With cheaper flights and accommodations, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds, November is one of the best times to visit Israel. Take advantage of the warm afternoon sun and swim in the pleasant waters of the Mediterranean Sea, then tick off the biblical sites surrounding Jerusalem and Tiberias at your own pace in the mornings and evenings. History lovers should also aim to visit during the Jerusalem Knights Festival to watch entertaining knightly performances.

Weather

November is the fall season in Israel, and you can expect warm to mild temperatures and minimal precipitation. Eilat, in southern Israel, will see the hottest temperatures, with daytime highs reaching 81ºF (27ºC) while lows dip to 59ºF (15ºC). On the other hand, Tel Aviv's location along the Mediterranean Coast gives it a milder climate, with maximum temperatures around 74ºF (24ºC) and lows around 58ºF (15ºC). Farther north, Mount Hermon will begin to see its first dusting of snow toward late November.

Crowds & Costs

With the summer crowds long gone, November is a great time to explore Israel's biblical sites and national parks at your own pace. November is also one of the cheapest months to visit Israel, as accommodations, flights, and food prices are significantly lower. Keep in mind that shops and tourist attractions in smaller villages and even the larger cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will close for the winter. However, in return, you can enjoy a more authentic Israeli experience.

Where to Go

November is the perfect time to rent a car and explore the country's highlights on an essential Israel itinerary. Most flights arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport, 14 miles (23 km) from Tel Aviv, where you can wander Rabin Square and head to the ancient port of Jaffa. Then, make your way east to Jerusalem to take advantage of the quiet streets of Old City and the pleasant afternoon weather in the Mount of Olives, just east of the city. From Jerusalem, set out on a day trip to the Dead Sea, stopping by the hilltop fortress of Masada and the Qumran Caves before soaking in the warm salty waters at Ein Gedi Beach.

Next, November's pleasant temperatures are ideal for exploring the biblical sites near Tiberias. Even if you're not religious, it's well worth exploring Cana, Nazareth, and Tabgha, then continuing to Safed and the Golan Heights. Heading back east, you'll soon reach the port town of Haifa, famous for its Garden Terraces of Baháʼí (considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World) and the Cave of Elijah located in the Stella Marris Monastery. Before returning to Tel Aviv, check out the nearby Caesarea National Park, home to an ancient Roman amphitheater and the UNESCO-listed markets of Acre. 

If you're after more sun and warm temperatures, add on a trip south to Eilat. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, the waters are teaming with sea life, making snorkeling in the Coral Beach National Park a bucket list experience. Or, stay dry and view tropical fish up close at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park. Meanwhile, thrill seekers can add on a trip to the nearby Negev Desert to try sandboarding.

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What to Do

With fewer tourists out and about and pleasant weather, November is a great month to split your time between Israel's beaches, biblical sites, and museums. Although temperatures are cooler in the morning and evenings, the afternoons are perfect for swimming in the warm Mediterranean at the bustling Gordon Beach and Bograshov Beach in Tel Aviv. Alternatively, for warmer temperatures, North Beach, Princess Beach, and Dolphin Reef are great options for swimming in the Red Sea in Eilat.

For those looking to take in Israel's storied past, opt for a history and religion-focused trip where 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. Other must-dos include visiting the Wailing Wall to see the Temple Mount, exploring the Golan Heights on a Jeep tour, and roaming Mount of Beatitude, believed to be the location of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount.

Even when the occasional day of rain arrives, you'll still have plenty of indoor options. In Jerusalem, be sure to visit the famous Museum Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center), along with the Israel Museum, to see the Dead Sea Scrolls inside the Shrine of the Book. Tel Aviv also has its fair share of impressive museums, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Eretz Israel Museum, and the Beit Hatfutsot (the Museum of the Jewish People).

Events in November

Jerusalem Knights Festival, Jerusalem. Take a leap back in time to the Middle Ages and watch knight fights and performances fill the streets of the Old City's Christian Quarters.

Traveling to Israel in November? Check out these great itineraries

Israel's Jewish History & Heritage Tour - 8 Days. Discover some of Judaism's most important spiritual and historical landmarks. Wander Tel Aviv's modernist squares and museums, visit the home of Kabbalah in Safed, and explore the Golan Heights by Jeep. 

History & Religion in Israel - 9 Days. Tick off Israel's long list of historical highlights, from Masada's hilltop fortress to the Golan Heights hills, on this fascinating nine-day itinerary.

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