Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa and shares borders with Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. When you think of Egypt, probably the first thing that comes to mind is the scorching desert, the majestic pyramids, and the River Nile. However, Egypt is a country that offers more than just its iconic landmarks. But does it snow in Egypt? Let’s explore
Does it snow in Egypt?
It does snow in Egypt, in the mountainous regions of Sinai (internationally known as Mt Moses), particularly around Saint Catherine. These areas boast cooler night temperatures due to their high elevations. A year-round average precipitation of 20 mm (0.79 in) and 200 mm (7.87 in) occurs along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, but south of Cairo, the average drops to nearly 0 millimeters (0.01 in). Snowfall in Egypt can be highly variable from year to year, making it an unpredictable natural spectacle. Egypt has experienced snow in some cities in recent years.
When does it snow in Egypt?
Snowfall usually occurs in Egypt during the winter months (November-January. Temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) during this period but may drop further in high-altitude areas such as the Sinai Mountains.
Contrary to the snowy peaks of Sinai, Egypt’s major cities like Giza, Cairo, and Alexandria rarely witness snowfall. It was in December 2013 that Cairo experienced a single overnight snowfall, marking the first occurrence in over a century. The city’s residents were treated to a magical winter scene, with the iconic pyramids dusted in a thin layer of snow. However, such moments are exceedingly rare, and Egyptians cherish them when they occur.
Recent years have witnessed some unusual snowfall events in Egypt. In December 2021, Alexandria experienced a rare snowfall in several parts of the city, bringing joy and excitement to its residents. Cairo also had its share of snowfall in January 2022, marking a significant occurrence after many years without such an event. These occurrences remind us that Egypt’s weather can occasionally surprise us.
Where can you Experience snow in Egypt?
It is possible to experience snow in Egypt in Saint Catherine. The town is situated in Egypt’s South Sinai Governorate and boasts historical significance and unique natural beauty. It is located at the foot of Mount Sinai, 1,586 meters above sea level, which causes it to have the coldest nights in Egypt.
During winter, temperatures in the city can drop to as low as 32.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 degrees Celsius). Classified as a desert (BWh) in the Köppen-Geiger system, this town witnesses occasional snowfall, mainly during December, January, and February, with surprise flurries in late autumn or early spring. This rare natural event enhances the town’s picturesque allure, making Saint Catherine one of Egypt’s chilliest locales, alongside other mountainous areas like Nekhel.
Ski Resorts in Egypt
It has never been documented that anyone has skied on snow in Egypt. Since 2017, the country has seen the emergence of indoor snow centers. These facilities, the first of their kind in Africa, allow skiing in Egypt year-round. While the runs are relatively short and the snow is machine-made, they allow locals and tourists to experience the joy of gliding down snowy slopes without leaving the country.
- Pyramids Park Resort Hotel: (Cairo, Alexandria Desert Rd, Kerdasa)
- El Galaa Heights: (Ain El Sokhna,Zafarana Rd, Attaka)
- Ski Egypt with learning opportunities and artificial slopes ( Wahat Roa, Giza Governorate)
Conclusion
While snow is rare in Egypt, it is not entirely absent from this ancient land. The mountainous regions of Sinai, indoor snow centers, and occasional surprises in major cities offer glimpses of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. So, the next time someone asks, “Does it snow in Egypt?” you can confidently answer, “Yes, in certain places, at certain times, Egypt transforms into a winter wonderland, defying the desert stereotype.”
