Light snow began covering Saharan sand dunes in Aïn Séfra in Algeria on January 17, 2026, and continues to do so, forming a scenic contrast with the barren sands of the desert, which has been going viral on social media.
A rare widespread snowfall event affected northern Saudi Arabia in December 2025, transforming desert landscapes and mountain ranges across Tabuk and Hail into snow-covered terrain. The snowfall occurred as a sharp cold air intrusion lowered temperatures below freezing at higher elevations, with snow settling near 2 600 m (8 530 feet) and surface temperatures reported near −4°C (25°F), according to regional media reports. Such widespread snowfall over desert areas is considered exceptionally uncommon for the region.
The Taklimakan Desert in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was blanketed by snow on December 12, 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year this rare phenomenon has occurred in a desert known for its arid conditions and minimal annual precipitation.
A rare snowfall blanketed the Taklimakan Desert of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on January 17, 2023, creating picturesque winter scenery and impressing local residents and visitors. The Taklimakan Desert is the largest desert in China and the second-largest shifting-sand desert in the world.
