Winter is almost here, and if you’re dreaming of snowy mountain views, chilly mornings, and a little winter magic, you don’t have to travel far to find it. From Lebanon’s ski slopes to Egypt’s Sinai mountains, several destinations across the MENA region can experience snowfall during the colder months.
Faraya and the Cedars, Lebanon
Lebanon is one of the region’s best bets for a snowy getaway, thanks to its high mountain ranges. Faraya, home to the Mzaar ski resort, and the Cedars near Bsharri often see snowfall between December and March, when cold weather brings snow to the higher elevations. The amount of snow and the ski season vary from year to year, so check conditions before heading out.
What to do: Hit the ski slopes in Faraya, enjoy the mountain views, or visit the ancient cedar trees near Bsharri for a snowy forest walk when conditions allow.
Tabuk and Hail, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia might not be the first place that comes to mind for a snowy escape, but its northern highlands can surprise you. In the Tabuk region, Jabal Al-Lawz and nearby mountain peaks can receive snow, usually from December to February, with January a particularly notable month. Hail also experiences occasional winter snowfall, including around its Aja and Salma mountain ranges.
What to do: Take in the rugged mountain scenery and explore the region’s ancient rock art. In Hail, discover the surrounding mountains and enjoy the cooler desert landscapes. Check road and weather conditions before travelling to remote areas.
Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt
You don’t even have to leave Egypt to have a chance of seeing snow! Sitting around 1,600 metres above sea level and surrounded by some of the country’s highest mountains, Saint Catherine experiences extremely cold winter weather. Snow occasionally dusts its mountain peaks, usually during the coldest winter spells between December and February, although snowfall is never guaranteed.
What to do: Visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery, hike Mount Sinai with a local guide, or explore the rugged mountain trails. If you’re hoping to see snow, check local forecasts before setting off.
Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye
For a proper winter wonderland, eastern Türkiye is one of the region’s strongest choices. Cities and mountain destinations such as Erzurum and Kars experience regular winter snowfall, with the season generally running from December through March. Their high elevations and cold continental climate help create snowy landscapes, while some mountain areas can see snow as early as October or November.
What to do: Ski or snowboard at Palandöken in Erzurum, explore the snowy pine forests around Sarıkamış, or take a winter trip to the historic ruins of Ani near Kars.
Ifrane, Morocco
Nicknamed Little Switzerland, Ifrane is a charming mountain town in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, sitting around 1,650 metres above sea level. Its elevation makes it a great candidate for winter snowfall, particularly from December to February, although the timing and amount of snow change each year. Nearby Michlifen, a ski resort at an even higher elevation, is another spot to look out for when temperatures drop.
What to do: Stroll through Ifrane’s tidy streets and lakeside parks, explore the surrounding cedar forests, or head to Michlifen for skiing and sledding when snow conditions permit.
Ready for a snowy getaway?
From Lebanon’s mountain resorts to Morocco’s cedar forests, the MENA region has more winter getaways than you might expect. If you’re after the most reliable chance of finding snow, consider higher-altitude destinations such as eastern Türkiye or Lebanon’s ski areas. For places like Saint Catherine and Tabuk, snowfall is more dependent on individual cold-weather spells.
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