Thinking about spending Christmas in Ramallah? You’ll probably find the weather mild and cool, not the deep winter chill some might expect. Daytime highs usually reach about 19–20°C (65–68°F), and nights can drop to around 11°C (52°F). December brings frequent rain, so you’ll want to be ready for damp streets, crisp air, and maybe a few puddles here and there.
The climate feels Mediterranean. You’ll see plenty of cloudy skies, but the sun does break through, making strolls around town surprisingly pleasant. Humidity often feels moderate to high, and breezes sweep through the hills. These patterns create a Christmas season that feels calm, comfortable, and honestly, not too harsh.
You’ll want to pack smart. A light jacket, an umbrella, and comfy walking shoes will help you handle Ramallah’s December blend of cool evenings and the occasional rain shower. The city’s mild temperatures and rainy season give the holidays a different vibe than the icy winters in northern Europe or North America.
Typical Christmas Weather in Ramallah
Expect cool but comfortable daytime temperatures, chilly nights, and a decent chance of rain around Christmas. Sunshine still shows up often, so you’ll get a mix of bright days and wet spells.
Average Temperatures in December
Ramallah’s December afternoons usually reach about 19°C (67°F). Walking and sightseeing feel pretty good at that temperature.
At night, temperatures can drop to around 9°C (48°F). You’ll want a light jacket or sweater after sunset, especially if you’re out and about.
Winters here aren’t like the hot summers. The air feels crisp but not biting. Temperatures rarely dip below 5°C (41°F), so frost hardly ever shows up. That balance of cool nights and mild days makes December one of the more comfortable winter months in Ramallah.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December lands right in the rainy season for Ramallah. The city usually picks up about 68 mm of rainfall over 10 rainy days.
Rain comes in short bursts or steady showers, not usually in long, wild storms. There’s about a 32% chance of rain on any given day, so carrying a small umbrella or waterproof jacket is just smart.
Humidity averages near 56%. The air feels fresh, not too damp. Rain tends to fall more in the evenings and overnight, so you might wake up to wet streets but get clear afternoons.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Even in December, Ramallah gets a fair amount of sun. You’ll see about 192 hours of sunlight for the month, or around 6 hours per day.
Bright skies often break through between rain showers. The sun sits lower, so the light feels softer than in summer.
Days are shorter, and sunset sneaks up earlier in the evening. If you want to be outside, it’s smart to plan activities earlier in the day. Sunglasses and sunscreen? Still useful, since UV exposure can surprise you even in winter.
Temperature Ranges and Extremes
Late December in Ramallah brings cool days and chilly nights. Temperatures usually stick to a pretty narrow range, but every so often, the weather throws in a surprise.
Daytime and Nighttime Lows
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 12–16°C (54–61°F). The sun helps, but the city’s elevation—about 876 meters (2,875 feet)—keeps the air crisp.
At night, you’ll see lows of 6–9°C (43–48°F). On especially cold evenings, it can dip to 4°C (39°F). If you’re out after dark, a warm jacket is a good idea.
December’s rain can make evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest. Clear nights lose heat fast, and it’s a noticeable difference compared to the coast.
Historical Highs and Lows
Some years, December afternoons have climbed up to around 20°C (68°F). Those warmer days feel almost like spring, but they don’t last long.
Cold snaps have dropped night temperatures to 2–3°C (35–37°F). Frost can happen then, though snow is pretty rare in the city.
Here’s a quick look at the usual ranges and the rare extremes:
| Category | Typical Range | Recorded Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime High | 12–16°C | ~20°C |
| Nighttime Low | 6–9°C | ~2–3°C |
You’ll want to be ready for both mild afternoons and the occasional chilly night if you’re visiting in late December.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
Late December brings cool, crisp air to Ramallah. Moisture levels, wind, and pressure patterns all play a part in how you’ll experience the weather.
Average Humidity Levels
In winter, humidity usually sits between 55% and 70%. Mornings might feel a bit damp, especially after a cool night, but afternoons dry out a bit.
It’s not as heavy as the coast. The cooler temperatures make the moisture less noticeable.
Rain bumps up the humidity for a while after showers. Indoors, the air actually feels more comfortable than the dry heat of summer.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, keep in mind that heaters in homes and hotels can dry things out more. Bringing a moisturizer or drinking water regularly helps.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
December winds in Ramallah generally stay light to moderate, averaging 6–12 mph (10–20 km/h). Gusts aren’t common, but breezes can pick up before or after a rain.
Most winds blow from the west or northwest, bringing cooler, moist air from the Mediterranean. These winds help form clouds and sometimes bring showers.
Evenings usually calm down, with wind speeds dropping noticeably. The city’s elevation can still make it feel chilly, though.
If you’re walking outside, a light jacket or windbreaker is usually enough. The wind doesn’t really disrupt daily plans but can make it feel a bit colder.
Visibility and Air Pressure
Visibility is generally good in December. Skies get hazy only during rain or when low clouds roll in from the west.
