Weather
May is a dry and warm month in Israel, perfect for splitting your time between the sea and the sites. Eilat tends to have the hottest temperatures in Israel in May, with an average high of 95ºF (35ºC) and a low of 70ºF (21ºC). In comparison, temperatures along the coast and in northern Israel are cooler, with Tel Aviv seeing temperatures ranging from 63ºF (17ºC) to 77ºF (25ºC). Rainfall throughout the country is almost nonexistent, with less than an inch of precipitation expected. The Mediterranean Sea, Dead Sea, and Red Sea also see warming temperatures, and toward the end of May, they are perfect for swimming.
Crowds & Costs
Between the peak summer tourist months and the quiet winter season, May has a great balance of bustling cities and quiet villages. Accommodation and flight prices are rising, but great deals can still be found if you're traveling on a budget. Many shops and restaurants that closed up for winter also begin to open, and you can take advantage of the friendly, refreshed staff.
It's worth keeping in mind that Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Jerusalem Day occasionally fall in May. You can expect busier streets and pricier accommodations if you plan to visit over those dates. Eilat and Tel Aviv also host festivals in May, which can further increase prices and lower availability. Plan your trip around these festivals, and you can still enjoy many of Israel's must-see sites without the crowds.
Where to Go
Depending on how much time you have to explore, you can visit the country's highlights on a classic eight-day tour or bring the family and opt for a 12-day family adventure in Israel. Either way, you'll likely begin your trip in the bustling city of Tel Aviv, where you can soak up the city's architecture in Rabin Square, explore the historic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, and take in the ancient port of Jaffa.
May is also ideal for touring Jerusalem before the summer heat and crowds arrive. You can't miss a visit to the Wailing Wall to see the Temple Mount and a day taking in the city's fascinating museums, including the Museum Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center) and the Israel Museum. Next, spend a few days in Tiberias exploring the region's famous biblical sites and the nearby villages of Tabgha and Capernaum.
Just west of Tiberias is Haifa, located on the Mediterranean Sea and famous for its Persian Hanging Gardens of Baháʼí, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From Haifa, embark on a day trip to the Golan Heights to take in the Kuneitra Lookout between Israel and Syria and the Roaring Lion Monument. Then, at the other end of the country, you'll find the sun-drenched city of Eilat on the Red Sea, perfect for ending your trip with some relaxation.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
May is the perfect time to experience one of Israel's many festivals and public holidays, then enjoy the quiet villages and biblical sites dotted across the country. Jerusalem Day is celebrated on the 28th of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which usually falls in the middle or end of May. If you happen to be in Israel on this day, head to Jerusalem to watch the enormous parade and enjoy the live music, workshops, and festivities. It's also well-worth partaking in Israel's Independence Day celebrations, which occasionally fall in May, to watch extravagant fireworks across the country.
If you're interested in seeing firsthand places depicted in the Bible, you'll be spoiled for choice. In Jerusalem, you can walk along the Via Dolorosa, the same route it's believed Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion, to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Then, continue north to Tiberias and visit the Church of the Wedding Miracle, the biblical city of Nazareth, and take in views of the Mount of Beatitudes, where it's believed the Sermon on the Mount occurred.
Israel isn't all about history, though. If you're ready to soak up the sun and enjoy some epic parties, Eilat is your go-to. During the day, you can hang out by the Red Sea with a cocktail in hand, try out your jet skiing skills, snorkel at Coral Beach National Park, or stay dry and visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park. Then, dress to impress and enjoy the lively nightlife at Eilat's many bars, pubs, and nightclubs.
Events in May
Jerusalem Day, Jerusalem. Celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six-Day War in 1967, the city pulls out all the stops to host an enormous parade, live music, workshops, and plenty of other festivities.
Eat Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv. Foodies flock to Charles Clore Park in Tel Aviv to sample extravagant creations by Israel's top chefs and enjoy the live music and food trucks. Around the city, restaurants also join in by offering unique limited-time dishes.
Traveling to Israel in May? Check out these great itineraries
Essential Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Tiberias - 12 Days. Tick off Israel's famous cultural and historic sites, including Old Jerusalem, Masada, the Golan Heights, and the lively streets of Tel Aviv, on this well-rounded itinerary.
Family Adventure in Israel - 12 Days. On this family-friendly itinerary, you'll explore Israel's highlights while partaking in fun and exciting activities perfect for the entire family, including short hikes, a Jeep tour, and a snorkeling trip in the Red Sea.
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