Snowy Christmas in Africa, a rare but real occurrence

In African regions where snow is a rare occurrence, countries celebrate the occasion with joy and enthusiasm at outdoor events, carnivals, and concerts, marked by unique traditions and activities that reflect the cultural diversity of Africa.

Yes, it does snow in some parts of Africa but only at points like Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya where snow covers the tip of these mountains year-round. Some far northern regions, like Morocco, witness snowfall during the Christmas period. While rare, the phenomenon does take place.

In July 2023, South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg witnessed snowfall in over a decade, international media Reuters reported.

While certain areas in South Africa experience regular snowfall during the winter months of the southern hemisphere, typically from June to August, Johannesburg's most recent encounter with snow dates back to August 2012.

Similarly, the Algerian town of Ain Sefra in the Sahara desert experienced snowfall on December 19, 2016. That was the first time in 37 years that snow had fallen in the region.

In most African countries, snowfall is a rare sight due to the consistently high temperatures. The weather in Africa is known for its complexity, and snow is only likely to fall when temperatures reach 0℃ or below. However, the average temperature in the coldest African countries usually stays between 16-18℃, making it challenging for snow to form.

While not all regions of Africa experience snowfall, some high-altitude areas welcome a beautiful snowy blanket during the festive season. The Atlas Mountains, stretching through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, transform into a snowy spectacle, providing residents with a Christmas experience like no other.

Likewise, the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa become a serene and enchanting setting as they are touched by snowfall during this time of the year.

Regions such as the Western Cape and Northern Cape in South Africa are particularly known for experiencing more frequent instances of snow. Lesotho stands out as one of the rare African countries where snowfall is an annual occurrence.

In Morocco, located at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea and closest to Europe, the hilly areas witness snowfall from December to March, creating beautiful scenes for Moroccans.

Although snow is not a usual occurrence in Kenya, Mount Kenya, the nation's highest peak, is covered with snow throughout the year likewise the tallest peak in Africa and one of the world's largest free-standing mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Winter does make an appearance in Africa, but you likely won't require a snow shovel as the snowy periods are brief. Appropriate clothing is necessary, and if you're fortunate, you might come across a few ski resorts to enjoy some snow activities.