Air pressure averages around 1015–1020 mb. It can dip a bit before unsettled weather, but these changes are normal for the season.
Because Ramallah sits at about 880 meters (2,890 feet) above sea level, pressure readings are a bit lower than at sea level. The air often feels clearer than in coastal cities, making outdoor views sharp on dry days.
Fog isn’t common, but it can form in nearby valleys after cool nights with high humidity. Usually, the sun burns it off quickly in the morning.
Weather Trends and Variability in December
December in Ramallah means cool temperatures, frequent rain, and shorter days. The weather’s wetter and colder than most of the year, but it’s not as cold as January.
Comparing December to Other Winter Months
December kicks off the wettest period in Ramallah. Daytime highs average about 14°C (57°F), and nights drop to 6°C (43°F). It’s cooler than November but just a bit warmer than January.
Rainfall averages close to 127 mm (5 inches) over about 10 days. December is one of the wettest months. January usually brings even more rain and slightly colder temperatures, while February starts to warm up again.
You’ll get around 6 hours of sunshine per day, which is more than January. December’s mix of rain and sun means you might have a bright afternoon, then a damp, chilly evening.
Notable Weather Events Around Christmas
Christmas weather can flip quickly between clear skies and rain. Cold fronts from the Mediterranean bring heavy rain for a day or two, dropping daytime highs into the low teens Celsius and making evenings feel colder.
Snow almost never happens in Ramallah, but every now and then, light snow or sleet falls in late December. It usually melts fast. Even without snow, high humidity and steady wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, expect the unexpected. Bring a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella, especially if you’re exploring the hilly parts of the city.
Travel Considerations for Christmas in Ramallah
December in Ramallah means mild days, cooler nights, and a fair chance of rain. These conditions shape what you’ll want to pack and how you plan your activities during Christmas.
Packing Tips for December Weather
Daytime highs often land around 19°C (65°F), with nighttime lows dropping to 9°C (48°F). You’ll want to be ready for both mild afternoons and cool evenings.
Pack layers so you can adjust as you go. A light jacket or sweater is great for evenings, while t-shirts or long sleeves work during the day. Jeans or casual trousers are practical for almost anything.
Rain falls on about 10 days in December. Bring a compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket. Waterproof or sturdy walking shoes are helpful, especially if you’re exploring the city on foot.
Don’t skip sunglasses and sunscreen. Ramallah still gets plenty of sun, and UV levels can catch you off guard. A small day bag for layers and rain gear makes outings easier.
Impact of Weather on Local Activities
December weather supports outdoor sightseeing, but you’ll want to plan around the chance of rain. Historic sites, markets, and cultural centers are open, but some outdoor spots might be less enjoyable on wet days.
Mild temperatures make it easy to wander Ramallah’s city center or visit nearby villages without summer’s heat. Cooler evenings are nice for checking out local restaurants and cafés.
Rain can affect day trips to rural areas or hiking. Trails get muddy, and visibility can drop during showers. If you’re heading outside the city, check the forecast and keep your schedule flexible.
Christmas events and gatherings usually go on, rain or shine. Carrying light rain gear just keeps things easier.
Long-Term Climate Patterns in Ramallah
Ramallah’s climate owes a lot to its elevation and spot in the central highlands of the West Bank. Summers get warm and dry, while winters turn cool and wet. Rain falls mostly in the colder months, with long dry stretches in summer.
Mediterranean Climate Overview
Ramallah falls under a Mediterranean, hot-summer climate (Csa). So, summers are warm to hot, dry, and clear, while winters are cooler and wetter.
At nearly 880 meters (2,900 feet) above sea level, Ramallah stays cooler than nearby lowland cities. This elevation takes the edge off summer heat and makes winter nights feel pretty chilly.
Rain mainly falls from November to March. From May to September, things stay mostly dry. Snow can happen in mid-winter, but it’s rare.
Humidity stays moderate most of the year, though the end of summer can feel a little muggy. Summers bring clear skies, while winters mean more clouds and rain systems from the Mediterranean.
This mix of dry heat and cool, damp winters is classic for the eastern Mediterranean interior, giving Ramallah its own seasonal character.
Annual Weather Cycles
You’ll notice a warm season stretching from late May to early October. During these months, average daily highs usually sit between 78°F and 84°F (26°C to 29°C), and honestly, August really brings the heat.
The cool season settles in from December to early March. Highs fall to about 53°F (12°C) in January, and at night, it can dip down to 41°F (5°C).
Rain shows up most in January and February, with about 2 inches (50 mm) falling each month. June through September? You’ll rarely see any measurable rain at all.
Daylight hours change a lot too, from roughly 10 hours in winter to more than 14 hours in summer. That shift definitely shapes both temperatures and the local daily rhythm.
So, you get these pretty reliable patterns: hot, dry, sunny summers for exploring outside, and then winters that are cooler and greener, especially in the hills around Ramallah.