Fall in Bethlehem brings a nice change from the dry summer heat. You’ll notice cooler, more comfortable days and nights, and a gradual uptick in rainfall from September through November.
This mix of warmth and freshness makes autumn a great time to experience the city’s weather.
Early in the season, you can still enjoy warm temperatures for outdoor activities. As fall goes on, the air turns crisp, and rain showers pop up now and then.
Bethlehem’s Mediterranean climate really stands out here, shifting from dry summers to wetter, cooler months.
As the days get shorter and humidity changes, the city takes on a refreshing, calm vibe. Wondering what to expect—temperatures, rainfall, sunshine, and more? The next sections dig into the details you’ll want to know.
Overview of Fall Climate in Bethlehem
Bethlehem’s fall weather brings milder temperatures and cooler evenings as winter gets closer. The city’s spot on the map, its elevation, and regional patterns all play a role in how the season feels compared to other parts of Palestine.
Climate Classification and Location
Bethlehem sits in the central West Bank, just south of Jerusalem. The city falls under a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters.
Fall bridges those two extremes.
In September, you’ll still feel some leftover summer heat, with highs often above 27°C (80°F). By November, daytime temps drop closer to 15°C (59°F), and nights get even chillier.
Rain starts to show up again in late October and November. Showers usually stay light to moderate, but they mark the beginning of the rainy season that carries into winter.
This shift makes fall a comfortable time to explore outdoors before heavier rains set in.
Elevation and Its Impact
Bethlehem sits at about 775 meters (2,543 feet) above sea level. This elevation keeps things cooler than in lower parts of Palestine.
You’ll notice cooler nights and milder daytime highs compared to nearby valleys.
The altitude also means lower humidity than in coastal regions. The fall air feels especially crisp and pleasant in the evenings.
Rainfall does increase in late fall, but the city avoids the muggy humidity found along the Mediterranean coast.
Because of the elevation, temperature swings between day and night can get pretty noticeable. You’ll probably want light layers during the day and something warmer after sunset.
This daily back-and-forth is a big part of Bethlehem’s fall weather.
Comparison to Broader West Bank and Palestine
Bethlehem’s fall climate isn’t quite like what you’ll find on the coast or down in the Jordan Valley.
Coastal cities like Tel Aviv stay warmer and more humid in September and October, cooling off a bit later. Bethlehem, because it’s inland and higher up, cools down sooner.
The Jordan Valley, which sits below sea level, stays hotter and drier for longer. While the valley can hit 30°C (86°F) in October, Bethlehem is often 5–10°C cooler.
Other West Bank cities at similar elevations, like Ramallah, get similar fall weather. Still, Bethlehem’s southern location can make it a bit drier in early fall.
That makes it a pretty comfortable place to visit before winter rains pick up.
Typical Fall Temperatures
Fall in Bethlehem means both days and nights get steadily cooler. The weather shifts from the warmth of late summer in September to a chillier, almost wintery feel by the end of November.
These changes can affect your plans, whether you’re sightseeing or heading out in the evening.
Average Daytime Temperature Trends
In early September, the average daytime temperature usually lands in the low to mid-80s °F (around 28–29°C). As weeks go by, those numbers drop.
By late November, highs often settle in the low 60s °F (about 16–17°C).
That’s a drop of more than 20°F over the season, making fall a pretty clear transition period in Bethlehem’s climate.
You’ll get warm afternoons in September, but by November, you’ll want an extra layer.
Daytime highs rarely go over 90°F (32°C) and don’t often dip below 53°F (12°C). Outdoor activities stay comfortable, but you’ll want lighter clothes at the start of the season and a jacket as it winds down.
Nighttime Temperature Patterns
Nights in Bethlehem cool off fast as fall goes on. In early September, the average low is about 65°F (18°C).
By the end of November, it drops to around 48°F (9°C).
Nights rarely fall below 41°F (5°C), but the steady cooling means evenings can get pretty chilly, especially if you’re out after dark.
This is worth keeping in mind for evening walks or late-night plans.
The gap between day and night temperatures gets bigger in October and November. Afternoons might still feel mild, but nights cool off quickly.
Layered clothing really helps here.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Fall
Bethlehem’s fall temperatures don’t change overnight. The drop is gradual and pretty predictable, which makes planning easier.
September still feels like late summer, with warm days and mild nights. October brings more moderate weather, and by November, it’s starting to feel like winter.
The steady shift means you can count on things getting cooler as the season goes.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 84 | 65 |
| October | 73 | 56 |
| November | 62 | 48 |
These trends make it easier to figure out what to wear and how to plan your days as fall goes on.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Bethlehem starts off light in early fall, then builds up as the months go by. You’ll see a clear shift from dry September days to wetter conditions by late November.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
September barely sees any rain, with an average of just 1 mm (0.04 inches). Most days stay dry.
By October, rainfall picks up a bit, averaging 11 mm (0.45 inches). It’s not exactly wet yet, but it does mark the beginning of the rainy season.
November brings a much bigger jump, with about 60 mm (2.36 inches) on average. That’s when consistent rain becomes more common.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | ~1 mm (0.04 in) |
| October | ~11 mm (0.45 in) |
| November | ~60 mm (2.36 in) |
This steady increase gets you ready for the wetter winter months ahead.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are pretty rare in early fall. In September, there’s just a 3% chance of rain on any given day, so most days are sunny and dry.
