Keypoints:
- Snowfall common in high-altitude regions
- Lesotho, Morocco and Tanzania get annual snow
- Africa’s climate far more varied than assumed
AFRICA may be best known for its sweeping deserts, warm savannahs and tropical beaches — but there’s another side to the story. While many associate the continent with endless sun, several African countries regularly experience snowfall, often in surprising abundance.
Snow isn’t a rare occurrence across Africa’s mountain regions. In fact, thanks to the continent’s dramatic geography and wide climate zones, high-altitude areas from north to south see regular, sometimes heavy, snowfall each year.
Lesotho’s icy highlands
Lesotho, the mountain kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, is one of the continent’s most reliably snowy spots. Much of the country lies above 1,400 metres, and during the winter months of June to August, snow is common across its high peaks. Some regions become blanketed in snow thick enough for winter sports, with visitors and locals alike embracing the cold season.
Snow in South Africa’s Drakensberg
Just across the border, South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains also get their fair share of frost. With snow often falling in the winter, the region is a popular destination for cold-weather hikes and even sledging. South Africa’s location, closer to the South Pole than to Morocco, highlights just how far Africa stretches — and how varied its climate can be.
The Atlas Mountains of North Africa
Heading north, the Atlas Mountains run through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, offering some of the highest and coldest terrain in Africa. Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak at 4,167 metres, is regularly covered in snow. Winter temperatures in the region often plunge below freezing, turning Berber villages into picturesque alpine escapes.
Tanzania’s snowy summit
Despite being near the equator, Tanzania is home to Africa’s tallest mountain — Kilimanjaro. The mountain’s upper slopes are often covered in snow, especially during the colder months between June and October. While the snowline has receded in recent decades due to climate change, snow still crowns the peak much of the year, offering one of the continent’s most iconic wintry scenes.
Uganda’s glacial Rwenzoris
Uganda also boasts snowy peaks. The Rwenzori Mountains — often called the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ — are known for their glaciers and snow-covered summits. Though less well-known than Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzoris offer dramatic alpine landscapes, with persistent snow due to elevations above 5,000 metres.
Africa’s climate: more than heat
Africa’s weather isn’t just deserts and sun. From the arid Sahara to rainforest humidity and frozen mountain peaks, the continent’s climate is one of the most diverse on Earth. That diversity often goes unrecognised — especially when it comes to snow.
So next time someone says it doesn’t snow in Africa, you’ll know better. From Morocco to Lesotho, the icy reality is far more interesting than the myth.
