While we mostly associate the Middle-East with weather that is hotter than the sun, you might be shocked to know that not only does it get bloody cold, but it actually snows in the Middle-East.

This was something I was to find out the hard way when going to guide a tour in Syria, packing only warm weather gear and being greeted by blizzards in Istanbul and then proper snow and freezing temperatures throughout Syria and Lebanon. There is nothing quite like trying to explain to clients that yes, this is the Middle-East, and yes, that is actual snow.

So, this begs the question, where does it snow in the Middle-East?

What is the Middle-East and what is its weather?

The Middle-East is not just endless dunes and camels. Broadly speaking it includes countries such as Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and the Gulf states. Yes, large parts are desert and can hit 45 degrees in summer, particularly in places like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, but geography matters.

The region is packed with mountain ranges, high plateaus and continental interiors. Elevation plus winter systems rolling in from Europe and Central Asia equals cold, and in some places, extremely cold. Snow is not common everywhere of course, but is a lot more pervasive than you might think.

Where does it snow in the Middle-East?

Turkey

Snow is absolutely normal across much of eastern and central Turkey. Cities like Erzurum and Kars are buried most winters. The mountains around Bursa, particularly Uludağ, are home to ski resorts. Even Istanbul gets hit by snowstorms some years, shutting the city down in spectacular fashion.

Iran

Large parts of Iran are high altitude. Tehran sits beneath the Alborz mountains and gets regular winter snow. Ski resorts operate at places like Dizin and Shemshak. In the northwest around Tabriz and in the Zagros Mountains, snowfall is completely normal and often heavy.

Lebanon

Lebanon is basically a mountain range next to the sea. The Mount Lebanon range sees consistent winter snowfall. Resorts near Faraya and the Cedars operate ski seasons most years. It is entirely possible to ski in the morning and sit by the Mediterranean in the afternoon.

Syria

Before the war and even during parts of it, snowfall in western Syria was common. The mountains around Damascus and areas near the Lebanese border get proper winter conditions. Even the capital itself sees snow some winters.

Israel

Yes, it snows in Israel. Jerusalem gets snow every few years, and when it does the entire country loses its mind. More reliably, Mount Hermon in the north sees annual snowfall and even operates a small ski area.

Jordan

Snowfall in Jordan is not annual everywhere, but it does happen. Amman occasionally turns white in winter storms, and higher elevations can see heavier falls.

Iraq

Northern Iraq, particularly the Kurdish region around Erbil and the Zagros Mountains, sees regular winter snow. The rest of Iraq might roast in summer, but the north can be properly cold.

Saudi Arabia

Surprisingly, parts of Saudi Arabia see snow. The mountains around Tabuk in the northwest and higher elevations near the Jordanian border occasionally turn white. It is rare, but when it happens social media explodes.

United Arab Emirates

Even the United Arab Emirates has recorded snowfall in its highest mountain areas. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah has seen rare but genuine snow events during cold snaps.

Yemen

The highlands of Yemen sit at serious altitude. Around Sanaa, snow has fallen during particularly cold winters. It is not common, but it is absolutely possible.

And in the region…..

Afghanistan

Afghanistan gets serious snow. The Hindu Kush dominates the country and winters are harsh. Kabul sees regular snowfall, while places like Bamiyan and the central highlands get heavy, road blocking snow. In the Wakhan Corridor winters are brutal and fully alpine. This is not light dusting territory, this is deep winter.

Pakistan

Pakistan is even more dramatic in the north. The Karakoram and Himalayas mean consistent snowfall around Gilgit, Skardu and the Hunza Valley. Even hill stations like Murree get snow most winters. High elevation equals proper cold.

Eastern Iran

In northeastern Iran, especially near Mashhad (https://thetispersia.com/mashad/) and along the Afghan border, continental winter systems bring consistent snowfall. It feels far more Central Asian than desert Middle-East.

Can I have a winter vacation in the Middle-East?

You can most certainly travel to the Middle-East and the wider region when it snows, with us personally doing winter tours to Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kurdistan to name, but a few.

And in general winter vacations in the Middle-East can be surprisingly diverse. You can ski in the mountains of Lebanon near Faraya or on Mount Hermon in Israel, then drive back down to the Mediterranean the same day. In Turkey, resorts near Bursa and Erzurum offer proper alpine conditions.

If you prefer culture over snow sports, cities like Jerusalem or Istanbul are quieter, cooler and far more pleasant for sightseeing. Add desert camping in Jordan with cold, crisp nights and you have a winter that is varied, dramatic and nothing like the summer heat stereotype.

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