When you plan a trip to Bethlehem, you really have to think about the weather. It shapes how much you actually enjoy wandering those historic streets or checking out the landmarks.
The city deals with hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, so the timing of your visit matters quite a bit. The most comfortable months to explore Bethlehem are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures stay mild and conditions are just right for sightseeing.
During these seasons, you skip the worst of the summer heat and avoid the damp chill of winter. You’ll probably spend more time outdoors, soak up longer daylight hours, and get to enjoy the city’s vibe without the hassle of tough weather.
Understanding what each season brings helps you plan better. You’ll know what to pack and which activities make the most sense. This guide gives you a rundown of Bethlehem’s climate, points out the best times to visit based on weather, and tosses in some practical tips to get the most out of your trip.
Overview of Bethlehem’s Climate
Bethlehem’s climate is shaped by its Mediterranean setting, its elevation in the central West Bank, and pretty clear seasonal shifts in temperature and rainfall. You’ll get warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, with daylight and rainfall patterns that really influence the best times to go.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Bethlehem sits in a Mediterranean climate (Csa classification). That means hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Rain mostly falls between November and March, while the summer months from June to September are nearly rain-free. You’ll get loads of sunshine in summer, up to 13–14 hours of daylight per day. Winter days feel much shorter, closer to 6–10 hours.
With all that daylight in summer, you can pack in lots of outdoor activities, but you’ll want to watch out for the higher UV exposure. Rainfall changes a lot over the year. For example:
- January: ~137 mm, 12 rainy days
- July–August: almost 0 mm, no rainy days
That’s a big difference, so you’ll want sun protection in summer and some rain gear in winter.
Bethlehem’s Location in the West Bank
Bethlehem sits in the central West Bank, only about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The city’s up at around 775 meters (2,543 feet) above sea level, which helps keep the heat in check compared to lower parts of the region.
This spot means Bethlehem dodges the extreme desert climate you find in the Jordan Valley. Instead, you get cooler evenings and more comfortable weather than in nearby lowland cities.
The hills around Bethlehem also matter. Moist air from the Mediterranean Sea moves inland and drops rain over the highlands. That’s why Bethlehem gets more winter rain than the drier areas east of the mountains.
So, Bethlehem’s geography really gives it a more balanced climate, with less extreme heat than the desert and more rainfall than the coastal plains.
Annual Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Bethlehem change a lot from season to season. Winters are cool and damp, with January highs around 12°C (53°F) and lows near 5°C (41°F). Sometimes it even snows, but that’s rare and doesn’t last long.
Spring warms up fast. March highs are near 16°C (60°F) and by May, you’re looking at 26°C (79°F). Rain drops off sharply, making this one of the nicest times to visit.
Summers are hot and dry, especially in July and August when daytime temps hit about 30°C (86°F). Nights cool off to around 19°C (66°F). You’ll barely see any rain and the days feel long.
Autumn cools down gradually. October highs are near 26°C (79°F), dropping to 20°C (68°F) by November. Rain comes back, signaling the start of the wetter months.
This cycle of warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters stays pretty steady, so you can count on these patterns when you’re planning.
Best Time to Visit Bethlehem Based on Weather
Bethlehem’s climate brings warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The most comfortable conditions fall in those in-between months, when temperatures are moderate, rainfall isn’t too heavy, and daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore.
Ideal Months for Pleasant Weather
The best months to visit Bethlehem are March, April, October, November, and December. Daytime temperatures usually range from 18°C to 29°C (64°F–85°F). Nights cool off between 10°C and 16°C (50°F–61°F), so evening walks feel pretty good.
Rainfall stays moderate. November gets about 52 mm, while April sees closer to 19 mm. That’s enough to keep the scenery green but not enough to mess with your plans. Sunshine averages 7–10 hours per day, so you’re not short on daylight.
Humidity during spring and autumn usually sits between 40% and 55%. It’s way more comfortable than the higher humidity you get in winter. These months just make it easier to explore Bethlehem’s historic sites without sweating it out or getting soaked.
Benefits of Visiting in Spring and Autumn
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) really deliver the best weather. In spring, you’ll see blooming landscapes and mild temperatures, usually 18°C–25°C (64°F–77°F). Rain is lighter than in winter, so you often get clearer skies and more dry days.
Autumn’s pretty similar. Temperatures in October and November stay mild, often 20°C–27°C (68°F–81°F) during the day. Rain picks up a bit in late autumn but usually doesn’t mess up sightseeing.
