Saudi Arabia sees first snowfall in 30 years as desert landscapes turn into winter wonderland

Snow blankets Saudi Arabia’s desert and mountain regions as freezing temperatures transform parts of the Kingdom into a rare winter landscape.

A country globally associated with scorching summers and vast desert landscapes woke up to an unexpected winter spectacle as snow, rain, and freezing temperatures swept across parts of Saudi Arabia, catching residents by surprise and prompting safety advisories.

Large swathes of the Kingdom experienced an abrupt weather shift over the past few days, with snowfall reported in northern regions and widespread rain pushing temperatures sharply lower. The rare conditions triggered both excitement and caution, while once again highlighting how extreme weather events are emerging in regions historically unaccustomed to them — a pattern increasingly linked to climate change.

Snow blankets northern Saudi Arabia

Snowfall was recorded across northern Saudi Arabia, dramatically altering the rugged mountain terrain of Tabuk Province. High-altitude areas, including Trojena on Jebel Al-Lawz, which rises to around 2,600 metres, were coated in snow, accompanied by light rainfall. Parts of the Hail region, including areas surrounding Hail city, also reported snowfall — an exceptionally rare sight for the desert nation.

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From the Tuwaiq mountain range in the west to regions near Riyadh, vast stretches of typically arid land were transformed into snow-dusted landscapes. Early morning temperatures dipped below 0 degrees Celsius in some locations, creating favourable conditions for snow to settle across elevated ground.

Rainfall and freezing temperatures raise safety concerns

The cold spell was not limited to snowfall alone. Light to moderate rainfall was reported in Bir Bin Hermas, Al-Ayinah, Ammar, AlUla Governorate, Shaqra, and nearby areas, while heavier rain impacted Riyadh, Qassim, and parts of the Eastern region, raising concerns over localised flooding.

According to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), snow was also observed in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, north of Riyadh, where open land and higher terrain briefly turned into winter landscapes. The weather agency attributed the conditions to a cold air mass pushing into central and northern Saudi Arabia and interacting with rain-bearing cloud systems.

Hussein Al-Qahtani, the NCM’s official spokesperson, said temperatures were expected to remain low, particularly across northern and central regions. Authorities urged residents to drive cautiously, avoid valleys prone to water accumulation, and remain alert as unstable weather conditions persist.

Social media flooded with surreal visuals

As snow fell across desert and mountain regions, images and videos of Saudi Arabia blanketed in white spread rapidly on social media. One widely shared clip showed camels standing on snow-covered desert terrain beneath dark, storm-laden skies, while others captured residents skiing, celebrating, and documenting scenes rarely witnessed in the Kingdom.

Snow blanketed Saudi Arabia this week, transforming the usually rugged, desert-framed mountains into a winter landscape.pic.twitter.com/0lMIazJe9b — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) December 19, 2025

The unusual spectacle drew crowds to areas such as Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, as residents stepped out to witness what many described as a once-in-a-generation event. With adverse weather conditions continuing, authorities in Riyadh last week shifted schools to online classes as a precautionary measure.

Climate change fuels weather unpredictability

Meteorologists say the episode underscores growing climate volatility, as weather extremes increasingly surface in regions long defined by stable heat and drought patterns. From unexpected winter rain in the United Arab Emirates to flash floods across arid Middle Eastern regions and record-breaking heatwaves in South Asia, familiar climate norms are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Saudi Arabia sees first snowfall in 30 years as desert landscapes turn into winter wonderland

For residents and travellers alike, Saudi Arabia’s snow-covered deserts offered a striking reminder of how rapidly weather patterns are changing — and how even the world’s hottest regions are no longer immune to winter’s surprise arrival.