Does It Snow in Africa? Yes — 8 Mountains With Year-Round Snow

Does it snow in Africa? Yes — and it might surprise you how much. From Kilimanjaro’s iconic glaciers in Tanzania to the ski slopes of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Africa is home to 8 snow-capped peaks across 10 countries — and several places where you can actually ski. Here’s a complete guide to every African mountain with snow, where to find it, and why you should see it before it disappears.

Which Mountains in Africa Have Snow?

Africa has at least eight major mountains and ranges where snow falls regularly or persists year-round. Here’s a comparison of every African peak with snow:

Mountain / Range	Country	Elevation	Snow Type	Best Months to See Snow
Mount Kilimanjaro	Tanzania	5,895 m (19,341 ft)	Permanent glaciers	Year-round (glaciers); fresh snow Nov–May
Mount Kenya	Kenya	5,199 m (17,057 ft)	Permanent glaciers	Year-round
Rwenzori Mountains	Uganda / DRC	5,109 m (16,762 ft)	Permanent glaciers	Year-round; drier Jun–Aug & Dec–Feb
Simien Mountains	Ethiopia	4,550 m (14,928 ft)	Seasonal snow	November–February
Atlas Mountains	Morocco	4,167 m (13,671 ft)	Heavy seasonal snow	November–April
Drakensberg Mountains	South Africa / Lesotho	3,482 m (11,424 ft)	Seasonal snow	May–September (winter)
Thabana Ntlenyana	Lesotho	3,482 m (11,424 ft)	Regular winter snow	May–August
Brandberg Mountain	Namibia	2,573 m (8,442 ft)	Rare snowfall	Unpredictable; occasional winter

Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s Most Famous Snow-Capped Peak

Standing at 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Its summit glaciers have existed for approximately 11,700 years, creating an otherworldly landscape of ice walls, glacial formations, and snow fields just 340 kilometres from the equator.

The main glacial zones on Kilimanjaro include:

• The Northern Icefield — the largest remaining ice mass on the mountain
• The Southern Icefield — includes the famous Kersten Glacier
• The Eastern Ice Field — features the Rebmann Glacier
• The Furtwängler Glacier — located in the crater near Uhuru Peak

Climbers who summit Kilimanjaro walk across snow and ice near the peak, particularly during the early morning summit push when temperatures can drop to −20°C (−4°F). The journey passes through five distinct climate zones — from tropical rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit — making it one of the most unique treks on Earth.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro for stable weather is during the dry seasons (January–March and June–October), though glaciers and snow are visible year-round at the summit.

Mount Kenya — Africa’s Second Highest Peak

Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), hosts permanent glaciers on its twin peaks — Batian and Nelion. The Lewis Glacier, the mountain’s most studied ice mass, has been extensively monitored by climate scientists tracking glacial retreat since the 1890s.

Mount Kenya’s glaciers are even more vulnerable than Kilimanjaro’s. The Lewis Glacier has lost over 90% of its area since 1934, and scientists project it could disappear entirely within the next decade.

Rwenzori Mountains — The “Mountains of the Moon”

The Rwenzori Mountains, straddling the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, contain Africa’s third-highest peak — Mount Stanley at 5,109 meters (16,762 feet). These mountains receive heavy precipitation, creating significant glaciers and permanent snow cover on the upper peaks.

Ptolemy called these the “Mountains of the Moon” in his ancient texts, and early explorers sought them for centuries. The Rwenzori’s glaciers feed rivers that ultimately contribute to the Nile, making them hydrologically significant beyond their visual spectacle.

Simien Mountains — Ethiopia’s Frozen Highlands

Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reach 4,550 meters at Ras Dashen — Ethiopia’s highest point. While lacking permanent glaciers, the Simien range receives regular snowfall during the cooler months (November–February), blanketing the dramatic escarpments in white.

The Simien Mountains are also home to the endemic gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf, and walia ibex — making them one of the few places on Earth where you can see snow alongside unique African wildlife.

Atlas Mountains — Where You Can Ski in Africa

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains receive the heaviest reliable snowfall on the continent. Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), often requires crampons and ice axes during winter ascents from November through April.

The Atlas range is also home to Oukaimeden, Africa’s highest ski resort at 3,200 meters — just 80 km from Marrakech. The resort operates chair lifts and attracts skiers from across North Africa and Europe. The contrast of snow-capped mountains visible from the Sahara Desert edge is one of Africa’s most striking sights.

