Picking the best time to visit Jerusalem really comes down to the kind of weather you’re hoping for. Most people find spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) the easiest months for exploring the city, with mild temperatures and not much rain.
During these months, you can wander the Old City, check out holy sites, and stroll through outdoor markets without sweating through your shirt or dodging winter downpours.
Summers in Jerusalem feel long and dry, with pretty high temperatures. Winters, on the other hand, tend to be chilly and damp, and rain shows up more often than you’d think. These weather swings definitely affect how you get around and what you’ll want to do each day.
If you know what to expect each season, you can plan your trip with a bit more confidence and avoid getting caught off guard.
Take a look below for a breakdown of Jerusalem’s climate month by month, what each season brings, and some ideas for making the most of your visit. There’s plenty here—from weather patterns to timing tips—to help you plan without too much stress.
Understanding Jerusalem’s Climate
Jerusalem sits somewhere between a Mediterranean and a semi-arid climate, so you get cool, wet winters and long, dry summers. Temperatures swing a lot through the year. Most rain falls in just a few months, and snow almost never shows up—but it can, on rare occasions.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Jerusalem really has two main seasons: a cool, wet winter and a hot, dry summer. Winter runs from November to March and brings almost all the rain. Spring and autumn are short, acting as pleasant transitions with mild, comfortable weather.
Summer, from June to September, gets hot and stays dry. Days are long, skies are clear, and humidity doesn’t really bother you. January and February, the heart of winter, can feel chilly and damp. These swings in weather totally shape which months are best for sightseeing and being outdoors.
Temperature Ranges Throughout the Year
Jerusalem’s temperatures change a lot between seasons. In winter, daytime highs usually land around 12–16°C (54–61°F), and at night, it can drop to 7–9°C (45–48°F). Sometimes, cold snaps make nights even colder.
Spring comes in quickly. By April, you can expect 23°C (73°F) during the day, and May often gets up to 27°C (81°F). Summer feels hot, but not as extreme as the coast. July and August usually hit 32°C (90°F) during the day, with nights cooling off to about 21°C (70°F).
Autumn cools down at a steady pace. October averages 25°C (77°F), and by November, you’re looking at 20°C (68°F) during the day. These shoulder seasons feel especially nice for travelers.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Rain in Jerusalem doesn’t spread out over the year. Almost all of it falls between November and March. Summer months? Pretty much bone dry.
- Wettest months: December to February, with about 20–36 mm of rain per month.
- Driest months: June to August, which often see 0 mm.
- Rainy days: About 10–15 days in midwinter, and basically none in summer.
Showers don’t usually last long, but they can be heavy. The city’s elevation and breezes help the streets dry out fast. If you’re coming in winter, bring rain gear, but for most of the year, you’ll barely see a drop.
Snowfall Occurrences
Snow in Jerusalem? It’s rare, but it does happen. The city sits at about 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level, so every few years, you might catch a snow event in winter.
Most of the time, snow falls in January or February, and it’s usually light—gone in a day or two. Occasionally, a heavier snowfall can close roads or schools, but that’s not the norm.
Don’t count on seeing snow during your trip. If you do, though, it’ll probably be a quick but memorable surprise.
Best Months to Visit Jerusalem for Pleasant Weather
You’ll probably enjoy Jerusalem’s weather most in the spring and autumn. These months offer mild temperatures, smaller crowds, and clear skies—perfect for outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
Spring: April to May
Spring brings daytime temperatures of 15°C to 25°C (59°F–77°F). The air feels fresh, and you’ll see gardens and parks bursting with color. Rain falls less often than in winter, so you’ll get more dry days for exploring.
Crowds pick up a bit during religious holidays, but you can still move around the Old City and main sites without the summer crush. If you want to check out Jerusalem’s markets or walk the Ramparts Walk, spring’s weather makes it much nicer.
It’s also a good season for trips around the Judean Hills, which stay cooler than the desert. Pack a light jacket for evenings—nights can feel chilly, especially in higher parts of town.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn brings steady, pleasant weather, with average highs from 18°C to 28°C (64°F–82°F). The summer heat fades, humidity drops, and you get perfect conditions for exploring historic and religious sites on foot.
September can still feel pretty warm, especially around noon, but by October and November, things mellow out. Rain starts to return, but most days stay sunny and dry.
