Good question!
It really depends on what you’re looking for weather-wise, but if you’re thinking of heading for the Middle East you probably already worked out you’re going to have some very hot months (see the chart below for an idea of just how hot), and some cooler months.
This article gives a quick rundown of the weather and other seasonal factors (in particular the Jewish holidays) you should consider when planning your visit to Israel – as well as a month-by month analysis.
Our recommendation: MAY or NOVEMBER, when you avoid the peak tourist/holiday season, meaning a cheaper vacation, and get some very decent weather.
First of all, before we give you a month by month rundown, take a look at this chart for an idea of what to expect temperature-wise in Israel…
The timing of your visit will depend on a number of crucial factors that you’ll have to work out for yourself (such as Jewish Holiday season, as mentioned at the end of this article – is it and the associated upgrade in cost, for you? Or perhaps you’d prefer a cooler time to visit rather than melt in the peak summer months).
We’d highly recommend either the Spring (March, April and May) when temperatures are on average in the low 20’s or Autumn (October and November) when temperatures are still good, around the high 20’s, in the center of the country. Temperatures are usually higher, often much higher, in the South of the country and around the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee areas.
The Winter months are not really Winter as most of us know it (December on the beach anyone?). There are occasional days of rain, and the odd deluge of snow in Jerusalem and the upper reaches of the Galilee and Golan Heights, but it is fairly mild in Israel. Try telling that to an Israeli though…
As mentioned above, you probably won’t enjoy the peak summer months of July and August, especially in the center of the country where the humidity levels can prove stifling. Average summer temperatures in the center of the country are over 30C and closer to 40C in the South and Galilee. But it’s when you come out of the shower and you’re already wet from a sheen of sweat before you start drying yourself off that you realize you should probably have postponed that visit til October…
Although the Autumn and Spring months have the best climate for a trip to Israel, there are other factors you need to consider. September and October are the busiest months in the Jewish calendar with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) bringing the country to a standstill. April is also busy with Passover (Pessach) bringing many Jewish tourists to the country. Dates of these holidays vary from year to year, and it is probably best avoiding traveling here at these times if you want a more relaxing, and cheaper, holiday. Prices will be high during these holidays!