Seasonal Planning for Israel Travel
Israel is a complex and diverse country with citizens claiming Judaism, Islam, and Christianity as their main religions. This brings an exciting mix of cultures and events but may affect the opening hours of businesses, and dietary restrictions may affect the availability of certain foods during the holiday-filled spring and fall months.
Spring is arguably the best time to visit Israel as the weather maintains a pleasant 75°F (24°C). Nature-lovers will want to take advantage of the green pastures, blooming flowers, and hiking trails and nature reserves. Fall is an excellent time for warm weather, festivals, and sightseeing, but religious holidays bring many more people into the country to celebrate. Meanwhile, June to August is hot, with average temperatures of 88°F (31°C) during the day, yet there are fewer crowds due to the sweltering temps. Winter is great for skiing if you can work around potentially unpredictable weather and for enjoying Christmas or Hanukkah attractions like tree lightings and concerts.
When traveling to Israel, also consider the weather in various parts of the country. Places like Tel Aviv, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee will be hot and humid due to their proximity to water. Centrally located, Jerusalem is drier and cooler than other sites in the country, particularly at night, while places farther south, like Masada and Eilat, will be much hotter yet arid.
| Seasons | Pros | Cons | Best for | Where to Visit |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Pleasant weather and opportunities for outdoor activities | Crowded sites; higher prices for hotels and flights; holiday closures | Sightseeing, nature, hiking, biking, rock climbing | Jerusalem, Masada, Hula Nature Reserve, national parks, Banias Spring Trail |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Fewer crowds than in spring and fall; lower costs for flights and hotels; no precipitation; more daylight hours | Hot temperatures and peak season for families on summer break | Beaches, surfing, diving, snorkeling | Tel Aviv and other coastal cities, Beautiful Yarkon Park, The Dead Sea, Eilat on the Red Sea |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Pleasant weather; opportunities to partake in festivals and cultural experiences | Crowded sites; higher prices for hotels and flights; holiday closures | Sightseeing, festivals | Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Fewer crowds; lower costs for flights and hotels | Higher chances of rain and chilly weather; fewer daylight hours | Museums, winter sports, Christmas festivities | Mount Hermon for skiing; Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Nazareth for Christmas activities |
Spring in Israel (March to May)
Spring, next to fall, is the most ideal time to explore Israel. Though it's the holiday season, with possible closures due to school breaks and Passover, and you may experience higher travel costs and crowds, you'll be rewarded with pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and getting out of doors. Travelers can enjoy Hula Nature Reserve in northern Israel, a wetland reserve for watching birds migrate from Europe to Africa and Asia. Hiking is also popular, with many trails to choose from, including waterfall-laden Nahal Meitzar, rock climbing at Manara Cliff, or crossing the entire country from north to south via the Shvil Israel National Trail.
Explore the waterfalls and the oasis-like Ein Gedi Nature Reserve or the Rosh HaNikra, a geological formation near the Mediterranean Sea. For stargazers, you'll find clear skies in the Negev Desert and views from atop the nearby Makhtesh Ramon Crater.
Events in Spring
Purim, nationwide. Mostly celebrated in Jerusalem in Tel-Aviv, this festival happening in March features a carnival-like atmosphere and observes Jewish people being freed from the Persian plot to kill them according to the Book of Esther.
Jacob's Ladder Festival, Nof Ginosar (Sea of Galilee). In March, you'll find bluegrass, folk, country, blues, Irish, and world music at this musical and social event.
Yom HaAtzmaut, nationwide. Held in April, this holiday celebrates Israel's independence with concerts, fireworks, and parties.
Passover, nationwide. Schools close, and families travel around the country to commemorate the Exodus story by eating a family meal with symbolic foods, usually in April.
Easter and Holy Week, nationwide. With this Christian holiday often overlapping with Passover, cities are busy celebrating with religious ceremonies and visits to religious sites, especially in Jerusalem.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Summer in Israel (June to August)
As Israeli summers bring scorching temperatures, some tourists avoid this season. Within the country, though, school is on break, and it can be very crowded with families appreciating their summer holidays. Temperatures are around 88°F (31°C) or higher, so it's best to stay close to the water and cool off by snorkeling, swimming, or diving. Tel Aviv's beaches are a great summer spot by day and a lively place to enjoy nightlife after sunset. Find some shade at Yarkon Park, with its tree-lined paths, gardens, ponds, and water park—a must-visit if you are traveling as a family.
