While it's possible to explore the highlights of Israel in less than a week, nine days are recommended for a well-rounded trip that includes religious sites and natural wonders. After getting to know Jerusalem's Old City and Mount of Olives, you can head north to Tiberias to discover the region's many Biblical sites. Or, head south to Eilat to float in the Dead Sea and stop by the Ein Gedi Nature Park.
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make January a great time to visit Israel. History enthusiasts can take advantage of the quieter landmarks in Jerusalem and museums in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, those looking for a unique experience can head to Israel's only ski field at Mount Hermon. On the opposite end of Israel, sun lovers can escape the Northern Hemisphere's freezing temperatures with a trip down to Eilat or explore Ein Gedi National Park and the Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel.
With temperatures reaching a high of 72ºF (22ºC) in Eilat and a low of 26ºF (-3ºC) at Mount Hermon, February is an excellent time for both snow enthusiasts and beachgoers to visit Israel. While you'll need to plan for the occasional rainy day, in return, you can take advantage of cheaper flight and accommodation prices. Plus, with fewer visitors in Israel, you can roam the Biblical highlights of Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher without the crowds.
Considered off-season, March is a great time to visit Israel and explore its bucket list of biblical sites and lively coastal towns without the crowds. Mount Hermon, in northern Israel, will still have a dusting of snow, while Eilat, in southern Israel, will see temperatures in the 70s (Fahrenheit), perfect for long days at the beach. However, as Easter draws near, Christians from around the world flock to the country, and once-quiet churches and biblical landmarks will be busy.
With wildflowers in bloom and Easter and Passover in full swing, April is a fascinating time to visit Israel. If you want to participate in the celebrations, head to Jerusalem and watch the pilgrimage along Via Dolorosa. Or, take advantage of the pleasant temperatures and watch the annual bird migration in Hula Nature Reserve. Plan early if you're traveling over Easter; otherwise, you can enjoy the quiet towns and biblical sites throughout the rest of the month.
Plentiful sunshine, warm days, and great deals make May one of the best times to visit Israel. Long gone are the winter rains, and with cool evenings and mornings, you can tick off Jerusalem and Tiberias' historical highlights and spend long days at the beach in Tel Aviv and Eilat. Plus, with festivals and public holidays on the calendar, you can experience the parades and festivities held throughout May.
Summer has arrived in Israel in June, and with it, high temperatures in the 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit), plus long days of sunshine. Pack plenty of sunscreen, and it's the perfect month to spend your days in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Or, head to Jerusalem and explore the Old City and biblical sites in the cooler mornings and evenings while escaping the midday sun in world-class museums.
July is summer in Israel, and with temperatures in the 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit) and almost no precipitation, it's the perfect month to bask in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and tour the famous museums in Jerusalem. Pack plenty of sunscreen and tour the biblical sites of Tiberias, or brave the heat and travel south to Eilat to discover the fascinating underwater world of the Red Sea.
August is a great time to explore Israel's fascinating historical sites, beautiful coastlines, and scenic nature reserves. Stick to northern Israel, where temperatures are in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit), and the waters of the Mediterranean Sea are perfect for swimming. As August is peak tourist season, book accommodation and activities early to avoid disappointment, but in return, you can enjoy the country's lively nightlife, bustling markets, and epic festivals.
Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures make September one of the best times to visit Israel. Wander the country's many museums and biblical sites at your own pace, swim or snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters, and take advantage of cheaper flights and accommodations. Plan your trip around the Jewish New Year, when many businesses are closed, and you can pack in plenty of sightseeing and adventuring in a one to two-week trip.
October is a great time to visit Israel to take advantage of the pleasant temperatures, lower accommodation prices, and less busy historical wonders. Once-packed museums and churches will be yours to explore at your own pace, while the waters of the Mediterranean will be perfect for spending long days at the beach. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot also usually falls in October, and you can join in on the festivities celebrating the year's harvest.
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and reduced flight and accommodation prices make December a great time to visit. And if you time your trip around the holidays, you can experience Hanukkah's traditions and ring in the New Year in style. Plus, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit), December is the perfect time to explore the country's national parks and famous biblical sites.
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.
It's best to visit Israel in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasantly warm, there is less chance of precipitation, tourism is calmer, and you have more options for outdoor activities. Consider planning around the country's many religious holidays as businesses close and prices for hotels and flights are higher.