Drakensberg & Lesotho — Southern Africa’s Snow Country

The Drakensberg mountain range, stretching along the South Africa–Lesotho border, receives regular winter snowfall from May through September. Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho reaches 3,482 meters and is the highest peak in southern Africa.

Lesotho is called the “Kingdom in the Sky” because its entire territory sits above 1,000 meters — making it one of the world’s highest countries. Winter snow transforms the highlands into landscapes that look more like the Scottish Highlands than sub-Saharan Africa.

Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho (altitude 3,222 m) is southern Africa’s premier ski and snowboard destination, operating from June through August with groomed runs and snow-making capabilities.

Which Countries in Africa Get Snow?

At least 10 African countries experience snowfall, either regularly or occasionally:

• Tanzania — permanent glaciers on Kilimanjaro
• Kenya — permanent glaciers on Mount Kenya
• Uganda — permanent glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains
• Ethiopia — seasonal snow in the Simien Mountains
• Morocco — heavy winter snow in the Atlas Mountains
• Algeria — winter snow in the Tell Atlas and Aurès Mountains. The Tikjda ski station operates in the Djurdjura National Park at around 1,500 metres, making it one of the few ski facilities in Africa outside Morocco and southern Africa. The city of Sétif, in northeastern Algeria, regularly sees snow during winter months, and the Aurès range south of Constantine receives consistent seasonal snowfall from December through March.
• Tunisia — occasional snow in the northern mountains. The Kroumirie mountain range near Aïn Draham, close to the Algerian border, can receive snowfall from December through February. While rarely heavy, snow in this region transforms the cork oak forests into a winter landscape that surprises most visitors to North Africa.
• South Africa — winter snow on the Drakensberg peaks
• Lesotho — regular winter snowfall across the highlands
• Namibia — rare snowfall on Brandberg Mountain

Why Is Snow Rare in Most of Africa?

Africa straddles the equator, and the majority of the continent lies within the tropics. Temperatures decrease with altitude at a rate of roughly 6.5°C per 1,000 meters (known as the lapse rate). Since snow forms at or below 0°C, African mountains need to be approximately 4,500–5,000 meters high near the equator — or 3,000+ meters at subtropical latitudes — to sustain snow.

Most of Africa’s terrain sits below 2,000 meters, which is why snow remains rare across the continent despite covering a massive land area. The few peaks that break through the freezing altitude threshold create some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes — tropical forests at the base transitioning to ice fields at the summit.

The Science Behind Africa’s Snow

Understanding why snow exists on African mountains — and why it’s so rare elsewhere on the continent — requires looking at the atmospheric science behind high-altitude precipitation in tropical and subtropical regions.

Temperature Lapse Rate and the Freezing Line

The environmental lapse rate — the rate at which air temperature drops with increasing elevation — averages 6.5°C per 1,000 metres globally. In equatorial Africa, where sea-level temperatures typically range from 25–30°C, this means the freezing point (0°C) is reached at approximately 4,000–4,600 metres above sea level. For snow to form and persist, temperatures need to remain at or below freezing for sustained periods — which is why only Africa’s tallest peaks carry permanent ice.

At Kilimanjaro’s summit (5,895 m), average temperatures range from −7°C to −15°C, with wind chill pushing effective temperatures below −20°C during the night. These conditions are cold enough to sustain glacial ice year-round, even at a latitude of just 3° south of the equator.

Trade Winds and Moisture Patterns

Africa’s snow-bearing mountains depend on moisture carried by prevailing wind systems. In East Africa, the Indian Ocean monsoon delivers moist air from the southeast during the long rains (March–May) and from the northeast during the short rains (October–December). This moisture feeds the glaciers on Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

In North Africa, the Atlas Mountains intercept moisture-laden air masses moving in from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Winter cyclonic systems bring heavy precipitation to the western and northern slopes of the Atlas, producing snowfall that can exceed 2 metres per season at higher elevations.

Orographic Lift: Why East-Facing Slopes Get More Snow

When moist air encounters a mountain barrier, it is forced upward — a process called orographic lift. As the air rises, it cools, condenses, and releases precipitation. On East African mountains, the southeast-facing slopes receive significantly more rainfall and snowfall because they face the prevailing moisture-bearing winds from the Indian Ocean. Kilimanjaro’s southern and eastern glaciers historically received more accumulation than the northern slopes for this reason.