Eilat, located on the Red Sea, is perfect for enjoying the water and coral reefs by snorkeling and scuba diving. Visit Coral World Underwater Observatory Marine Park or spot dolphins at Dolphin Reef. If you don't mind the heat, take a boat ride, rent a kayak, or kitesurf on the Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel. Alternatively, take a trip to Kalia Beach at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Slather on its mud and bathe yourself in its mineral-rich water that is said to have health benefits. Effortlessly float the day away and enjoy the mountainous landscape.
Events in Summer
Osho Israel International Festival, Givat Haviva. This August festival features musical performances as well as creative and spiritual workshops.
The International Jazz Festival, Jerusalem. In July, this event presents performances by musicians from around the world.
Fall in Israel (September to November)
Due to the many religious holidays, fall is a busy time to visit Israel. However, if you don't mind the crowds, the season is one of the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant at around 77°F (25°C), offering a more enjoyable sightseeing experience and opportunities to experience the local culture.
Wander through the ancient Old City of Jerusalem and take in the highlights. Each quarter has a distinct character and holy place. The Christian Quarter houses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Jewish Quarter has the Cardo, an ancient colonnaded street dating back to the Roman Empire, and the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque or Temple Mount, special to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, are located in the Muslim Quarter.
It's also the perfect time to explore Tel-Aviv's historical treasures and its Bauhaus and Art Deco buildings of Rabin Square in the historic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. See the Diaspora Museum, the ancient port of Jaffa, and stroll the lively and colorful Sheinkin Street.
Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot all take place during the fall and are a great way to immerse yourself in culture through their various stories, traditions, and observances. Most observances occur inside homes, but sometimes there are public celebrations with dancing, music, and attractions. Drop by one of these celebrations, or if you're visiting during October, the Jerusalem Contemporary Art Festival to see exhibitions from local artists. The only holiday where tourists are limited is Yom Kippur, so take advantage of it as a day of rest. You may even be invited to a weekly Friday night Shabbat dinner.
Events in Fall
Rosh Hashana, nationwide. A ram's horn blows from synagogues, and sweet treats are eaten to celebrate the Jewish New Year in September. Many businesses close.
Yom Kippur, nationwide. To celebrate the holiest day in Judaism, the Day of Atonement, Jews fast, and businesses close. This holiday takes place in September or October, depending on the Jewish calendar.
Sukkot, nationwide. Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, happens in October. Families travel the country to various attractions and decorate a free-standing structure with palm leaves.
Jerusalem Contemporary Art Festival, Jerusalem. In late October, you'll see art exhibitions of local artists along with a gala.
Winter in Israel (December to February)
Winter brings the country's rainiest months. With temperatures dropping to 55°F (13°C) and a more unpredictable mix of rain, sun, and dry but chilly weather, it's best to make flexible plans. Yet, some perks this season include holiday activities, fewer crowds, and lower prices for hotels and flights. Mount Hermon, the highest in Israel, is a popular spot during the winter months, where the pistes are perfect for skiing and appreciating the outdoors. As a backup for inclement weather, visit museums like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art or the well-known Israel Museum, an art and archaeological museum in Jerusalem.
Celebrate Hannukah, the weeklong Festival of Lights, by viewing the lit menorahs along the streets of Jerusalem's Nachlaot neighborhood or observing the candle lighting at the Western Wall. Attend a party at the Holiday of Holidays in Haifa, which celebrates holidays from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Or, visit Nazareth to see the biggest Christmas tree in the Middle East. Attend a Midnight Mass in Bethlehem's Basilica of the Nativity and enjoy Christmas concerts, performances, and food in the birthplace of Jesus.
Events in Winter
Holiday of Holidays, Haifa. During December, the Holiday of Holidays combines the celebration of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with an antique fair, an arts and crafts fair, and authentic foods.
Red Sea Jazz Festival, Eilat. Biannually, usually in February and August, this festival features jazz musicians from around the world.
Hanukkah, nationwide. During December, this eight-day festival of lights is celebrated by lighting menorahs and eating lots of oily food.