Both seasons give you 10–12 hours of daylight, which is perfect for exploring Bethlehem’s Old City, Manger Square, or the hill country nearby. Cooler evenings make outdoor dining and walking tours more enjoyable. These months also dodge the big tourist crowds of December, so you’ll have more space at the main attractions.
Periods to Avoid Due to Weather Extremes
Mid-summer, especially July and August, can be rough. Daytime highs often hit 32°C–35°C (90°F–95°F), and nights stay warm at around 22°C (72°F). With low humidity, the heat just drains you if you’re out for long walks or tours.
Winter, especially January and February, gets chilly. Daytime highs average 15°C–16°C (59°F–61°F), and nights can drop to 7°C (45°F). Rain peaks, with 60–75 mm falling across about 8–10 rainy days. Showers and cloudy skies can limit what you do outside.
If you want to skip the discomfort, plan around these extremes. Both summer and winter are doable, but you’ll need extra prep—hydration and shade in summer, or rain gear and warmer clothes in winter.
Seasonal Weather in Bethlehem
Bethlehem’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. The seasons feel pretty distinct, and they definitely affect comfort and travel plans.
Spring: March to May
Spring in Bethlehem brings mild temperatures and more daylight. Daytime highs usually land between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Nights are still cool, often around 10°C to 14°C.
Rain becomes less common as spring goes on. March might have a few showers, but by May, most days are dry and sunny. You get about 8 to 10 hours of daylight each day, which makes sightseeing easier.
Humidity stays moderate, so the air feels good for outdoor activities. Walking tours of the Old City and visits to religious landmarks are a lot more comfortable now than in the heat of summer.
If you want balanced weather—no extreme heat, no heavy rain—spring is a great time for your trip.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Bethlehem is hot and really dry. Daytime highs often climb to 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), sometimes even higher. Nights cool down a bit, to around 20°C to 22°C.
You’ll barely see any rain, with 0 to 1 rainy days per month. The skies stay clear, and sunshine averages 12 to 13 hours daily.
Humidity drops, so while the heat isn’t as sticky, it can still wear you out if you’re outside for long. You’ll need sun protection, light clothes, and plenty of shade breaks.
Walking around during midday gets uncomfortable. Early mornings or evenings work best for exploring Bethlehem’s streets or landmarks like the Church of the Nativity.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn brings some of the nicest weather to Bethlehem. September still feels warm, with highs around 28°C (82°F), but by November, daytime temperatures drop to 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). Nights get cooler, averaging 10°C to 15°C.
Rain starts to increase, but September is mostly dry. By November, you might see 5 to 7 rainy days in the month, though showers are usually short and not a big deal.
Sunshine is strong in early autumn, with 10 to 11 hours of daylight, but drops to about 7 hours per day by late November.
This season works well for travel since it mixes mild temperatures with manageable rain. You can check out both indoor and outdoor spots without much hassle.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Bethlehem is cool and wetter than the other seasons. Daytime highs average 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F). Nights can dip to 6°C to 8°C (43°F to 46°F).
Rain is most common now, with 8 to 12 rainy days per month. January usually gets the most, sometimes over 70 mm of rainfall. Snow is rare, but it does happen once in a while.
Daylight is short, with just 6 to 7 hours of sun per day. You’ll see a lot of clouds, but there are still plenty of clear days too.
If you visit in winter, bring warm clothes and something waterproof. Despite the chill, the city stays lively, especially around Christmas when Bethlehem draws a lot of visitors.
Monthly Weather Highlights
Bethlehem’s weather changes a lot with the seasons. You’ll notice shifts not just in temperature, but in rainfall, sunshine, humidity, and wind as the months go by.
Temperature and Rainfall by Month
Bethlehem’s temperatures swing from mild winters to hot summers. January is the coolest, with daytime highs around 16°C (61°F) and nighttime lows near 7°C (45°F). August is the hottest, with daytime highs often reaching 35°C (95°F) and nights staying close to 22°C (72°F).
Rain mostly falls in the cooler months. January usually brings the most precipitation, averaging about 70–75 mm across 9–10 rainy days. February and March get regular showers too. By summer, especially July and August, rainfall almost disappears, with totals near 0 mm.
Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) balance mild temperatures with moderate rainfall, so they’re more comfortable for being outdoors. Rain is lighter in these months, usually between 20–50 mm per month, and doesn’t last long.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Bethlehem gets a lot of sunshine, but the hours change with the seasons. In July, the sun shines for about 12–13 hours per day—it’s the brightest time of year. That’s great if you want to stay out and explore longer.
December brings the shortest days, with only about 6–6.5 hours of sunshine daily. Even then, you’ll still get clear skies between showers.
In spring and autumn, daylight averages 10–11 hours per day, which is a nice middle ground. These months also have fewer cloudy days than winter, so sightseeing feels more pleasant.
Humidity and Wind Trends
Humidity in Bethlehem stays pretty moderate most of the year. January feels dampest, with levels around 60%, while May is driest, averaging near 35%. The air feels most comfortable in late spring and early autumn when humidity drops.
Winds usually stay light to moderate. Summer months like June through August see slightly higher speeds, averaging 7–8 m/s, which can help cool things off. October through December have calmer winds, closer to 5 m/s.
With this steady, mild wind pattern, you probably won’t face any disruptive conditions. But on higher ground or in open areas, you might notice stronger breezes around the city.
Weather Factors Affecting Travel Experience
When you’re planning a trip to Bethlehem, it’s smart to think about how rainfall patterns and humidity levels can affect your daily comfort. These factors shape more than just outdoor sightseeing—they really influence how you take in the city’s culture and history.
Rainfall and Dry Spells
Bethlehem gets a Mediterranean climate, so winters are wet and summers are dry. Most of the rain shows up between November and March, and January usually brings the most.
During these months, you might notice around 70 mm of rainfall scattered over several days.
From late spring into summer, rain basically disappears. August, for instance, averages less than 1 mm of precipitation, making it the driest month by far.
This long dry stretch means outdoor plans are pretty reliable, but you’ll also deal with hotter days.
Rain tends to be light or moderate, not big storms. Still, wet days can mess with walking tours or time outside.
If you’re traveling in winter or early spring, toss a light rain jacket in your bag. For summer, forget the rain gear—you’ll want sun protection and lots of water instead.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Bethlehem changes a lot with the seasons. Winter brings the highest humidity, with January hitting about 60% relative humidity. When you mix that with cooler temperatures, the air can feel really damp, especially at night.
By late spring, humidity drops off fast. May comes in around 35%, which feels much drier and makes walking around easier.
During summer, the air stays pretty dry even though it’s hot, so you might find it more manageable than sticky coastal cities.
Low humidity speeds up sweat evaporation, so it’s easy to forget how hot it actually is. Drink plenty of water and don’t spend too long outside during the hottest part of the day.
Once autumn evenings arrive, humidity rises a bit, making for some really nice strolls through Bethlehem’s streets and open-air sites.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Bethlehem
Traveling in Bethlehem takes a bit of prep since temperatures swing a lot between seasons, and most rain falls in the cooler months. If you know what to bring and how weather shapes local events, you’ll have a much better time in the West Bank.
Packing Recommendations by Season
Summers (June–August) in Bethlehem get hot and dry, with daytime highs often close to 35°C. Pack light clothing, breathable fabrics, a hat, and sunscreen.
Nights stay warm, so heavy layers aren’t needed.
In winter (December–February), temperatures can dip to around 7°C at night, and rain is pretty common. Bring a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella.
A light sweater helps indoors, since heating isn’t always strong everywhere.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Bethlehem if you want mild weather. Bring layered clothing so you can adjust from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
Year-round, comfortable walking shoes are a must because the Old City’s stone streets can be pretty uneven.
A small daypack, refillable water bottle, and modest dress (think long pants or skirts and covered shoulders) also come in handy, especially at religious sites.
Weather-Related Local Events
Weather in Bethlehem really shapes when people hold cultural and religious gatherings. You’ll see the Christmas season in December draw the biggest crowds, especially for services at the Church of the Nativity.
Nights get pretty cool and wet, so you’ll want to bring warm layers and maybe an umbrella.
Spring feels a lot milder, with temperatures hanging between 18°C and 25°C. Outdoor festivals and processions pop up everywhere.
Easter brings even more visitors, and the weather makes walking tours surprisingly pleasant.
In summer, rain rarely interrupts plans, but the heat can get intense, especially around midday. Most travelers try to do their sightseeing early or wait until evening when it’s not so hot.
Autumn rolls in with another sweet spot—perfect for wandering through markets or catching open-air concerts. If you like hiking, the West Bank hills nearby are a great option this time of year.