in one of the world’s hottest regions sparked widespread curiosity and excitement. Hashtags related to Jabal Al-Lawz and the snowfall trended across social media platforms, showcasing the power of nature to surprise and defy expectations. This event serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of weather patterns and their ability to create stunning visual spectacles, even in the most unexpected locations.