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Best time
to visit Israel
Generally speaking a trip to Israel can happen at any time of the year. However, there are certain months which are better suited depending on the focus of your holiday.
Spring or autumn is often thought of as the best time to visit Israel. The weather isn’t too hot and it’s perfect for hiking and exploring Israel’s rural, beautiful countryside. We advise not to travel during winter unless you are hoping for snow in the Golan Heights.
The high season in Israel is from June - September and the low season is from December - February.
Top Tip!
Remember, weekends in Israel are Friday and Saturday, and the working week is from Sunday to Thursday.
The weather
in Israel
Situated in the Middle East, to say it’s hot here would be an understatement. In the height of summer temperatures can be as high as 40°C, and in the winter, parts of the mountain region can dip below zero. The average temperature in Israel is around 27°C - 32°C.
Israel receives heavy downpours of rain in the November to March months, so this is generally not the best time to visit. If you do decide to book a holiday to Israel in summer, take extra measures for sun protection.
Best time for visiting
beaches in Israel
On the whole, the best time to visit the beaches in Israel is in July, August and September, when you will have the best weather conditions. Some of the most popular beaches are in Tel Aviv where the temperatures don’t fluctuate much, so it’s generally warm with little rainfall. Temperatures are usually in highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C (at night).
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Four Seasons in Israel
Spring
April - May
Israel is incredible in spring. The weather is mild and the crowds are much smaller than in summer. Spring is the perfect time for hiking in the flower dusted valleys. Bird watching and bike riding are also great during spring. With the rainy season over, there’s more blue skies and lots of sunshine.
Summer
June - August
This is the best time of year to visit the Golan Heights and Jerusalem. This is also a great time to hit the beaches in Tel Aviv. The skies will be clear and the weather will be hot. This is of course the busiest time of the year, but the crowds provide a great, buzzing atmosphere!
Autumn
September - October
Autumn is often one of the best times to visit Israel. The weather is sunny, mild and the countryside is beautifully painted in russet tones. This is the perfect time to visit the Sea of Galilee. Prices can get high and the crowds big however, as this is the busiest time in the Jewish calendar.
Winter
November - March
Winter is the coldest time in Israel. Snowfall does occur but predominantly in the Golan Mountains, sometimes in Jerusalem. The coast receives a lot of rain during winter. A good balance is to visit during November, before the rainy season fully sets in.
Festivals & Events
in Israel
With a mixture of new festivals with modern themes to ancient reenactments of sacred moments in time, the events calendar in Israel is as diverse as it is full. Religious events can mean heavier crowds than usual, so it’s always good to know when these are in case you want to join them, or avoid them altogether!
Jerusalem Beer Festival
Jerusalem
(August 28th)
Taking place in the Independence Park in the centre of Jerusalem is one of the best events of the year. The Jerusalem Beer Festival features over 100 local and foreign beers. You’ll find a great mixture of locals and tourists and a perfect, laid back atmosphere. There’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day!
Israel Festival
Jerusalem
(May 29th - June 16th)
One of the biggest events of the year is the arts festival held in Jerusalem. This event began in 1961 and has been growing in popularity ever since. Expect musical performances, dance recitals, theatre shows and anything performing arts. A great day out and a fantastic way to get a taste of Israel’s modern culture.
Tel Aviv Pride
Tel Aviv
(June 14th)
This week long series of events happen in Tel Aviv and will be difficult to miss if you happen to be here during that time. The main event is a lavish parade which attracts over 250,000 people. Expect outlandish outfits, blaring music and parties that carry on for days.
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Jerusalem March
Jerusalem
(October 17th)
This iconic event, also called the Feast of Tabernacles, is centred around a parade through the streets of Jerusalem. What is wonderful about the march is that not only locals get involved. Anyone who wishes to participate gives their support and joins together.
White Night Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
(June 25th)
Often referred to as ‘the city that never sleeps’ Tel Aviv truly lives up to its name during White Night. Music is played in every spot imaginable and carries on all night long. Large concert halls, parks, bars, clubs and on the street. Many of which are free!
Klezmer Music Festival
Tzfat
(August)
This is one of the best festivals in Israel for atmosphere. Small performances take place wherever there’s space in the winding alleyways of the Old Jewish Quarter. Performances continue for three nights. And one of the best things - it’s free. Just wander around the Old Quarter and keep your ears and eyes open.
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Birkat Kohanim
Jerusalem
(March - April)
Thousands of people gather in Jerusalem for the annual Birkat Kohanim to hear the priestly blessing. Jewish men dress with a prayer shawl draped over their heads and bless the attendees with an ancient prayer. This is one of the most spiritual and emotional days of the year for the Jewish community.
Taste of Galilee Food Festival
Galilee
(Summer)
If one of your favourite parts of a holiday is trying out the cuisine, then the Taste of Galilee Food Festival should be something on your radar. This week long event includes local delicacies, home-cooked food, workshops and talks. Not to mention lots of delicious samples!
Jerusalem Light Festival
Jerusalem
(May 11)
Visiting Jerusalem during the Light festival is an incredible experience. The winding alleyways and tiny streets of the Old City are decorated in spectacular light displays. It’s got to be one of the most unique ways to explore the Old City, especially after daylight.
Midburn Festival
Negev
(September 21 - 23)
Midburn Festival is like Israel’s Burning Man in Nevada. Thousands of locals and tourists gather in the middle of the Negev desert to experience a week of colourful partying and expressions of creativity. Don’t expect the usual stages and crowds here, it has a much more chilled out vibe.
Jerusalem Day
Jerusalem
(May 21st)
An international holiday in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Day is a celebration of when Israel regained control over the city after a six day war. Expect parades through the Old Town, ceremonies and memorial services. This is a very important day in Israel’s calendar.
Christmas in Bethlehem
Bethlehem
(December 24th)
If you were to spend Christmas in Bethlehem it would be one of the most iconic Christmases of all. What an incredible way to spend the holidays. A midnight mass of epic proportions is followed by visiting the scene of Jesus’ birth at the Church of the Nativity.
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Other public holidays to be aware of when planning your trip to Israel
- 9 April - Election Day
- 20 April - Pesach I (First day of Passover)
- 26 April - Pesach VII (Last day of Passover)
- 9 May - Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day)
- 2 June - Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day)
- 9 June - Shavuot (Pentecost)
- 17 September - Election Day
- 30 September - Rosh Hashana (New Year)
- 1 October - Rosh Hashana II (New Year Day 2)
- 9 October - Yom Kippur
- 14 October - Sukkot I
- 21 October - Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
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