If you’re planning a trip to Haifa around Christmas, get ready for mild but unpredictable weather. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 17–19°C (62–66°F), while nights cool off to about 9–11°C (48–52°F). Rain pops up pretty often in December, making it one of the wettest months in Haifa.
You won’t deal with harsh winter chills, but damp streets and the occasional heavy downpour are part of the experience. The Mediterranean climate keeps the air fresh. With about 10 hours of daylight, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the city’s gardens, markets, and the coastline.
Haifa feels unique at Christmas because it balances those rainy, cool days with bursts of sunshine. The season feels festive but not too cold, so sightseeing and holiday events stay comfortable.
Typical Christmas Weather in Haifa
Expect mild days, cooler nights, and a noticeable uptick in rain during late December. The climate stays comfy compared to many other places in winter, but wet weather is the norm here.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Haifa’s daytime highs around Christmas usually land between 17°C and 19°C (62–66°F). The city feels cool, not cold, especially when you compare it to Israel’s inland spots.
A light jacket or sweater should do the trick during the day. The sun still brings some warmth when it’s out, though cloudy skies are pretty common.
December feels like a breath of fresh air after the hot, dry summer. The air is crisp, and humidity hangs around at moderate to high levels. It’s a great time for wandering outdoors or visiting the Baháʼà Gardens without sweating through your clothes.
Nighttime Temperatures
At night, temperatures dip to about 9–11°C (48–52°F). Even though that’s mild for winter, the humidity and breezes off the coast can make evenings feel chilly.
After sunset, you’ll want to wear warmer layers. A medium-weight jacket or coat usually keeps you comfortable. Most homes and hotels use some heating at night, but it’s not as essential as in colder countries.
December nights are one of the few times in Haifa when you might skip late outdoor dining unless you’re dressed for it. Still, there’s no need to worry about frost or snow.
Weather Patterns in Late December
December brings a lot of rain to Haifa. You’ll usually see 120–135 mm (4.7–5.3 inches) of rainfall, spread over 10–12 days. Showers can be heavy, but they don’t usually last all day.
Cloudy skies are common, but you’ll still catch some sunny breaks. With only about 10 hours of daylight, it’s smart to start outdoor plans earlier.
Humidity often stays above 70%, which can make the air feel cooler than the numbers suggest. Breezes from the Mediterranean sometimes add a damp chill. Even with all the rain, storms rarely get severe, and city travel usually keeps moving.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Haifa’s late December rain is part of its wet season, when Mediterranean storms bring frequent showers. You’ll see more rainy days and higher totals than in the dry summer.
Frequency of Rainy Days
By Christmas, Haifa is deep into its rainy stretch. On average, there are 10–12 rainy days in December—so about one out of every three days will get some measurable rain.
Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts, not long drizzles. That’s pretty classic for Mediterranean climates, where storms roll in fast and then clear up, leaving sunny gaps.
Even though rain is common, whole weeks rarely get washed out. You might enjoy a few dry days in a row between storms. Packing light rain gear helps you roll with the changes.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
December stands out as one of Haifa’s wetter months. The city gets around 120–130 mm of rainfall during this time, which is close to a fifth of its yearly total.
Rain doesn’t fall evenly across the month. Some weeks get multiple storms, while other days stay dry. December can feel unpredictable if you’re trying to plan outdoor activities.
The cooler temps and steady rain keep the ground damp, and the city’s greenery looks brighter than in the dry season. If you like nature walks, winter brings out Haifa’s lush side.
Rainfall Compared to Other Months
It’s easy to spot the difference when you compare December to the rest of the year. January is usually the wettest month with about 140 mm of rain, while December comes in a bit lower but still quite wet.
Summers—June through August—are almost bone dry, sometimes with less than 5 mm of rain total. That sharp seasonal shift makes December feel extra soggy if you’re used to Haifa’s dry summers.
Spring and autumn serve as transition periods. Rain picks up in November, peaks in mid-winter, and fades away by April. December sits squarely in the rainy middle.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Haifa’s spot on the coast shapes both sea and air conditions in late December. The water stays mild for winter, and breezes and humidity decide how comfortable you’ll feel by the shore.
Average Sea Temperatures in December
In December, the sea off Haifa averages about 20.5°C (68.9°F). On warmer days, it might hit 22°C (70.4°F), while cooler spells can drop it to 19°C (67.4°F).
That’s not cold by winter standards, but it’s definitely cooler than in summer. The Mediterranean holds onto heat from warmer months, so it takes a while for the sea to really cool down.
Compared to northern Europe or North America, the water here is still inviting. Most locals can handle a quick dip, though visitors used to tropical seas might find it brisk.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim in Haifa in December, but it’s best for people who don’t mind cooler water. A wetsuit makes longer swims much more pleasant, especially if you’re in for exercise rather than just a splash.
Beach facilities usually stay open, though things are quieter than in summer. Lifeguard services might be limited, so check before heading in. Currents are usually moderate, but winter storms can kick up bigger waves.
If swimming’s not your thing in December, you can still enjoy coastal activities like walking the promenade, sailing, or fishing. Windsurfing and paddleboarding are possible, but expect stronger breezes and cooler spray.
Sea Breezes and Humidity
The Mediterranean coast near Haifa gets steady breezes in December. Winds usually come from the west or northwest, bringing in cool, moist air. These breezes can make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Humidity hangs around 65–75%, which fits the season. Damp air can make evenings feel chilly, especially when the wind picks up.