Tourists thin out after summer, so you’ll get more space at places like the Western Wall or the Israel Museum. If you visit in autumn, you’ll also find evenings are great for eating outdoors or wandering the city’s lively neighborhoods.
A light sweater or scarf helps for those cooler nights, especially in November. This season works well for travelers who like moderate weather and fewer crowds.
Weather by Season: What to Expect
Jerusalem’s weather really shifts through the year—hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The in-between seasons bring the most comfortable conditions, so lots of people choose them for sightseeing and outdoor stuff.
Spring in Jerusalem
Spring stretches from March to May and brings mild, pleasant days. Average daytime temperatures go from about 15°C (59°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) in May. By April, rain drops off a lot, so you’ll get mostly dry days and blue skies.
This is one of the best times for walking tours and checking out historic sites. Expect blooming gardens and nice evenings, though you might want a light jacket in March.
By May, you’ll probably wear lighter clothes in the day, but nights can still be cool. Spring also lines up with several big cultural and religious holidays, so crowds at major landmarks might swell.
Summer in Jerusalem
Summer runs from June to August and brings hot, dry weather. Daytime temperatures average 28–30°C (82–86°F), and the sun can feel intense. Rain is pretty much nonexistent, and the skies stay clear for weeks.
Humidity stays low, making the heat more bearable than in places like Tel Aviv. Evenings cool off to around 18–20°C (64–68°F), so you might want a light sweater after dark.
You’ll want to prep for strong sun. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you’re planning to walk the Old City or hike the Mount of Olives. Outdoor events and festivals pop up, but sightseeing at midday can be exhausting without shade.
Autumn in Jerusalem
Autumn goes from September through November and offers some of the nicest weather. September is still warm, with highs near 28°C (82°F), but November drops to 12–19°C (54–66°F).
Rain returns slowly in late October and November. Early autumn is dry and sunny, while later months bring some showers. This mix gives you great conditions for museums, markets, and religious sites—without the summer heat.
Layers come in handy. Days stay mild, but evenings can get chilly, especially in November. Tourist numbers are moderate, so you’ll usually see shorter lines and quieter streets than in the summer.
Winter in Jerusalem
Winter lasts from December through February and brings the coldest, wettest weather. Average highs sit at 12–14°C (54–57°F), while nighttime lows drop to 6–8°C (43–46°F). Rain shows up often, with some months getting over ten rainy days.
Snow is rare in Jerusalem, but it can happen—usually just once every few years. When it does, it’s light and melts fast, though it might briefly close roads.
Pack warm clothes—a coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes are smart. Outdoor exploring can be tricky in the rain, but winter is a good time for indoor spots like the Israel Museum or Yad Vashem. The city feels quieter, with fewer tourists and a slower pace.
Monthly Weather Overview
Jerusalem’s climate swings from cool, wet winters to hot, dry summers. Spring and autumn land in the middle, with mild temperatures and fewer rainy days—easier for travel.
Temperature and Rainfall by Month
Winter (December–February) is cool, with average highs around 13–16°C (55–61°F) and lows near 7–11°C (45–52°F). January gets about 32 mm of rain over 10+ days.
By March, daytime temperatures rise to 18°C (64°F), and rain drops off. April and May warm up quickly, with highs of 23–27°C (73–81°F) and hardly any rain.
Summer (June–August) is hot and dry. Highs reach 31–32°C (88–90°F), and rain is basically zero. Nights stay warm, usually 20–21°C (68–70°F).
September cools a bit, with highs near 29°C (84°F). October and November bring more comfortable weather and some rain—3 mm in October, 25 mm in November.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | 9°C | 32 mm |
| Apr | 23°C | 13°C | 12 mm |
| Jul | 32°C | 21°C | 0 mm |
| Oct | 25°C | 17°C | 3 mm |
Daylight Hours and Humidity Levels
Daylight shifts a lot through the year. In winter, you get about 10 hours of daylight. Summer stretches out to almost 14 hours, giving you more time to see the city.
Humidity is highest in winter, making the air feel damp—especially in January and February. Summer brings much drier air, so even though it’s hot, it’s not as sticky.
Spring and autumn sit in the middle. Humidity is moderate, and daylight lasts 11–13 hours, so you get comfortable weather and plenty of time for sightseeing.
These changes in light and moisture really shape how Jerusalem feels day to day. Planning around them can help you avoid discomfort.
