When it comes to thinking of the Middle East, most people’s minds will automatically conjure images of desert, sand and heat! However, the Middle East is a huge region with lots of varied landscapes and climates that are not all scorching sun-drenched hellscapes.
You might be surprised to learn that not only does it get very cold, but it also snows in several parts and in some areas you can even go skiing! So where do we think are the best places to see snow in the Middle East?
1. Lebanon
The name of Lebanon itself actually comes from the Arabic word for yoghurt as the mountains looked drenched in white from a distance. In Lebanon snow is common throughout winter in the mountains. Anyone that has been to Lebanon has probably heard a Lebanese person say: “you can go skiing and swimming in the same day”. Personally, I’ve never met a Lebanese person that has actually done that, but yes, it is possible. Although the Mediterranean is probably not that inviting in the depths of winter.
2. Iraq
Now this is definitely one that may throw you off as Iraq is mainly desert, however if you head north to the autonomous Kurdistan region you can find snow-covered mountains in the winter as well as places for skiing! Around Baghdad area you probably won’t see any snow but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible with the odd freak winter storm blanketing the capital every few years or so, making for some super cool pictures!
3. Syria
Syria, just like Lebanon gets snow in the surrounding mountains. Larger cities in the country such as Damascus and Aleppo can also both get the odd covering off snow as their inland position makes them much colder than costal Beirut. If you were you to head to places at higher altitude such as Maaloula then you definitely have a good chance of seeing a wintery Middle Eastern landscape.
4. Iran
Certain parts of Iran in winter get massive amounts of snowfall and there are ski resorts only about an hour away from the capital Tehran. If you visit areas in the northwest such as Tabriz you will probably feel you are in a snowy European city more so than in the Middle East.
5. Afghanistan
Is this the Middle East, is it South Asia or is it Central Asia? Honestly the answer is probably a mixture of all three but for this blog let’s just say Middle East. Afghanistan with its epic mountains and high elevation gets lots of snow in winter and has some extreme cold temperatures! In the very north temperatures around -30 and below are not unheard! You can even go heliskiing in the country if you have the money for it!
6. Saudi Arabia
I know what you’re thinking, “really? Snow in Saudi?”. And yes I agree in theory it is crazy. However Saudi Arabia has been building a winter ski resort in it’s northern mountain area near a city called Tabuk. While snowfall is rare, temperatures below 0 are not and so with a little help from technology they are turning this area into a winter sports wonderland. In fact, Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Yes, Winter Games. So , if you want to see snow in the Middle East Saudi will be starting to make it onto people’s bucket lists for winter sports. Something I never thought I’d write.
While we don’t do as many tours over the winter, there’s always a chance for some freak snow on tours which definitely makes for a special experience. If you’d like to travel to the Middle East and avoid the scorching heat then let us know when you’d like to travel and we can tailor make trips for you! These can even include skiing in these wild and wonderful places.
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