What to Expect from Israel Weather

By Petal Mashraki | Published on 12/18/2018

The short answer to “what to expect from Israel weather” is sunshine! The weather in Israel is generally hot, sunny and pleasant most of the year. If you are planning a trip to the Holy Land you probably won’t encounter any problem with the weather in Israel.

From about April to October there is continual sunshine and from November to March the weather is cooler with occasional rain storms and cloudy days. December to February are the wet months and July and August are the hottest months. Tel Aviv has an average of 3300 sunshine hours a year.

Tel Aviv, Haifa, Herzliya and Natanya Weather

Along the west coast of Israel (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Natanya) the weather is hot and humid in the sunny months and mild and rainy in the winter. You can enjoy the sea breeze which helps to cool down the coast. The average temperature in Tel Aviv is about 14 (°C) -18 (°C) in January and 26 (°C) -30 (°C) in August, the country’s hottest month. The sea is warm enough for swimming from about June to November.

Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth Weather

Inland cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth which have elevated locations experience colder winters than the coast. The winter is still mild compared to Europe but it does get cold. In January and February the elevated cities and the Golan Heights mountain range can experience snow. The weather is particularly chilly in Jerusalem at night. During the hotter months of the year the inland cities do not have the same high level of humidity as the coast. Average temperatures in Jerusalem are about 6 (°C) -12 (°C) in January and 20 (°C) -29 (°C) in August.

Israel Weather North and South

The weather in northern Israel is hot in the summer but the cooler months are similar to those in southern Europe. The mountain tops can be covered in snow and the rainfall allows for the thriving farmlands and vineyards. In Tiberius on the edge of the Sea of Galilee average temperatures are 8 (°C) -17 (°C) in January and 23 (°C) -36 (°C) in August.
In the southern region of Israel there are dry deserts which experience harsh summers and hot winters spotted with heavy downpours. Summer is not the best time to visit southern Israel and the temperatures are unpleasantly hot. In Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city the best time to visit is not necessarily in the hottest months of July and August. You can enjoy a sunny beach holiday in Eilat in spring and autumn. Sunshine is virtually guaranteed year-round in the Dead Sea and Eilat regions. Average temperatures in Eilat are about 10?C-20?C in January and 26 (°C) -38 (°C) in August.

Sharav

During the summer months Israel can experience heat waves, called “sharav” or “hamsin.” The air becomes dry and extremely hot as the wind blows in from the Egyptian desert. Temperatures can reach about 40 (°C). The sharav usually ends with a down pour of rain which settles the heat and dust providing relief from the heat.

When to Visit Israel and What to Pack

You can enjoy a sunny holiday in Israel virtually year round. Just be prepared for cloudier days in the winter months and the occasional rain. No matter when you visit be sure to pack a light sweater, light jacket or sweat shirt for the cooler evenings. If you will be based in Jerusalem or the Golan Heights warmer evening clothes are even more important.