Summer in Jerusalem means warm, dry days that feel pretty different from what you’ll find in Israel’s coastal cities.
At nearly 2,600 feet above sea level, Jerusalem stays cooler than Tel Aviv or the Dead Sea, but afternoons still climb into the low to mid-80s °F.
Expect hot, sunny days with barely any rain, since summer is easily the driest season here.
From June through August, clear skies usually take over, and by mid-summer, you might not see a cloud for days.
Long daylight hours give you loads of time to wander historic streets, browse markets, or find a good viewpoint before cooler evenings settle into the 60s °F.
This combo of warm days and mild nights creates a climate that’s both intense and, honestly, pretty manageable.
Humidity stays low most of the time, though late August sometimes brings a hint of muggy air.
Winds from the west move the air around, and the strong sun makes shade a welcome escape.
If you keep these patterns in mind, you’ll know what to expect for outdoor plans in Jerusalem during summer.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Jerusalem
Summers in Jerusalem bring warm or hot days, cooler evenings, and almost no rain.
You’ll get steady sunshine, long daylight hours, and weather that’s easy to predict—great for planning outdoor stuff.
Average Highs and Lows
In summer, the average daytime high in Jerusalem runs from about 80°F (27°C) in June up to 84–85°F (29°C) in August.
Temperatures rarely go above 91°F (33°C), so you won’t usually deal with the extreme heat you’d find in other parts of Israel.
At night, the average lows stay comfy, rising from around 60°F (16°C) in June to 65–66°F (19°C) in August.
The city’s elevation of about 2,500 feet (760 meters) helps nights feel cooler.
This swing between day and night temps gives you some relief after hot afternoons.
You can actually enjoy evening walks or outdoor dinners without sweating too much.
Quick Reference Table:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 80°F (27°C) | 60°F (16°C) |
| July | 83°F (28°C) | 63°F (17°C) |
| August | 84–85°F (29°C) | 65–66°F (19°C) |
Monthly Temperature Trends
Early June starts with mild summer warmth.
July and August bring the hottest stretch, with temperatures peaking and then leveling off.
The hottest period usually lands in early to mid-August, with daily highs averaging about 85°F (29°C).
Even then, low humidity and clear skies make the heat more tolerable than what you’d get near the coast.
By late August, you’ll notice a gentle cooling trend.
Average highs drop just a bit, and days slowly get shorter.
Daily Temperature Variation
Jerusalem’s summer days follow a reliable rhythm.
Mornings start cool, with temps in the low to mid-60s°F (16–18°C).
By mid-afternoon, the heat peaks in the low to mid-80s°F (27–29°C).
After sunset, the air cools quickly, often dropping more than 15°F (8°C) from the afternoon high.
This daily swing stands out more here than in coastal places like Tel Aviv, thanks to Jerusalem’s inland spot and higher elevation.
Clear skies and low humidity make the sun feel stronger than the air temperature suggests.
Shade, hats, and water are pretty much must-haves if you’re out for long.
Evenings feel pleasant, not hot.
Summer nights in Jerusalem are perfect for sightseeing, markets, or catching a cultural event.
Clear Skies and Cloud Cover
Summer in Jerusalem means long stretches of clear skies, almost no rain, and a big drop in cloudiness compared to the rest of the year.
Most days, sunshine rules, and the lack of clouds shapes both your daily weather and your overall experience outdoors.
Frequency of Clear Skies
In summer, you can count on clear skies most days.
Cloud cover drops to super low levels, often below 5%, so overcast weather almost never happens.
This consistency really defines Jerusalem’s summer.
Unlike spring or autumn, when clouds might drift in, summer skies here just stay stable and blue.
The dry air and Jerusalem’s elevation add to the clarity.
Mornings usually start bright, and the sky stays open well into the evening.
For travelers, that means outdoor plans rarely get interrupted, and sightseeing is usually a safe bet.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover in Jerusalem shifts a lot by season.
In June through August, overcast or mostly cloudy skies basically disappear.
That’s a big change from winter, when clouds and rain show up much more.
Summer brings stable, dry air masses that limit cloud formation.
Because of this, you don’t really have to prep for sudden weather changes.
If you’re used to coastal Mediterranean cities, you might expect morning haze or scattered clouds.
Jerusalem’s inland location and higher elevation keep things clearer, so you get more blue sky for longer.
Sunshine Hours
Sunshine is one of the first things you’ll notice in a Jerusalem summer.
In June and July, daylight can last up to 14.2 hours, with direct sun averaging over 12 hours per day.
This gives you loads of time to explore historic sites, wander neighborhoods, or take day trips.
The strong sun also means midday hours can feel a lot hotter than mornings or evenings.
If you’re planning to be outside, try going earlier or later in the day.
Definitely carry water and something for sun protection, since all those hours of sun and clear skies mean extra UV exposure.
Precipitation and Humidity in Summer
Jerusalem’s summer months bring hot, dry weather and barely any rain.
Humidity stays moderate, which changes how the heat feels throughout the day and night.
Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Jerusalem during summer is almost nonexistent.
From June through September, measurable rain is rare, and many years see 0 mm.
This dry spell stands in sharp contrast to the wet winters, when most of the city’s rain falls.
You can expect clear skies and uninterrupted sunshine nearly every day.
Outdoor activities, walking tours, and evening events almost never get rained out.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall in summer:
| Month | Average Rainfall | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~0 mm | 0 days |
| July | ~0 mm | 0 days |
| August | ~0 mm | 0 days |
| September | 1–2 mm | 1 day |
This long dry stretch often brings dusty conditions, especially if desert winds blow in from the east.
