When to Visit Israel

The best time to visit Israel largely depends on your personal preferences and what you are most interested in doing during your time in the country – whether that’s lazy days spent relaxing and tanning on the beaches of Tel Aviv, hiking through the desertscapes or participating in local cultural and religious festivals.

January to March

If you are interested in culture and hiking, the months of January through to March could be a good time to plan your Israel itinerary. Though this is rainy season, the cooler temperatures make hiking and outdoor exploration pleasant and the nature that surrounds Galilee, Golan Heights and the Judean hills is covered with fragrant wildflowers.

The Jewish holiday of Purim is now a major celebration in Israel during March. Think Mardi Gras style parties and events. This can be an interesting spectacle to behold.

April

The rainy season ends and temperatures in Israel become more pleasant in April, however, Passover and Easter sees an influx of tourists and high season begins

May – June

Arguably one of the best periods to visit Israel and plan your Israel itinerary is during the months of May and June. The temperatures are hot but pleasant, late twenties to early thirties degrees Celsius.

July – August

During the height of summer, temperatures in Israel get very, very hot sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Hiking or exploring for extended periods outside is taxing.

September to December

Temperatures are cooler, the crowds have diminished. If you hope to plan your Israel itinerary during these months, however, you should be mindful of travelling during religious holidays.

The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur in September sees the country grind to a halt and virtually everything close. Similarly, the week-long holiday of Sukkot takes place in early October and is a popular time for tourism, both visitors and Israelis. Traffic is horrendous and everything is crowded.