Golden Spirit Tours -

Israel Climate

Israeli has two seasons: winter (late October to mid-March), which is cool to cold and when the rains occur, and summer (April-October,) which is warm to hot and virtually rain-free. Winter in Israel starts with showers in October and advances to periodic heavy rainfall from November to March. Swimming is out in the Mediterranean during this time, expect during occasional heat waves, although at time you can swim in Eilat and the Dead Sea in the winter. The Israeli winter doesn’t normally involve snow, except for on Mount Hermon on the Golan Heights.

During February and the beginning of March, the entire country turns green from the winter rains, and wildflowers displays in the Galilee and Golan regions are truly spectacular. By late March, the flowers and the green fade. In the months that follow, the heat gathers intensity, reaching its peak in July and August. By September Israel also experiences hot, dry desert winds at the beginning and end of summer although a hamsin can occur anytime from March to November. A hamsin (or Sharav) heat wave means you must cut back on rushing around: plan to be in air-conditioned museums, in the shadowy depths of a bazaar, or in the water during mid-day, and make sure you increase your water intake.

In winter, cold rain systems move in from the north. Because they are prevented from continuing south by the constant tropical heights over Africa, these storms can stall over Israel for days until they rain themselves out. Lots of warm socks, layered cloths (including a fleece liner), and a good raincoat and portable umbrella are necessary.

Israel’s Average Temperatures