Does It Snow in Africa? (And the 10 Countries Where It Does)

When most people think of Africa, they picture hot sun, wide deserts, and wild animals running across dry grass. It’s true that much of Africa is warm, but that doesn’t mean it’s hot everywhere. In fact, yes, it does snow in Africa and in more countries than you might expect!

Let’s see where and why it snows in Africa and the countries where snow is a real part of the weather.

Why Does It Snow in Africa?

Snow in Africa may sound strange, but it’s actually quite simple. Snow forms when the temperature drops to 0°C (32°F) or lower. While many parts of Africa are hot, some places are high up in the mountains, and at those heights, it can get very cold, cold enough for snow.

The higher you go, the colder it becomes. That’s why places like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya have snow, even though they are near the equator. Some African countries also have mountain ranges far in the north or south, where winter temperatures can drop below freezing.

So yes, Africa has deserts, beaches, jungles, and snowy mountains. It’s a continent of many surprises!

Countries in Africa Where It Snows

Now, let’s look at the countries in Africa where snow actually falls.

1. South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular places in Africa where snow is seen every year. Snow usually falls in the Drakensberg Mountains, which are found in the eastern part of the country. The name “Drakensberg” means “Dragon Mountains” maybe because they look like a dragon’s back from far away!

In some towns like Sutherland, temperatures drop very low in winter, and snow is normal. Even big cities like Johannesburg have seen snow in rare cases.

So yes, in South Africa, you can wear shorts in the morning and see snow by evening, if you drive up a mountain.

2. Lesotho

Lesotho is a small country that sits entirely inside South Africa. It’s often called the “Kingdom in the Sky” because it is full of high mountains. In fact, Lesotho is the only country in the world where every part of the land is over 1,000 meters above sea level.

Snowfall is very common in winter, especially in the Maloti Mountains. The country even has a ski resort called Afriski, where people go skiing and snowboarding, just like in Europe. See Top Ski Resorts in Africa You Didn’t Know Existed

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Yes it snows in Africa, this is the coldest county in Africa #lesothotiktok🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸 #lesotho

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3. Morocco

When you think of Morocco, you may imagine deserts and camels. But in winter, parts of Morocco turn white with snow. The Atlas Mountains stretch across the country and receive regular snowfall.

There’s even a ski resort in Morocco called Oukaimeden, just a few hours from the warm city of Marrakech. You could wear a jacket in the mountains and then drive down to wear a t-shirt by the beach, all in one day!

4. Algeria

Just like Morocco, Algeria is in North Africa and has snowy mountains in the north. The Kabylie and Aurès mountain ranges get snow during the winter months.

Some cities near these mountains, like Batna, can get cold enough to see snow on the streets. So while the Sahara Desert is in Algeria, snow still finds a way in up in the hills.

5. Tunisia

Tunisia is another North African country where snow can fall. In the northwestern part of the country, where there are highlands and hills, snow sometimes falls in winter.

It’s not common across the whole country, but in the right place at the right time, yes, Tunisia gets snow too.

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6. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has high mountains, especially in the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains. These areas can get very cold, and sometimes snow falls at the top.

Ras Dashen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia, can be cold enough for light snow and frost. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s not impossible. Ethiopia’s mountains are some of the most beautiful in Africa snow just makes them more magical.

7. Kenya

Believe it or not, Kenya, a country right on the equator, has snow but only at the top of Mount Kenya.

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, and its peaks are covered in glaciers and ice. Snow falls on top regularly, even when it’s hot at the base. It’s one of the rare places on Earth where you can see snow so close to the equator.

8. Tanzania

Just like Kenya, Tanzania has snow thanks to Mount Kilimanjaro. This is Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters, and its top is covered in snow and ice.

People from around the world climb Kilimanjaro and are surprised to walk through rainforest, moorland, and then snow all in one trip. Although the glaciers are slowly melting because of climate change, snow still falls up there regularly.

9. Uganda

Uganda also gets snow, especially in the Rwenzori Mountains, which it shares with the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). These mountains are also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” and they are home to snow, glaciers, and ice.

The tallest peak, Mount Stanley (Margherita Peak), has snow at the top. It’s not easy to climb, but if you do, you’ll find ice and cold wind waiting for you in the heart of tropical Africa.

10. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Like Uganda, the DRC has part of the Rwenzori Mountains on its side. These high mountains have permanent snow and glaciers at the top.

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can find snow so close to the equator. The snow here doesn’t fall on the ground in cities, but if you climb high enough, you’ll find it.

Fun Snow Facts About Africa

• Yes, you can ski in Africa! Lesotho, South Africa, and Morocco all have ski resorts.

• Snow in Africa is rare but real, especially at high altitudes.

• Even near the equator, it snows if the mountain is tall enough.

• Some children in Africa grow up seeing snow, while others have never seen or touched it in their whole lives.

• Africa has two snow-capped mountains near the equator: Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

Conclusion

So, does it snow in Africa? Yes, it does! Africa is not just deserts and sunshine. It’s a continent of mixed weather and geography. From snowy peaks in Tanzania and Uganda to ski resorts in Morocco and Lesotho, Africa proves that it has everything even snow.

Next time someone says “It never snows in Africa,” you can smile and say, “Oh, it does and I can name 10 countries where it happens.