QuickCheck: Has Malaysia ever had a white Christmas?

IN OUR country known for its tropical climate, the idea of a white Christmas might seem like a distant dream.

Yet, Malaysia has witnessed snowfall, albeit in unusual circumstances, that has left many curious about this rare phenomenon.

So, is it true that Malaysia has ever experienced a white Christmas?

Verdict:

FALSE

Malaysia, celebrated for its warm, tropical climate, has unfortunately never experienced a white Christmas.

The country’s location near the equator ensures year-round warmth, with temperatures typically above 30 degrees Celsius, making widespread snowfall almost impossible.

However, there is a unique exception — Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia, standing at approximately 4,095 metres.

Though it has never snowed in Malaysia during Christmas, Mount Kinabalu has occasionally experienced snowfall, albeit outside the holiday season.

The most recent occurrence was on Feb 28, 2022, when climbers were treated to a brief but magical snowfall at the summit.

Historical records also note snowfalls in 1975, 1993, and 2018 (all during non-Christmas- months), with snow accumulations reaching up to 10mm.

The high altitude of Mount Kinabalu plays a crucial role, as temperatures can drop to as low as 0 degrees Celsius, a rare condition in Malaysia.

Snow forms under specific circumstances where humidity and temperature align perfectly, possibly at such lofty heights.

The snow line, which marks the boundary between snow-covered and snow-free surfaces, typically sits around 4,500 metres above sea level at the equator, this means while snow might fall on Kinabalu it usually melts soon afterwards.

Similar phenomena occur on other equatorial giants such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Ecuador’s Mount Cayambe, where high altitudes promote rare snowfalls.

While Mount Kinabalu’s unique conditions allow for these snowy spectacles, Malaysia’s Christmases are rooted in tropical warmth.

For those longing for snow during the holidays, Malaysia offers artificial snow attractions at several tourist spots, ensuring a taste of winter magic without the chill.