Snow Falls in the Sahara Desert for the First Time in 37 Years

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

For the first time in 37 years, snow fell across the Sahara Desert. The largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara covers an area almost equivalent to the size of the United States. And just in time for the holidays, a festive sprinkling of snow rained down upon its sands. The wild event took place in the small town of Ain Sefra, Algeria, known as the “The Gateway to the Desert.” For one day, it was a gateway to a winter wonderland.

Luckily, photographer Karim Bouchetata was there to capture this rare weather occurrence. A light white powder dusted over the orange sand, creating a magical scene. “Everyone was stunned to see snow falling in the desert. It is such a rare occurrence,” Bouchetata said.  “It looked amazing as the snow settled on the sand and made a great set of photos. The snow stayed for about a day and has now melted away.”

The last significant snowfall in the Sahara occurred on February 18, 1979, and lasted for about 30 minutes. While dustings happened in 2005 and 2012, this is the first significant amount of snow the arid area has experienced in nearly four decades.

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

rare snow sahara desert karim bouchetata

Karim Bouchetata: Facebook
h/t: [Elite Daily, Gizmodo]

All images via Karim Bouchetata.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content