Fall in Jerusalem really marks a shift from the dry summer heat to cooler, much more comfortable weather. Daytime highs drop from the low 80s °F in early September to the low 60s °F by late November, while nights cool from the mid-60s °F down to the upper 40s °F. That change makes autumn a great time to explore the city—no brutal heat, but not chilly either.
At first, September skies stay mostly clear, but as the weeks go by, you’ll spot more clouds and finally, the first light rains of the year. Rainfall picks up steadily through November, hinting that wetter winter months are on the way.
At the same time, daylight hours shrink by over two hours, and the city’s daily rhythm shifts along with it.
Humidity drops as fall goes on, and winds calm down a bit compared to summer. These smaller changes come together and create a season that feels just right—not too hot, not too cold—so it’s a favorite for sightseeing or being outdoors.
Overview of Fall Weather in Jerusalem
Fall in Jerusalem means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the first hints of rain. The climate shifts fast from the dry heat of summer to milder, more comfortable conditions.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
You’ll notice a steady drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures through fall. Average highs fall from about 84°F (29°C) in early September to 62°F (17°C) by late November. Nights cool off even more, with lows moving from around 65°F (18°C) to 48°F (9°C).
Rain starts to show up more often as the season goes on. September usually stays dry, but by November, you’ll see 1–1.2 inches of rainfall per month. The odds of a wet day rise from almost 0% in early fall to about 15% by late fall.
Cloud cover builds too. While September skies are mostly clear, by November, overcast or mostly cloudy days happen about a quarter of the time. Humidity drops as the season moves along, making the air drier and way more comfortable than late summer’s muggy feel.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall feels much cooler and less intense than summer. Summer highs often top 85°F (29°C) with those long, dry days, but fall brings temperatures down into the 60s and 70s. That makes being outside a lot easier.
Winter is a different story, with more frequent rain and temperatures that can get close to freezing, but fall rarely gets that cold.
Spring and fall share some similarities. Both are mild and pleasant, but fall starts out drier and ends wetter. In spring, temperatures climb slowly, but in fall, the cooling happens faster.
Daylight shifts quickly, too. September still offers nearly 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, it’s just over 10 hours. Evenings start earlier than they do in spring or summer.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Jerusalem’s location and elevation really shape its climate. The city sits at about 2,500 feet (760 meters) above sea level, which keeps it cooler than lowland spots like Tel Aviv. This height also means temperatures swing more between day and night.
The Mediterranean Sea, about 35 miles to the west, influences rainfall. Moist air moves inland during fall, bringing those first seasonal rains. But Jerusalem’s spot in the Judean Hills causes local variations in wind and cloud cover.
The surrounding landscape matters, too. More vegetation or open soil can change how quickly temperatures drop in the evening. This mix of elevation, distance from the coast, and hilly terrain gives Jerusalem’s fall weather its unique feel compared to other Israeli cities.
Average Fall Temperatures
In fall, Jerusalem leaves summer’s heat behind for much cooler, milder weather. Temperatures drop steadily, daylight shortens, and the climate just feels better for being outside.
Daytime Highs and Lows
September brings daytime highs around 29°C (84°F), with lows near 18°C (64°F). By November, highs dip to about 16°C (62°F) and lows hit 9°C (48°F).
Early fall stays warmer and drier, but late fall cools down and you can tell winter’s getting closer.
The change happens gradually, but you’ll notice it. September afternoons still call for light clothing, but by November, you’ll probably want a jacket, especially if it’s cloudy or you’re in the shade.
Temperature Ranges by Month
September’s daily temperature range is pretty wide, usually 18°C to 29°C (64°F to 84°F). October narrows a bit, with typical values between 14°C and 24°C (57°F to 75°F). November cools off, averaging 9°C to 16°C (48°F to 62°F).
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F |
| November | 16°C / 62°F | 9°C / 48°F |
This pattern fits the city’s Mediterranean climate. Temperatures drop quickly after summer. You still get loads of sunshine in September, but by late November, shorter days and more clouds make afternoons feel cooler.
Nighttime Temperatures
Nights in Jerusalem cool fast in the fall, thanks to the elevation of about 786 meters (2,579 feet). September evenings usually stay mild, often around 18°C (64°F).
By October, nights drop closer to 14°C (57°F). November nights can feel chilly at 9°C (48°F), and sometimes even dip near 5°C (41°F).
The dry climate makes the day-night difference stand out. You might enjoy a warm afternoon, but you’ll want layers after sunset. That crisp feeling on fall evenings? The city’s higher elevation and extra clouds play a part in that.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Fall
Rain makes a comeback in Jerusalem during fall after the long, dry summer. Rainfall climbs steadily from September through November, and rainy days become more common as the season rolls on.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
September is almost bone dry, with less than 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain on average. By October, totals rise to about 25–30 mm (1.0–1.2 in), kicking off the wet season. November jumps up, averaging 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 in).
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, this matters. Early fall is still dry, but late fall can bring some real showers. The increase in rainfall helps cool things down after summer.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | < 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| October | 25–30 mm (1.0–1.2 in) |
| November | 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 in) |
Number of Rainy Days
September barely sees any rain, maybe 0–1 days. By October, you’ll get about 3–4 days with measurable precipitation. November brings more, with 6–8 rainy days on average.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not endless storms. You might have a clear morning and then a wet afternoon. More rainy days also mean greener landscapes start to pop up around the city.