The Rwenzori Mountains are a dramatic example: positioned directly in the path of moisture from the Congo Basin, they receive over 2,500 mm of precipitation annually on their western flanks, fuelling glaciers that have persisted for millennia despite their equatorial location.

Why Equatorial Mountains Can Have Permanent Ice

It seems paradoxical that mountains near the equator carry glaciers, but the combination of extreme altitude and consistent cold temperatures overrides the effect of latitude. Unlike temperate mountains that experience warm summers capable of melting winter snow, equatorial peaks like Kilimanjaro experience relatively constant temperatures year-round. There is no true “summer melt season” — instead, the glaciers exist in a state of slow equilibrium between accumulation (snowfall) and loss (sublimation and melting).

This equilibrium has shifted dramatically in recent decades. Reduced snowfall and rising temperatures mean that loss now exceeds accumulation on all three of Africa’s glaciated mountains.

The Role of Sublimation at High Altitudes

In many temperate climates, glaciers lose mass primarily through melting. On Africa’s high mountains, however, sublimation — the process by which ice transitions directly into water vapour without passing through a liquid phase — is the dominant mechanism of ice loss. The intense tropical sun, low humidity, and strong winds at altitude create ideal conditions for sublimation.

On Kilimanjaro, studies have found that sublimation accounts for the majority of glacial mass loss. This is why the glaciers appear to “shrink from the edges” with dramatic vertical ice cliffs rather than gradually thinning like glaciers in the Alps or Himalayas. The striking ice walls that climbers see near Uhuru Peak are a direct result of sublimation carving the glaciers from the outside in.

Can You Ski in Africa?

Yes — Africa has three operational ski resorts:

• Oukaimeden, Morocco — Africa’s highest ski resort (3,200 m), 80 km from Marrakech, operating December–March
• Afriski Mountain Resort, Lesotho — southern Africa’s ski destination (3,222 m), operating June–August
• Tiffindell, South Africa — small ski resort in the Eastern Cape, with snow-making, operating June–August

Beyond formal resorts, glacier trekking on Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori Mountains offers a different kind of snow experience — one that combines high-altitude adventure with the unique context of equatorial Africa.

Glacier Trekking: Africa’s Other Snow Experience

While ski resorts offer one way to experience African snow, glacier trekking provides something far rarer — the chance to walk among equatorial ice formations that have existed for thousands of years and may disappear within our lifetime.

Kilimanjaro Crater Camp — Sleeping Among Glaciers

The most immersive glacier experience in Africa is spending a night at Kilimanjaro’s Crater Camp (5,729 m), inside the volcanic caldera just below Uhuru Peak. Trekkers camp surrounded by the Furtwängler Glacier and the inner crater ice walls, watching the sun set and rise over ice formations that glow pink and orange. Only a handful of routes — typically extended Lemosho or Northern Circuit itineraries — include this extraordinary overnight. Explore our Kilimanjaro routes to find options that include crater camping.

Rwenzori’s Margherita Peak — Technical Glacier Climbing

Reaching Margherita Peak (5,109 m), the highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains, requires crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes on the glacial approach. Unlike Kilimanjaro’s walk-up routes, the Rwenzori summit is a genuine mountaineering objective. The Stanley Plateau glacier crossing is one of the most committing stretches of alpine terrain anywhere in Africa, and the experience of roping up for a glacier traverse just 30 kilometres from the equator is unlike anything else in the climbing world.

Mount Kenya’s Point Lenana — Glacier Views Without Technical Climbing

For trekkers who want glacier views without technical skills, Mount Kenya’s Point Lenana (4,985 m) is an accessible summit that offers direct views of the Lewis Glacier and the dramatic ice-covered faces of Batian and Nelion. The trek to Point Lenana takes 3–5 days and is a rewarding alternative — or complement — to a Kilimanjaro climb.

A Disappearing Experience

All three of these glacier trekking experiences are time-sensitive. With Kilimanjaro’s glaciers projected to disappear by the 2040s and the Rwenzori and Mount Kenya glaciers retreating even faster, the window to walk among equatorial ice in Africa is closing. These are genuine bucket-list adventures that cannot be deferred indefinitely.

