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.

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Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb at a Glance#

Address: Jabal An‑Nabi Shu’ayb, Sanaa Governorate, Yemen

Admission: Free (no formal admission)

About Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb#

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.

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
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 1° - 17° 9° 14 mm mostly sunny 51% 1.3 m/s 1.8 very high 11.2h
February Excellent 3° - 19° 11° 14 mm mostly sunny 46% 1.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.5h
March Very Good 5° - 19° 12° 47 mm mostly sunny 46% 1.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
April Very Good 7° - 20° 13° 80 mm mostly sunny 44% 1.4 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.4h
May Very Good 9° - 22° 15° 76 mm mostly sunny 38% 1.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.7h
June Excellent 10° - 24° 17° 25 mm mostly sunny 32% 1.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.9h
July Very Good 10° - 22° 16° 79 mm partly cloudy 46% 1.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.8h
August Very Good 10° - 22° 16° 97 mm partly cloudy 53% 1.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
September Excellent 9° - 22° 15° 27 mm mostly sunny 38% 1.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
October Excellent 4° - 19° 12° 11 mm mostly sunny 35% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
November Excellent 1° - 17° 9° 15 mm mostly sunny 43% 1.4 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
December Excellent 0° - 17° 8° 9 mm mostly sunny 48% 1.2 m/s 1.7 very high 11.1h