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When is the best time to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories?

The best time to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is during their spring and autumn seasons (April to May and September to October respectively). The days are pleasantly warm, with temperatures in the mid-to-late twenties, and the nights are cool.

It can be quite hot during the day from June to August, with temperatures of 32°C, though the evenings are cooler. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds at popular sites if you don’t mind the heat.

Temperatures are much cooler in winter (around 10°C), with Jerusalem even receiving the occasional snowfall.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Street in Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in January - March

In the early months of the year, temperatures in Israel are on the cooler side, with some parts of the country seeing the odd snowfall. This is also the time of year when Israel is most likely to experience rain.

Events & Festivals

  • One of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar, Purim, which takes place in March, celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a Persian plot to purge the population. You’ll find the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem lined with lively celebrations, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
  • Easter is incredibly busy in Israel, with many Christians choosing to celebrate the holiday in the Holy Land, especially in Jerusalem.
Garden Tomb, Jerusalem

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.
The Dead Sea Salt Shore, Israel

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.

Hafia, Israel

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.
Candles inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

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.

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.