Climate Change and Africa’s Disappearing Snow

Africa’s glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate. The numbers are stark:

• Kilimanjarohas lost over 85% of its ice cover since 1912. UNESCO researchers project the glaciers could disappear entirely by the 2040s
• Mount Kenyathe Lewis Glacier has lost over 90% of its area since 1934
• Rwenzoriglacier coverage has shrunk by more than 50% since the 1950s

The causes include rising global temperatures, reduced precipitation at high altitudes, changes in local climate patterns, and increased sublimation (ice turning directly to water vapor without melting first). This makes witnessing Africa’s glaciers an increasingly urgent experience for those who want to see this natural wonder before it potentially disappears.

Recent Snowfall Events in Africa

While permanent glaciers grab headlines, Africa also experiences rare and notable snowfall events that remind the world this continent has a far more varied climate than many assume. Here are some of the most significant recent events:

Sahara Desert Snowfall — January 2018

In January 2018, snow fell near the town of Aïn Sefra in northwestern Algeria, dusting the red sand dunes of the Sahara in white. It was the third time snow had been recorded there in 40 years (previous events occurred in 1979 and 2016). The images — orange desert dunes streaked with white snow — went viral worldwide and became one of the most shared weather stories of the year. The snow melted within hours, but the event underscored how extreme weather can reach even the hottest places on Earth.

Johannesburg Snow — July 2023

In July 2023, Johannesburg and surrounding areas of Gauteng province received rare snowfall — the first significant snow event in the city since 2012. Residents shared photos of snow-dusted suburbs, and schools in some areas closed for the day. While Johannesburg sits at 1,753 metres and experiences cold winter nights, actual snowfall remains an unusual event that occurs only a handful of times per decade.

Cape Town and Table Mountain — July 2024

In July 2024, snow fell on the upper slopes of Table Mountain and in several Cape Town suburbs at higher elevations. While light and short-lived, the event drew crowds who drove into the mountains to see and photograph the snow. The Western Cape’s mountainous interior — including the Cederberg and Hex River ranges — receives more regular winter snow, but seeing it on Table Mountain remains a rare treat for Capetonians.

Lesotho Heavy Snowfall — August 2023

In August 2023, heavy snowfall blanketed the Lesotho highlands, with accumulations exceeding 30 cm in some areas. Roads were blocked, livestock losses were reported, and rural communities in remote valleys were temporarily cut off. Lesotho’s highlands experience regular winter snow, but events of this severity disrupt daily life and highlight the harsh conditions faced by Basotho herders and farmers during peak winter.

Atlas Mountains Extended Season — 2024–2025

The 2024–2025 winter season brought above-average snowfall to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, with Oukaimeden ski resort extending its operating season by several weeks. Jebel Toubkal and surrounding peaks remained snow-covered well into April, and trekking operators reported excellent conditions for winter mountaineering. The season was a welcome contrast to several years of below-average snowpack driven by drought conditions across North Africa.

Cultural Significance of Snow in Africa

Snow in Africa is not just a meteorological curiosity — it holds deep cultural meaning for communities that have lived alongside snow-capped mountains and harsh winters for centuries.

The Chagga and Kilimanjaro’s Sacred Ice

The Chagga people, who have farmed the fertile lower slopes of Kilimanjaro for over 500 years, regard the mountain’s snow-covered summit as sacred. In traditional Chagga cosmology, the mountain is associated with Ruwa, a supreme deity linked to the sun, and the gleaming white summit was considered a divine realm — not meant for human feet. The Swahili name “Kilimanjaro” itself is debated among linguists, but popular interpretations include “mountain of impossible journey” (from the Chagga “kilema” meaning difficult and “jaro” meaning journey) and “shining mountain” — both references that connect directly to the ice cap visible from hundreds of kilometres away.

The Basotho and Snow Adaptation in Lesotho

The Basotho people of Lesotho are among the few sub-Saharan African communities with a deep, centuries-old relationship with snow. Traditional Basotho architecture — the stone-walled rondavel with a thatched conical roof — is specifically designed to retain heat during harsh highland winters. The iconic Basotho blanket, worn as a cloak rather than simply used for bedding, evolved as essential cold-weather clothing for herders tending cattle and sheep in snow-covered mountain pastures. Today, the blanket remains a symbol of Basotho identity and cultural pride.

