The best time of year to visit Israel is during March and April. During this period, temperatures are pleasant all over the country, and the chance of precipitation gradually diminishes. Before March, rain chances are much bigger, and after April, it begins to be too hot for touring.
When Not to visit Israel?
It is best to avoid the summer months between June and September since it is too hot to enjoy touring the country (30°-42°C). Besides, don’t come during the Jewish holidays of Sukkot and Passover. During this period, Israelis are on vacation, the attractions are crowded, and the prices are much higher.
Understanding the seasons in Israel
Israel Landscape in Winter
Israel has a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot, rainless summers and relatively short, mild, rainy winters. Almost all of the rain occurs between Mid-December and Mid-March. This sharp contrast in rainfall also creates a sharp contrast of how the landscape looks in different seasons. After the winter kicks off, the landscape becomes green and fresh, and visibility is clear on many days. As the winter progresses into early springת colorful wildflowers dot the land. From April onwards, the landscape gradually becomes dry, and the fresh green turns into arid yellow. The ground becomes dusty, and visibility becomes poor. These conditions remain until November-December, when the first rains start. If you want to enjoy Israel’s nature, come between December and April. If you plan to spend most of your time in the cities, it is best to aim for moderate temperatures and a small rain chance. The best months for this combination are October, November, April, and May.
Israel Landscape in Summer
Another thing to consider is the huge difference in weather conditions between the north and the south of Israel. The southern area of Israel is a desert. During the summer, it is boiling with temperatures around 40°C (104°F). On the other hand, the winter period between December and March brings delightful temperatures combined with a minor rainfall chance. Because the landscape is dry all year, there is also no difference in scenery between the seasons. In the north, the summer is still hot with temperatures around 30°C (78°F), but it is still possible to tour outdoors, especially if you opt for early morning or late afternoon. There are plenty of days with sunshine and mild temperatures also during the winter, but there are also many days with rain and thunderstorms. Traveling outdoors during this period is a gamble. The north’s best period is mid-March to April, when the chance for raindrops significantly while the temperatures are still pleasant, and the landscape is green and full of wildflowers.
I am Erez Speiser. I live in the Galilee region in Israel. By education, I am a mechanical engineer. In 2018 I founded "Israel by Foot" to promote hiking tourism in Israel. Learn more in the About me Video. Do you want me to help you plan your hikes in Israel? Check out here. Or contact me erez@hike-israel.com