Plan for intense sun exposure but don’t worry about getting wet.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Jerusalem during summer averages around 50–55%.
That’s moderate, especially compared to sticky coastal cities like Tel Aviv.
The air feels less sticky, but the mix of heat and dryness can still tire you out if you’re outside for long.
The lowest humidity usually hits in May and June, sometimes dropping near 35%, then rises a bit in July and August.
Nights cool off, and the air feels drier.
You won’t deal with the heavy, damp air you find in tropical places, but the dryness means you’ll need to focus on hydration and sun protection.
A lot of travelers actually find the moderate humidity makes the high temps more bearable, especially in the city’s shaded or higher spots.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, you might notice dry skin or some mild irritation.
Carrying water and using sunscreen are smart ways to stay comfortable.
Daylight and Sun Position
In summer, Jerusalem gets long days and lots of sunlight.
The sun’s position shifts gradually as the season goes on, which changes both the length of daylight and when the sun rises and sets.
These changes help you plan everything from sightseeing to evening strolls.
Hours of Daylight
In June and July, you’ll see up to 14.2 hours of daylight—the longest stretch of the year.
That’s plenty of time for outdoor exploring, whether you’re hitting historic sites or checking out the markets.
By August, daylight shortens a bit, averaging closer to 13.5 hours.
Even with that, you still get more daylight than you would in spring or autumn.
Here’s a quick daylight breakdown:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| June | ~14.2 hours |
| July | ~14.2 hours |
| August | ~13.5 hours |
All those hours of sun mean higher UV exposure.
You’ll want to find shade during midday, when the sun’s strongest.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In early summer, the sun rises before 5:40 a.m. and sets around 7:45 p.m..
As the season moves along, these times change.
By late August, sunrise happens closer to 6:10 a.m., and sunset comes earlier, around 7:15 p.m..
This shift shortens your evenings a bit, but there’s still plenty of time for outdoor activities after dinner.
Sunrise and sunset times also shape the temperature pattern.
Early mornings are cooler and great for walking, while late afternoons stay warm until the sun finally drops.
Knowing these times helps you plan your day, especially if you want to skip the midday heat.
Wind and Additional Weather Conditions
Summer in Jerusalem brings steady sun, warm temps, and pretty dry air.
Wind and a few other weather factors can affect your comfort, especially if you’re outside a lot or moving around the city.
Typical Wind Patterns
Jerusalem sits at about 779 meters (2,557 feet) above sea level, and that changes its wind patterns.
In summer, winds usually stay light to moderate, often blowing in from the west or northwest.
These breezes come inland from the Mediterranean Sea and can take the edge off the afternoon heat.
Average wind speeds usually land between 6–12 mph (10–19 km/h).
They’re not strong, but they feel refreshing when the day’s at its hottest.
Evenings calm down, so outdoor dining or walks get even more pleasant.
Unlike coastal cities, Jerusalem doesn’t get strong sea breezes or constant high winds in summer.
Sometimes you’ll get a gust, especially in open areas or higher spots, but it’s usually brief and not a big deal.
If you’re into outdoor sports like cycling or hiking, expect mild headwinds in the afternoon.
For most visitors, the wind just cools things off a bit.
Other Summer Weather Factors
Humidity in Jerusalem during summer stays pretty low compared to coastal areas.
Afternoon levels often drop below 40%, which makes the heat a little easier to handle.
Nights get drier and cooler, sometimes enough that you’ll want a light layer.
Rainfall is basically zero in summer.
You can count on long stretches of dry days without worrying about storms.
Sunshine is steady, with up to 14 hours of daylight in June and July.
UV levels stay high, so sun protection is a must, especially midday.
Air quality is usually good, though sometimes dust blows in from the desert.
These dusty spells don’t last long, but they can make the sky hazy for a bit.
Fog and cloud cover are rare in summer.
Skies stay mostly clear, which means you get great views across the hills and valleys around Jerusalem.
Travel Tips for Visiting Jerusalem in Summer
Summer in Jerusalem means warm, dry days with long sunlight hours and almost no rain.
You’ll want to plan around the hottest part of the day, but evenings cool off and make exploring the city a lot more comfortable.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
In summer, daytime temperatures usually hit the low to mid-80s °F (around 29°C). Nights cool down to the mid-60s °F (18°C).
The sun feels strongest between 11 AM and 4 PM, so try not to do strenuous walking tours or hikes during these hours.
Early mornings work best for checking out spots like the Old City or the Mount of Olives. You’ll notice fewer crowds, softer light for photos, and much cooler air.
Evenings offer another great time to explore. After sunset, the temperature drops, and outdoor festivals, concerts, and markets start to feel lively.
Many attractions, like the City of David night tours, schedule their events for these cooler hours.
If you want to travel outside Jerusalem, maybe to the Dead Sea or Judean Desert, get going very early. These spots are hotter than the city, and honestly, long hikes past midday can get unsafe pretty fast.
Packing Recommendations
You’ll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothing to deal with the dry heat. Cotton or linen shirts, loose pants, or long skirts usually work best.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Those strong UV rays can be relentless, and nobody wants a sunburn on vacation.
Evenings sometimes feel cooler, especially if you’re up in the higher parts of the city. Toss a light jacket or sweater into your bag just in case.
You’ll definitely want comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestone streets and all those hills can wear you out fast.
Always bring a refillable water bottle. Summer heat can sneak up on you, and dehydration is a real risk. Luckily, you can usually find water fountains in public spots.
If you plan to visit religious sites, make sure you’ve got modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Having a scarf or shawl in your bag makes it easy to adjust on the fly.
A small daypack comes in handy for carrying water, snacks, and sun protection while you’re out exploring.