Berber Snow Culture in the Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s Amazigh (Berber) communities in the High Atlas have adapted to snow for centuries. Villages at 2,000–3,000 metres are built with thick stone walls and flat roofs designed to bear snow loads. Traditional knowledge of seasonal snow patterns informs agricultural calendars, and snowmelt is the primary water source for irrigation systems that sustain walnut, almond, and apple orchards in the valleys below. In recent years, reduced snowfall has threatened these water supplies, making climate change a direct concern for Atlas mountain communities.

Tourism and the Novelty of “Snow in Africa”

The concept of snow in Africa holds powerful appeal for international travellers, and it drives a growing tourism segment. Afriski in Lesotho markets itself on the novelty of skiing in Africa, while Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are one of the primary motivations cited by climbers choosing Africa’s highest peak over other trekking destinations. The urgency created by disappearing glaciers has added a “last chance tourism” dimension — an increasing number of trekkers cite the desire to see Kilimanjaro’s ice before it vanishes as their reason for booking a climb.

When to See Snow on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro’s summit maintains glacial ice year-round, but fresh snowfall is most common during the rainy seasons (March–May and November). The best climbing conditions occur during the dry seasons (January–March and June–October) when weather is more stable for summit attempts.

Morning arrivals at the summit offer the best glacier views, as clouds typically build later in the day. The famous sunrise from Uhuru Peak — with ice cliffs glowing orange and pink against the African plains far below — is one of mountaineering’s most spectacular sights.

Ready to experience Africa’s snow firsthand? Explore our Kilimanjaro routes or join a scheduled group departure and walk among glaciers that have existed for over 11,000 years — while you still can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it snow in Africa?

Yes, it snows in Africa. At least 10 African countries experience snowfall, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, South Africa, and Lesotho. Three mountains — Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains — have permanent glaciers and snow year-round, while the Atlas Mountains and Drakensberg receive heavy seasonal snow with operational ski resorts.

Does Africa have mountains with snow?

Yes. Africa has at least eight major mountains and ranges with snow. Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), Mount Kenya (5,199 m), and the Rwenzori Mountains (5,109 m) have permanent glaciers. The Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Drakensberg in South Africa/Lesotho, and Simien Mountains in Ethiopia receive heavy seasonal snowfall.

Which African mountain has the most snow?

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has the most permanent ice of any African mountain, though the Atlas Mountains in Morocco receive the most seasonal snowfall. Kilimanjaro’s glaciers cover approximately 1.76 square kilometres, while the Atlas range receives enough snow to support Africa’s highest ski resort.

Can you ski in Africa?

Yes. Africa has three ski resorts: Oukaimeden in Morocco (Africa’s highest at 3,200 m, open December–March), Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho (open June–August), and Tiffindell in South Africa (open June–August with snow-making). Glacier trekking on Kilimanjaro also offers a unique snow experience.

Is the snow on Mount Kilimanjaro disappearing?

Yes. Kilimanjaro has lost over 85% of its glacial ice since 1912, and UNESCO researchers predict the glaciers could be gone by the 2040s. Rising temperatures, reduced precipitation, and increased sublimation are the primary causes. This makes climbing Kilimanjaro to see its glaciers an increasingly time-sensitive experience.

What months does it snow in Africa?

It depends on the region. In East Africa (Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Rwenzori), permanent glaciers exist year-round with fresh snowfall during rainy seasons. In North Africa (Atlas Mountains), snow falls November–April. In southern Africa (Drakensberg, Lesotho), snow falls during winter months May–September. Equatorial glaciers are permanent but shrinking.

Which countries in Africa get snow?

At least 10 African countries experience snowfall: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia. Morocco and Lesotho receive the most reliable seasonal snowfall, while Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda have permanent equatorial glaciers.

Has it ever snowed in the Sahara Desert?

Yes. The Sahara has experienced rare snowfall events near Aïn Sefra in northwestern Algeria — notably in 1979, 2016, 2018, and 2021. The January 2018 event produced the most dramatic images, with snow dusting the orange sand dunes. The snow typically melts within hours due to daytime temperatures, but the photographs went viral worldwide, challenging the common perception of the Sahara as perpetually hot.

Can you see snow from Kilimanjaro’s base?

Yes. On clear days, Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and ice fields are visible from the town of Moshi at the mountain’s base and even from Arusha, approximately 70 km away. The white summit contrasted against the lush tropical lowlands is one of Africa’s most iconic sights and a powerful visual reminder of the continent’s climatic diversity. Early mornings before clouds build offer the clearest views.