On calm days, the humidity creates a mild, comfortable vibe for walks along the shore. Windier days, with sea spray and cooler air, might have you reaching for a jacket.
Wind Speed and Weather Variability
Late December in Haifa brings steady breezes, occasional gusts, and plenty of weather changes tied to passing systems. Temperatures stay mild, but wind and rain can make things feel cooler and less predictable.
Typical Wind Speeds in December
December falls into Haifa’s windier season, running from late autumn into early spring. Average wind speeds hit 7–9 mph (11–14 km/h), with gusts climbing higher during storms.
Haifa’s coastal spot exposes you to Mediterranean breezes that shift direction. Winds from the west or northwest bring in cooler, moist air, which helps explain why December is wetter and cloudier than summer.
Winds usually pick up in the afternoon and evening, thanks to temperature differences between land and sea. At night, winds might ease a bit, but breezy evenings are still common.
Wind Chill Effects
Even if daytime highs in December reach 15–18°C (59–64°F), wind can make it feel cooler. A steady 8 mph breeze with damp air can drop the perceived temperature by several degrees.
You’ll notice the chill most near the coast, especially in shaded or exposed spots. Light jackets or windbreakers usually do the job, but layering helps if you’re outside for a while.
Haifa’s coastal humidity makes the cooling effect stronger. Even when the air feels mild, the wind can leave you chilled, especially after sunset.
Storms and Unusual Weather Events
December brings more rain to Haifa, and storms sometimes whip up stronger winds. Short-lived squalls can push gusts past 20 mph (32 km/h), especially during heavy rain.
These bursts aren’t everyday events, but you should be ready for quick changes. Stronger winds often show up with passing cold fronts, which also ramp up the rain.
Snow hardly ever falls in Haifa, but heavy rain and rough seas can mess with travel plans. If you’re near the port or beaches, you might see bigger waves and stronger winds during storms.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Humidity
Late December brings Haifa’s mild winter: shorter days, some sunshine, and comfortable humidity. Expect a mix of clouds and clear skies, shaped by the city’s Mediterranean climate.
Hours of Sunshine Around Christmas
Haifa gets 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in December. Around Christmas, you’ll see more clouds than in summer, but there are still plenty of bright spells.
The sun sits lower in the sky, which softens the light compared to July or August. That makes outdoor activities pleasant, especially if you prefer cooler weather.
Rain showers can cut down sunshine on some days, but they’re usually brief and followed by clearer skies. Expect a mix of partly cloudy and sunny days, not long gray stretches.
Daylight Duration in Late December
The shortest days of the year hit in late December. In Haifa, daylight lasts about 9 hours and 50 minutes around the solstice. Sunrise is close to 6:40 a.m., and sunset comes early, around 4:30 p.m.
Evenings roll in quickly, so it’s smart to start sightseeing or day trips early. After sunset, twilight gives a soft glow for a bit, which is nice for walking or grabbing dinner before it gets fully dark.
Humidity Levels
December’s humidity averages 58–60%, which feels moderate compared to summer’s muggy highs. You might notice the air is a bit damp, especially in the mornings and evenings, but it’s rarely uncomfortable.
Haifa’s coastal breezes help balance the moisture. The air feels fresher than in inland areas, even when humidity is up.
On rainy days, humidity spikes for a while, but cooler temps keep things from getting sticky like in August. Most visitors find December’s humidity easy to handle.
How Haifa’s Christmas Weather Compares Regionally
Haifa’s weather in late December feels mild and damp, thanks to its coastal location and Mediterranean climate. Temperatures run cooler than summer but warmer than inland areas, and you’ll see more rain than in Israel’s south.
Comparison with Other Israeli Cities
When you stack Haifa up against Tel Aviv, you’ll notice similar temperatures, usually somewhere between 10–18°C (50–64°F). Both cities sit right on the Mediterranean coast, but honestly, Haifa often feels just a bit cooler. Maybe it’s the northern latitude, or maybe those hills make a difference.
Rainfall tends to hit Haifa a bit harder, averaging over 120 mm in December. Tel Aviv usually records a little less, so you might need your umbrella more often in Haifa.
If you turn your attention to Jerusalem, you’ll see the weather changes more noticeably. Jerusalem sits higher up, so daytime highs in December usually hover near 12°C (54°F). Nights can get pretty chilly, dropping close to 6°C (43°F).
Rain falls frequently there too, but the colder air makes everything feel less comfortable than Haifa. I mean, who really enjoys cold, damp nights?
Head farther south and you land in Eilat on the Red Sea, which honestly feels like another world. You’ll get dry, sunny days, with highs around 20–22°C (68–72°F). Hardly any rain shows up.
That contrast really jumps out. Haifa’s Christmas weather ends up wetter and cooler than the desert south, but still milder than what you’ll find in the inland highlands.
Mediterranean Climate Influences
Haifa’s seasons really show off the Mediterranean climate that shapes Israel’s coastal plain. Winters bring the most rain, and December usually delivers 10 to 12 rainy days.
All that rainfall turns the hills green and fills the air with a cool, damp feeling, which feels pretty different from the dry Negev Desert.
The sea keeps temperatures steady. You won’t really deal with frost in Haifa, unlike those colder inland spots.
The sea also adds a lot of moisture, so you get more clouds and rainfall.
Daylight hours are short—around 10 hours—and the UV index usually stays in the low to moderate range.
That makes exploring outside a lot more comfortable than in the blazing summer, although you’ll probably want an umbrella for city walks.