Check off Israel's most important cultural and historic sites in one trip with this comprehensive 12-day itinerary. Traveling from the Mediterranean beaches of Tel Aviv to the ancient streets of Old Jerusalem to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, you'll explore a bevy of highlights and hidden wonders in between. Look out over the Dead Sea from the clifftop ruins of Masada, take a journey through history on an off-road tour of the Golan Heights, and stroll through colorful market stalls in the UNESCO-listed port of Acre.
Discover some of Judaism's most important spiritual and historical landmarks on this eight-day journey through Israel. Wander Tel Aviv's modernist squares and museums, visit the home of Kabbalah in Safed, and explore the Golan Heights by Jeep. After some time in the countryside at a traditional kibbutz, you'll make your way through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem, where visits to the Western Wall, the Tower of David, and Yad Vashem await.
Experience two countries and countless ancient wonders on this 11-day odyssey through Israel and Jordan. Starting and ending in Tel Aviv, you'll explore Jerusalem landmarks like Temple Mount and the Garden of Gethsemane, then cross into Jordan to discover Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea. Back in Israel, the trip winds down with visits to the incredible cultural and spiritual sites of the country's north—including Nazareth, Tiberias, Haifa, and Caesarea.
From modernist Tel Aviv to ancient Tiberias, this immersive 9-day itinerary introduces you to the many faces of Israel. Visit the storied Mount of Olives and see the Dead Sea Scrolls up close in Jerusalem, then head off the beaten path to explore iconic historic and religious sites like Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Roman city of Caesarea. End your adventure back in Tel Aviv, where you'll have free time to explore its characterful neighborhoods and Mediterranean beaches.
This 9-day journey through Israel and Jordan introduces you to some of the Middle East's most fascinating cultural and spiritual sites. After strolling the ancient waterfront and modernist squares of Tel Aviv, you'll hop over to Jerusalem to soak up the history and atmosphere of the Old City. Head west into Jordan to discover Roman ruins in Amman, then skirt the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo to reach the spectacular Nabataean city of Petra. After a detour into the wilds of the Wadi Rum desert, it's back to Tel Aviv for some beachside downtime before your departure.
Ancient history comes to life on this immersive two-week journey through Israel and Jordan. Beginning and ending in Tel Aviv, you'll make your way through some of Israel's most important sites—from the 2,000-year-old Garden of Gethsemane to the clifftop fortress of Masada and the fabled city of Jericho. Hop over to Jordan to tour the archaeological wonders of Amman and Petra and spend an unforgettable night camping in the "Valley of the Moon." Back in Tel Aviv, you'll wind down with a day trip along the Mediterranean coast and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
From Mediterranean beaches to the shores of the Dead Sea, this compact 8-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Israel. Splitting your time between modern Tel Aviv and ancient Jerusalem, you'll tour the cities' cultural landmarks and historic highlights before embarking on a series of fascinating day trips into the surrounding landscapes. Take a cable car to the breathtaking hilltop fortress of Masada, wander the colorful markets of Acre, and look out over the Bay of Haifa from the fabled Hanging Gardens of Mount Carmel.
Experience Jerusalem's ancient history and the beautiful nature of the Judean Desert on this short and sweet 3-day itinerary. Visit the Tomb of King David and stroll through an open-air market, see the Dead Sea Scrolls, and take in the views from the hilltop Masa fortress. End your trip on the Dead see to experience the rich minerals and world-famous salty water.
Dive deep into Israel's history and religion on this packed 9-day itinerary. Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem and see the City of David, visit the lowest place on earth and float on the Dead Sea, explore the Judean desert, and tour ancient religious sites like the Mount of Beatitudes and Megiddo. Round off the tour with stops at Safed to learn about Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism) and a free day in the beach city of Tel Aviv.
From Jerusalem's old city streets to the underwater world of the Red Sea, this family-friend adventure is the perfect 12-day getaway. Explore the City of David and see the Western Wall and visit the ancient desert fortress of Masada and soak in the Dead Sea. End your trip in the modern city of Tel Aviv for ancient ports and snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Explore ancient history and culture in Israel on this 6-day trip. Visit ancient synagogues and King David's tomb in Jerusalem, tour the ancient fortress of Masada, and let the healing waters of the Dead Sea soothe you. End your trip in Petra, Jordan's incredible desert city.
