Unusual snowfall occurred in northern Saudi Arabia around December 17–18, 2025, turning the highlands of the Tabuk and Hail regions and some desert areas—notably Jabal Al Lawz—into a winter spectacle. Viral videos showed people celebrating, dancing to traditional music, skiing on sand dunes and enjoying snow-clad peaks amid temperatures of -4°C or less.
The Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) predicted and confirmed the phenomenon, which was attributed to cold air coming from the Mediterranean Sea mixing with moisture, causing rain to turn to snow at higher altitudes (above 2,500–2,600 metres). Cold conditions persisted, with minimum temperatures hovering around 2-3°C in areas like Tabuk, Turaif and Hail.
Although sensational reports described it as “the first snowfall in 30 years,” experts, including astronomer Mohammed bin Redda Al Thakafi, emphasized that winter snowfall in the northern highlands such as Jabal Al Lawz occurs periodically—often every few years—although such heavy snowfall is rare in the lower deserts. Previous occurrences were also recorded in recent winters, disproving claims of a three-decade interval.
The spectacle attracted tourists and locals, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s climatic diversity beyond its desert identity. Officials urged caution amid fog, winds and potential dangers.
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