Uncover the rare phenomenon of snowfall in one of the hottest places on Earth and why it occasionally turns white.
When people think of the Sahara Desert, they usually imagine endless dunes, blazing sun, and extreme heat. But surprisingly, snow has fallen in this scorching region more than once — and it’s not a myth.
The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, spans across North Africa. Temperatures during the day can soar above 45°C (113°F), but during winter nights, the desert can become bitterly cold. This drastic temperature shift sets the stage for rare snowfall events.
The most famous snowfall occurred in 1979, when snow covered the town of Ain Sefra in Algeria for about 30 minutes. Since then, snow has returned to Ain Sefra multiple times — most recently in 2017, 2018, and 2021 — blanketing the red sand with a surreal white coat.
These snowfalls usually result from a combination of unusual weather patterns. Cold air from Europe pushes south, meeting moist air from the Atlantic or Mediterranean. If conditions are just right, snow can fall instead of rain.
While snowfall in the Sahara is rare, it’s a reminder of how diverse and unpredictable Earth’s climates can be — even in places where we least expect it.
Tags: Sahara Desert, Snow in Desert, Climate Phenomena, Rare Weather, Nature Facts