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Visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in April - May

As spring begins in Israel the weather becomes much more agreeable with the sun shining and temperatures rising. Evenings can still be a bit cool, so be sure to pack a light sweater or jacket.

Events & Festivals

• Yom Haatzmaut, which falls in April or May, celebrates the formal establishment of the State of Israel, and is always directly preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for the cause. There is an almost incongruous ‘switch’ from sombreness of Memorial Day to the lively celebrations, shows and festive events the following day.
• Commemorating the Exodus story, Passover, which usually falls in April, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. As such it’s also a particularly busy time to travel — all Israeli schools are closed and many families will spend time moving around the country, making it one of the most difficult times to get to certain sites or find hotel rooms. Many Jews will observe strict dietary rules during this period, and these restrictions may also affect the availability of certain foods in many hotels, though overall there is a feeling of celebration.
• Easter is incredibly busy in Israel, with many Christians choosing to celebrate the holiday in the Holy Land, especially in Jerusalem.

Visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in June - August

Temperatures rise rapidly in the summer, with long days of powerful sunshine. Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection if you plan on visiting Israel during this period.

Visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in September - October

The temperatures begin to cool off again in September and October, so the weather is much more pleasant than in the heat of the summer.

Events & Festivals

• The holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is the day of atonement when Jews ask for forgiveness for their sins from the previous year. Observance includes a 25-hour fast beginning at sunset. Many businesses shut down over this period, and it can be difficult to find transportation or an open restaurant as many locals take time off work.
• Rosh Hashanah is a two-day holiday marking the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. It is a time when the traditional shofar (ram’s horn) is blown from synagogues, and apples, honey and other sweets are eaten to celebrate the occasion. Be aware, many businesses will close during Rosh Hashanah.

Visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in November - December

Cooler winter weather returns in November and December, with the possibility of snow and certainly rain in Jerusalem.

Events & Festivals

• One of the most iconic Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is the eight-day festival of lights, celebrated by lighting menorahs and eating lots of oily food. In Israel, you can witness the annual relay race that brings a torch from the hills of Judea to light the menorah by the Western Wall.
• Although Judaism and Islam are the biggest religions in Israel, many Christian residents and visitors spend Christmas in the Holy Land, especially in areas such as Bethlehem and Nazareth.