What’s the weather like?

 

Annual Average Temperatures in Israel

Annual Average Temperatures in Israel

 

Spring in Israel comes with pleasant temperatures, ranging from 60-75 degrees during the day and as low as 55 degrees by night. You can expect warmer temperatures near the Dead Sea and southern Israel, as they are lower in elevation. Jerusalem is usually a few degrees cooler than most areas.
The summer in Israel ranges from June to early September and it is usually quite warm. If you’re in Tel Aviv at this time, you can expect the air to be hot and humid like you would feel in New York or Florida. Once in Jerusalem you will notice that it is much dryer and cooler, especially at night. The lower in elevation you go, the warmer it tends to be. Massada and Eilat are lower in elevation and they get extremely hot and dry, so be sure to dress in light, loose fitting clothing if you’re visiting those areas during the summer months.
Autumn ranges from October to November and is generally pleasant, though it can be warm at times. The skies are cloudier but there’s not much change in the weather.
Winter in Israel fluctuates depending on where you are. There is often heavy rain and it snows occasionally during January and February. Temperatures can range from 40-60 degrees in Tel Aviv but Jerusalem and the northern part of Israel ranges from 30-50 degrees. The northern portion gets the most snow but Jerusalem sees white from time to time.

What should I pack?

During the spring and summer, you should pack light, loose fitting clothing. Traveling with Maranatha Tours means you will be visiting many religious places so remember to dress modestly. Jerusalem is more conservative than Tel Aviv, you will see people wearing shorts and tank tops in Tel Aviv but remember to pack conservative clothing for your time in Jerusalem.

The holy sites will require your shoulders and knees to be covered, both for men and women. Blouses with sleeves/modest neck lines and long skirts are recommended for women since they are light and comfortable. If you wear sleeveless clothing, bring a light scarf to wear over your shoulders for modesty. Scarves also work well to cover your head when the sun is intense.

For men, loose button ups, t-shirts and cargo shorts or loose fitting cotton based or khaki pants, and hats are recommended. Since our tours visit many places, closed-toe walking shoes and comfortable sandals are best.

Jeans are not recommended during the summer because of the heat! Opt for cotton based fabrics or linen!

The general rule of thumb is to dress semi-formal for sacred locations and to dress casually for everything else.

During the winter, you will want to pack warm clothing, a coat, and it would be a good idea to bring a raincoat with you. You will also need good shoes, an umbrella, gloves, and a scarf. It is not freezing in Israel but you will experience some cold and rainy days during winter months.

 

Other packing tips:

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or scarf
  • For women, bring an easily packable skirt/scarf for covering up at holy sites. Just throw it in your bag before you leave the hotel every morning!
  • Swimwear for visits to the Dead Sea
  • Umbrella for sun protection
  • Sunscreen and insect repellant
  • Water bottle – stay hydrated
  • Small bag or backpack to keep your items in
  • Aspirin/Tylenol
  • Copies of any prescriptions (just in case)
  • Deodorant
  • Earplugs
  • Personal hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, napkins, etc.)
  • Electrical equipment must be adaptable to 220 volts. You will need a European adapter for the prong. Equipment on a motor (like an electric razor) must be adaptable to 50 Hz (as opposed to 110 volts and 60 Hz for North America.)