Most people think of Saudi Arabia as a hot desert country, but in winter, some parts of the kingdom transform into snowy wonderlands. Here are five places where you can experience this rare sight:

1. Tabuk

This northwestern region is Saudi Arabia’s snow capital. The famous Jabal al-Lawz (Mountain of Almonds) stands 2,580 meters high and gets regular snowfall between December and February. Many visitors come here for winter walks and playful snowball fights.

2. Turaif

Up near the Jordanian border, Turaif gets seriously cold in winter. Thanks to its location and height, it’s one of the chilliest spots in Saudi Arabia and regularly sees snow covering its landscapes.

3. Arar

When winter comes to Arar, the main city of the Northern Borders Province, something magical happens – snow occasionally sprinkles the desert sands. While it doesn’t snow as much as in Tabuk or Turaif, these rare snow showers create an unforgettable sight.

4. Abha

This southwestern city stays cool year-round thanks to its mountains. While Abha itself rarely sees snow, the nearby Asir Mountains sometimes get a light dusting of snow or frost in winter. The mix of green landscapes and cool weather makes it a popular escape from the heat.

5. Rafha

Near the Iraqi border, Rafha shows just how extreme Saudi weather can be. While summers are blazing hot, winters can bring surprise snowfalls. When snow meets desert dunes here, it creates a truly unique scene.

These places show a side of Saudi Arabia that many people never imagine – where desert and snow come together to create something special.