Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb

Mountain Highest mountain in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula

Dominating western Yemen near Sanaa, Jabal An-Nabi Shu’ayb is the country’s highest summit. Trekkers visit mountain villages, terraced agriculture and cool highland air, though travel conditions vary with local security.

Main image

Jabal An-Nabi Shu’ayb is the highest mountain in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula, with a summit elevation of 3,666 metres. It is located in Sanaa Governorate and is a prominent highland landmark in the region.

The mountain’s summit and high slopes are the main attractions, offering high-altitude hiking and expansive views across the Yemeni highlands. The peak is notable for its elevation rather than built features; routes to the summit are used by local hikers and shepherds.

The peak is a natural highland formation; the name links it to the prophetic figure Shu’ayb in local tradition. Over time the area has been used for grazing and local mountain activities rather than sustained settlement.

Jabal An-Nabi Shu’ayb sits roughly west of the city of Sanaa in the Sanaa Governorate, forming part of the highland terrain that surrounds the capital. The mountain rises directly from the surrounding terraced and steep slopes of the Yemeni highlands.

  • Elevation: Summit reaches 3,666 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Yemen and on the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Climate/conditions: Best visited in clear weather for long-distance views; temperatures at the summit are significantly colder than in Sanaa and can drop below freezing in winter.
Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb
Jabal An‑Nabi Shu'ayb, Sanaa Governorate, Yemen
15.2792, 43.9758
Free (no formal admission)

How to Get to Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb #

Jabal An‑Nabi Shu’ayb (Jabal Nabi Shu’ayb) is Yemen’s highest peak in the highlands near Sanaa. Access typically starts from Sanaa where visitors arrange transport and a local guide; the upper approaches are by local roads and tracks and the final ascent requires hiking.

Because roads and conditions in the region vary and travel can be restricted, arrange transport and local guidance in advance and follow current security and travel advice.

Best Time to Visit Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb #

Best visited in spring or autumn for milder daytime temperatures at elevation; winters can be cold with possible frost or snow on the summit.

Spring
March-May · 5-20°C
Milder daytime temperatures and clearer skies make it one of the more comfortable times for mountain hikes.
Summer
June-August · 5-20°C
Warmer than winter at high elevation but still significantly cooler than lowland areas; conditions vary with altitude.
Winter
December-February · -2-10°C
Cold nights and the possibility of frost or snow at the highest elevations; hiking conditions can be harsher.

Weather & Climate near Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb #

Climate

Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in June) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 89 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
OctoberDecemberJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
51%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
19°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°
44%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
38%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 24°
32%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
53%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
38%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°
35%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

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