By October, the odds go up a little to 3–5%. Showers, when they happen, are usually quick and light.
November changes things up, with a 5–10% daily chance of rain. You might run into a few rainy days each week.
Wet days mean at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. By late fall, you’ll see them more often, but Bethlehem still gets plenty of dry spells.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Fall marks the shift from Bethlehem’s dry summer to a wetter winter. In early September, rain is almost nonexistent, and the air stays dry.
Rain picks up slowly in October, but November is when the rainy season really kicks in.
By late fall, the average 31-day rainfall reaches about 1.1 inches, compared to almost nothing at the start.
You’ll get clearer skies in early fall, then more cloudy, damp days as winter gets close.
Rainfall stays moderate compared to a lot of places, but it definitely signals the changing season.
Humidity and Dew Point During Fall
As fall rolls in, Bethlehem’s air gets drier while temperatures drop. You’ll notice a steady decline in both relative humidity and dew point.
This affects how comfortable the air feels and how fast things dry out.
These changes play a role in outdoor activities, travel comfort, and even how evenings feel compared to afternoons.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in Bethlehem during fall usually sits between 55% and 70%. Early on, afternoons can still feel a bit humid, especially in September when it’s warmer.
By November, the air gets noticeably drier, and mornings often feel crisp instead of muggy.
You might notice humidity levels peak overnight and in the early morning, when cooler temps let more moisture hang around.
Midday and late afternoon readings drop, making it a pretty comfortable environment for walking tours or eating outside.
Compared to summer, when humidity can make the heat feel heavier, fall is a relief. The drier air is easier to breathe and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky.
That’s a big reason why fall is one of the most pleasant times to explore the city.
Dew Point Variations
The dew point tells you how humid or dry the air actually feels. In Bethlehem, fall dew points steadily drop from the upper 50s °F (about 14–15°C) in September to the low 40s °F (around 5–6°C) by late November.
This drop signals a move from slightly humid to comfortably dry air.
When dew points stay above 60°F (16°C), things can feel sticky—more of a late summer thing.
By fall, dew points in the 40s °F (5–9°C) bring crisp, refreshing air, even if the temperature isn’t that low.
You’ll also run into less fog and fewer damp mornings than in spring. For travelers, those lower dew points in October and November make it easier to enjoy long walks through the Old City without feeling bogged down by humidity.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Fall in Bethlehem means cooler, drier air, and a shift in wind patterns. You’ll get moderate breezes that can make outdoor activities feel a bit different.
Typical Wind Speed
Typical wind speeds in Bethlehem during fall are around 6 to 10 miles per hour (mph).
These are light to moderate breezes, enough to notice but not strong enough to cause problems.
The highest averages usually show up in October and November, when seasonal pressure differences between the Mediterranean Sea and inland areas pick up.
You might notice slightly stronger gusts in the afternoons.
At night, wind speeds usually drop. Cooler temperatures calm rising air currents, so evenings tend to be quieter.
That’s great for outdoor dining or walks in the fall.
Records show that strong winds above 15 mph aren’t common in Bethlehem during autumn. When they do happen, they don’t last long and usually come with passing weather systems.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In fall, you’ll notice west and northwest winds showing up more often. These winds usually bring in cooler, drier air from inland, making it pretty clear that summer’s over.
Sometimes, eastern winds show up too. They’re drier and warmer, but honestly, they don’t happen that often. When they do, they might nudge daytime temperatures up for a bit.
The Mediterranean Sea still has some influence on wind direction. Sea breezes get weaker in fall compared to summer, though you might still feel them now and then, especially early in the season.
By November, northwesterly winds really take over. Most days, you’ll notice the pattern feels steady, and this shift brings in the cool, crisp weather that late fall in Bethlehem is known for.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
Fall in Bethlehem means the days keep getting shorter, but you’ll still see a fair amount of sunshine, especially when you compare it to winter. The difference between September, October, and November becomes pretty noticeable as you move through the season.
Length of Daylight Across Fall
Daylight in Bethlehem slides from those long, late-summer stretches to much shorter days. In September, you get about 12 hours of daylight, which still feels like summer hanging on.
By October, that drops to around 11 hours. November trims it back even more, so you’re looking at roughly 10 hours of daylight.
You’ll see this change happen slowly, but it’s hard to miss those earlier sunsets and later sunrises as winter creeps closer. The shortest days of fall show up in late November, setting things up for December’s even briefer daylight.
Here’s a quick look at how daylight changes each month:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | ~12 hours |
| October | ~11 hours |
| November | ~10 hours |
These shifts in daylight can really change how you plan your day. If you want to get outside, you’ll probably start thinking more about those earlier sunsets, especially as fall winds down.
Average Sunshine Duration
While the days get shorter, Bethlehem still gets a generous amount of sunshine during fall. In September, the skies usually stay clear, so you’ll see about 10–11 hours of sunshine per day.
October keeps up with strong sunlight, usually around 9–10 hours daily. Some days do bring light rain, but most of the time, the sun sticks around.
By November, sunshine drops a bit more, averaging 7–8 hours per day. Cloud cover and rainfall pick up as winter edges closer, so you’ll notice the change.
Still, sunshine levels stay higher than in a lot of places at the same latitude. Most days, especially in early fall, feel pretty bright.
Even in November, this steady sunlight makes outdoor sightseeing and cultural tours comfortable, as long as you plan for shorter daylight hours.