Saudi Arabia has seen its first snowfall of the winter season, bringing an unusual and stunning winter scene to several northern and highland regions of the Kingdom. Snow fell in parts of Tabuk and Hail, turning mountain slopes and elevated areas into snowy landscapes that contrast sharply with the country’s typical desert climate.
In the Jabal Al-Lawz area of Tabuk Province, snow blanketed the high peaks and surrounding highlands as temperatures dropped below freezing. The snowfall was accompanied by dense fog and strong winds, creating conditions more commonly associated with distant winter climates than with the Middle Eastern nation. Snowfall was also reported in other areas of Tabuk, as well as light to moderate rain in cities like Al-Ayinah and Shaqra, helping dampen the land and add to the winter atmosphere.
The National Centre for Meteorology had warned earlier that a cold air mass would move into northern Saudi Arabia, bringing the possibility of snow, thunderstorms, and rain. Weather experts say these snowfall events are rare but not unheard of in high-elevation regions like Tabuk and the Hail highlands during colder months. Such conditions depend on shifting atmospheric patterns and cold fronts crossing the region.
Residents and visitors took to social media to share photos and videos of the snowy scenery, describing the event as remarkable and memorable. Many people embraced the unexpected winter conditions, with some even enjoying outdoor activities in the snow-covered landscapes.
While much of Saudi Arabia remains arid, snowfall in its northern highlands highlights the diversity of the country’s climate and adds a rare seasonal spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
