10 coldest countries in Africa to visit

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The coldest countries in Africa may challenge the common perception of the continent as a place of constant heat, with several countries in Africa experiencing freezing temperatures, snowfall and chilly winters.

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From high-altitude mountain ranges and plateaus to Mediterranean coastlines, several African countries experience remarkably low temperatures, particularly during winter and in elevated areas.

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Here are 10 African countries known for some of the continent’s coldest conditions.

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1. Lesotho

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Lesotho is widely regarded as Africa’s coldest country, largely because of its high elevation. The entire country sits at relatively high altitudes, with some areas rising above 3,000 metres.

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Temperatures can fall to around 0°F (-17.8°C) during particularly cold periods, while summer temperatures can climb considerably higher.

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The mountainous kingdom also experiences snowfall during winter, especially in its highland regions.

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2. Morocco

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Morocco has one of Africa’s most varied climates. While parts of the country, particularly the Sahara, experience intense heat, the Atlas Mountains can become extremely cold during winter.

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Temperatures in some mountainous areas can drop to about 17°F (-8.3°C), and snowfall is common at higher elevations.

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The country’s contrasting landscapes mean visitors can experience cold mountain conditions and desert heat within the same trip.

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3. South Africa

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South Africa has a wide range of climates because of its size and varied terrain.

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Winter can be particularly cold in the country’s interior and mountainous regions. Temperatures can fall to around 3.2°F (-16°C) in some of the coldest areas, while summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (37.8°C).

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Snow is also recorded in parts of the country, particularly in the Drakensberg and other elevated regions.

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4. Tanzania

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Although Tanzania is located close to the Equator, altitude creates significantly cooler conditions in some parts of the country.

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Areas around Mount Kilimanjaro and other highland locations can experience much lower temperatures than the country’s tropical lowlands.

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Average temperatures in some cooler parts of the country can range between 59°F (15°C) and 68°F (20°C).

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5. Kenya

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Kenya’s climate varies considerably between its coastal areas, lowlands and highlands.

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The country’s elevated regions can become surprisingly cold, particularly at night and during the cooler months. Temperatures can drop to around 0°F (-17.8°C) in the coldest high-altitude locations.

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Nairobi and other highland areas generally have much cooler weather than Kenya’s tropical coast.

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6. Uganda

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Uganda’s location near the Equator might suggest consistently hot weather, but its elevation helps moderate temperatures.

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The country generally experiences temperatures between about 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C), with cooler conditions occurring in higher-altitude areas.

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Regions around the Rwenzori Mountains can experience significantly colder weather.

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7. Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo is largely associated with tropical conditions, particularly because of its extensive rainforest.

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However, its eastern highlands have a much cooler climate. Elevated areas can experience temperatures around 50°F (10°C), particularly at night.

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The country’s enormous size and varied terrain account for the sharp differences in weather across its regions.

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8. Ethiopia

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Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most prominent highland countries, with large areas located thousands of metres above sea level.

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The elevated terrain gives many parts of the country a relatively cool climate, with temperatures in some highland areas falling to around 41°F (5°C) or lower.

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Addis Ababa, one of Africa’s highest capital cities, is known for its mild temperatures compared with many other capitals on the continent.

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9. Algeria

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Although Algeria contains a huge portion of the Sahara Desert, the country’s northern regions have a Mediterranean climate, while its mountainous areas can become considerably colder.

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Temperatures can fall significantly during winter, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and other elevated areas.

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The country’s climate therefore ranges from extremely hot desert conditions to much cooler northern and mountainous environments.

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10. Tunisia

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Tunisia’s northern location and Mediterranean climate give it cooler winters than many countries farther south in Africa.

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Temperatures can fall to around 43°F (6°C) or lower during colder periods, particularly in northern and inland areas.

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