Tips for Traveling to Jerusalem Based on Weather
Weather in Jerusalem really shapes your trip—what you wear, how you plan your days, and how comfortable you feel. Temperatures swing from cool, damp winters to hot, dry summers, so it helps to prep for these changes.
What to Pack for Each Season
What you pack depends a lot on when you visit. Winters (December–February) are cool and rainy, with lows around 5–10°C (41–50°F). Bring a warm coat, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. Layers work well since indoor spaces are often heated.
Spring (March–May) gives you mild days and cool evenings. Average highs hit 20–25°C (68–77°F). Light clothes are fine in the day, but you’ll want a sweater or light jacket at night.
Summer (June–August) is hot and dry, with highs often above 30°C (86°F). Pack cotton shirts, shorts, a hat, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking sandals make exploring easier.
Autumn (September–November) is a lot like spring, with pleasant days and cooler evenings. A mix of t-shirts, long sleeves, and a light jacket usually covers you.
| Season | Daytime Wear | Evening Wear | Extras to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Warm layers, waterproofs | Coat | Umbrella, boots |
| Spring | Light shirts, trousers | Sweater/light jacket | Comfortable shoes |
| Summer | Shorts, cotton tops | Light layers | Hat, sunscreen, water |
| Autumn | T-shirts, long sleeves | Light jacket | Scarf, walking shoes |
Staying Comfortable During Extremes
Jerusalem summers can get pretty intense, especially in July and August. To dodge heat stress, try heading out for sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening.
Bring plenty of water with you and look for shaded spots to rest. Museums and indoor attractions offer a much-needed break during those blazing midday hours.
In winter, rain showers pop up often, and the streets turn slippery fast. Wear non-slip shoes and stash a small umbrella in your bag.
You’ll find indoor heating in most places, but honestly, it’s not always strong, so layering is still important.
If you’re visiting in transitional months like March or October, expect the weather to flip on you without warning. Keeping a light jacket in your day bag is a smart move for those surprise temperature swings.
Summer evenings sometimes bring sticky humidity. Loose, breathable clothes make a real difference. If you prepare for these conditions, you’ll enjoy your time in Jerusalem without the weather throwing you off.
Special Weather Considerations in Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s climate can surprise you with some odd weather patterns. Most of the time, the weather stays mild, but rare snowfalls, sudden heatwaves, and local differences between neighborhoods can really shake up your plans.
Rare Snow Events
You won’t see snow in Jerusalem often, but it does show up in winter, usually from December to February. When snow falls, the city might get several centimeters, which sometimes shuts down roads and public transportation.
Jerusalem sits at about 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level, so it’s cooler than coastal cities like Tel Aviv. This higher altitude makes snow possible, though it usually melts pretty quickly.
If you’re coming in winter, pack warm clothes and waterproof shoes, especially if you plan to walk outside. Hotels and businesses generally stay open, but things can slow down.
Snow can turn the Old City walls and historic neighborhoods into beautiful scenes. Still, stone streets get slippery, so plan your routes and watch your step.
Heatwaves and Dust Storms
Summers in Jerusalem are hot and dry, with average highs often hitting 30°C (86°F). During heatwaves, those numbers climb even higher, especially in July and August.
Dust storms, called hamsin or sharav, sometimes blow in during spring and autumn. They bring strong winds, low visibility, and leave a layer of fine dust everywhere.
When heatwaves or dust storms hit, switch up your schedule. Early mornings and evenings work better for walking tours.
Bring a reusable water bottle, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and don’t skip the sunscreen.
Dust storms can irritate your eyes and throat. If you have allergies or asthma, pack your meds and maybe stick to indoor activities until things clear up.
Weather Differences in West Jerusalem
Jerusalem doesn’t have just one kind of weather. West Jerusalem, which feels more modern and residential, usually runs a bit cooler and breezier than the Old City. You can thank the higher elevation and those wider streets for that.
In summer, you’ll find that shaded spots in West Jerusalem actually offer more relief than the narrow stone alleys in the Old City. The alleys just seem to trap heat, don’t they? That’s why neighborhoods like Rehavia or the German Colony end up being more pleasant for walking around on those hot afternoons.
Winter’s a different story. West Jerusalem can get colder at night, with open spaces and stronger winds making things feel extra chilly. It’s a good idea to bring layered clothing, so you can adjust between pretty warm days and surprisingly cold evenings.