The common global image of Egypt is one of endless desert, scorching sun, and ancient monuments, suggesting frozen precipitation is impossible. This view is not entirely accurate, however, as the country’s geography creates specific conditions that allow snow to fall. While the vast majority of Egypt experiences a hot, arid climate, a few unique regions see snow as a rare, recurring winter phenomenon. This event is confined to specific geographic pockets where the temperature drops sufficiently below the freezing point.
Where Snowfall Occurs Regularly
The only area in Egypt where snowfall is a semi-regular occurrence is the high-altitude region of the South Sinai Peninsula. This mountainous territory, often referred to as the “Roof of Egypt,” contains the country’s tallest peaks. The town of Saint Catherine, situated at the base of Mount Sinai, lies at an elevation of approximately 1,586 meters (5,203 feet). This elevation is sufficient to drastically alter the local climate compared to the surrounding desert. The area experiences between three and five snowfall events during the winter months, typically accumulating lightly on the peaks of Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine.
Climatic Factors That Allow Snow
The presence of snow in the Sinai mountains results from the interaction between geography and specific meteorological systems. Altitude is the primary factor, as air temperature naturally decreases with increasing elevation. For every thousand meters of ascent, the temperature typically drops by about 6.5°C (3.5°F per 1,000 feet). This mechanism ensures that the high peaks of the Sinai are the coldest locations in the country.
During the winter, cold air masses move across the Mediterranean Sea and occasionally penetrate northern Egypt. When these moisture-laden cold fronts collide with the high-elevation mountain ranges of the Sinai, the air is forced upward and cools rapidly. This process causes the moisture to condense and freeze, resulting in snowfall when ground temperatures reach the required threshold, sometimes dipping to around -4°C (25°F) at night. The surrounding desert environment remains too warm for snow, making the Sinai mountains a localized cold pocket.
Extreme Rarity in Major Cities
In contrast to the mountains, snowfall is an extreme rarity in Egypt’s major population centers, such as Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. These cities sit at a low elevation, often just slightly above sea level, which prevents the sustained cold necessary for snow formation. Winter temperatures in Cairo, for instance, generally hover between 9°C and 18°C (48°F and 64°F), which is far above the freezing point.
The northern coastal city of Alexandria receives more winter precipitation than inland areas due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, but this usually manifests as cold rain or sleet. A notable exception occurred in December 2013, when an exceptional cold wave brought a light dusting of snow, or graupel, to parts of Cairo. Local media reported this event as the first significant snowfall in the capital in over a century. The low altitude of the Nile Valley and coastal areas does not support the meteorological conditions required for lasting snow cover.