Africa is commonly perceived as a continent of perpetual heat, a misconception reinforced by its position straddling the equator and the presence of vast deserts. In reality, Africa experiences significant temperature variation, and cold weather is a regular feature in several regions due to diverse geographical factors. The continent’s massive landmass and varied topography, including towering mountain ranges and extensive high-altitude plateaus, ensure that temperatures drop far below the tropical average. This climatic diversity includes conditions ranging from permanent snow and ice to seasonal frost and dramatic daily temperature swings.
The Impact of Elevation
The most consistent source of cold in Africa is high altitude, which overrides the warming effects of latitude. This is explained by the atmospheric lapse rate: air temperature decreases by approximately 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Even near the equator, this temperature drop creates conditions cold enough to sustain permanent snow and glaciers.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa’s highest peak, is capped with ice and snow year-round despite its equatorial location, with summit temperatures averaging around -7°C. Mount Kenya and the Rwenzori Mountains (“Mountains of the Moon”) also maintain permanent glaciers at their highest elevations. The Atlas Mountains in the northwest, particularly around peaks like Mount Toubkal, see regular seasonal snowfall and sub-freezing conditions during winter. The Drakensberg range in Southern Africa also sees frequent winter snowfall due to its elevation.
Seasonal Cold in Subtropical Regions
True seasonal cold, comparable to temperate winters, occurs at the northern and southern extremes of the continent, far from the equator. These subtropical regions experience defined winter months where temperatures consistently drop low enough to require heating and produce frost.
In the Maghreb region of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), the coldest period is typically from December to February. Coastal Morocco sees average daily winter temperatures from 8°C to 17°C, but inland temperatures drop significantly, occasionally falling below freezing.
In the Southern Hemisphere, countries like South Africa and Lesotho experience winter from June to August. Lesotho, known for its high average elevation, receives regular and heavy winter snowfalls, sometimes supporting ski resorts. Johannesburg, situated on a high plateau, experiences cold, sunny winters with daytime highs around 17°C, but nighttime temperatures are often cold enough to produce frost and ice.
Extreme Temperature Swings in Arid Zones
A different type of cold is found in Africa’s vast arid areas, such as the Sahara, Kalahari, and Namib deserts, which experience extreme diurnal temperature ranges. The primary cause of this dramatic swing is the lack of atmospheric moisture and cloud cover. During the day, the intense sun can push Sahara temperatures to averages around 38°C.
However, the absence of an insulating layer of water vapor allows heat to rapidly escape into space after sunset through radiative cooling. This efficient heat loss causes temperatures to plummet dramatically. The Sahara’s average nighttime lows drop to around -4°C during the coldest months. Similarly, the Kalahari Desert can see winter night temperatures fall to freezing, sometimes reaching as low as -12°C, despite scorching daytime heat. This cooling is a daily cycle, not a seasonal one.