If you’re visiting, September is almost always dry, but by November, you’ll need to stay flexible for outdoor plans.
Precipitation Patterns
Rain in Jerusalem during fall doesn’t spread out evenly. Early fall stays dry and warm, barely any rain. Mid to late fall brings the first real showers, sometimes with cooler air and even a thunderstorm.
Showers are usually brief but heavy—not all-day drizzles. That’s just the Mediterranean climate for you: dry summers, wetter winters.
You’ll want to be ready for quick weather changes, especially in November. A light rain jacket is usually enough, since the rain doesn’t stick around all day and skies often clear up fast.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In Jerusalem during fall, you get less sunshine each day, and daylight hours shrink, too. These changes affect how much time you can spend outside, so it’s good to plan ahead.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
September gives you 9 to 10 hours of daily sunshine on average, so you still get plenty of clear, bright days for exploring. By October, it’s about 8 hours per day, and in November, it drops to around 6 to 7 hours.
That drop really marks the shift toward winter. September still feels a bit like summer, but by November, days are shorter and cooler with less sun.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 9–10 hours |
| October | ~8 hours |
| November | 6–7 hours |
Remember, sunshine hours aren’t the same as total daylight. November’s cloud cover can block out a lot of direct sun, even if the day isn’t super short.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight in Jerusalem shrinks quickly in fall. Early September brings about 12.5 hours of daylight, but by late November, it’s closer to 10.3 hours. That’s a loss of more than two hours, and evenings start earlier.
In September, the sun sets around 7:00 pm, so evenings feel long. By October, sunset moves to about 6:00 pm, and in November, it’s down to near 5:00 pm.
If you’re planning sightseeing or day trips, keep this in mind—you’ll have less daylight as the season goes on. Evening activities start earlier, changing the whole vibe compared to summer.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
During fall in Jerusalem, you’ll notice humidity dropping compared to winter, and winds stay moderate, often bringing in cooler air. These shifts make it a great time for walking, sightseeing, and all sorts of outdoor stuff.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity changes as summer heat fades. Early fall brings relative humidity around 40–45%, which feels dry after summer. By November, it rises to about 55–60%, hinting at the wetter season ahead.
This means drier air in September and October, which feels comfy during the day but cooler at night. In November, the higher humidity can make mornings feel a bit damp, especially in shaded or stone areas.
Because Jerusalem sits higher up, humidity stays lower than in coastal cities. The drier air means less fog, though you might see some misty mornings by late fall. If you’re sensitive to dry air, you’ll probably notice it most in September and October.
Typical Wind Speed in Fall
Winds in Jerusalem during fall usually range from 10–20 km/h (6–12 mph). Breezes mostly come from the west or northwest, bringing in that cooler Mediterranean air.
In September, winds stay light to moderate, giving a break from any leftover summer heat. By October and November, you might get stronger gusts, especially before a rain front moves in.
Most days, you’ll get steady but manageable winds, perfect for being outside. If you’re out in the evening, remember that breezes feel cooler as temperatures drop. That combo of wind and falling temperatures gives Jerusalem its crisp, refreshing autumn nights.
Rare Weather Events in Jerusalem’s Fall
Fall in Jerusalem is usually mild, but every now and then, rare weather events pop up. These don’t happen every year, but when they do, you’ll notice—they really stand out against the city’s usual dry, moderate autumn weather.
Snowfall Occurrences
Snow in Jerusalem doesn’t happen often in fall, but every now and then, it surprises people. The city sits at about 2,500 feet, so it’s a bit more likely to get hit with cold snaps than the coastal towns. Still, measurable snow almost always waits for winter instead of autumn.
Sometimes, an early cold front will blow in from Eastern Europe, and you might catch flurries or a light dusting in late November. These moments never last long, since the ground usually stays too warm and the snow melts away within hours.
Even a little snow can throw things off balance. The Old City’s roads, which are pretty narrow and steep, get tricky fast once they’re slick. Local authorities often shut down certain routes until things settle.
For visitors, seeing Jerusalem’s landmarks with a touch of snow feels almost magical. You’ll want to bundle up, though, and be ready for some uneven, slippery walks.
Unusual Weather Patterns
Besides snow, Jerusalem’s fall can surprise you with sudden rainstorms or wild temperature swings. Early on, it usually stays dry, but by late November, rain shows up on about 15% of days. Sometimes, a single storm dumps heavy downpours that flood the older neighborhoods because the drainage just can’t keep up.
You’ll probably notice the sky changing pretty fast, too. Mornings might start clear, but by evening, clouds sweep in as Mediterranean weather pushes further inland.
It’s not always easy to plan outdoor tours with these shifts. You never really know what you’ll get.
There’s also the sharav—a hot, dry wind that blows in from the desert. It usually shows up in spring, but every now and then, it hits in the fall. When it does, temperatures spike and the air gets bone-dry.
If you’re around for a sharav, you’ll want to drink plenty of water and maybe stay inside for a bit.
These unusual weather events don’t take over the whole season, but honestly, they’re worth remembering if you’re planning a trip or thinking about spending a lot of time outside.