Winter in Hebron feels like a big shift from the dry, warm summers. Daytime highs usually land in the low 50s°F (10–12°C), and nights drop to the upper 30s°F (3–4°C). It’s definitely the coldest stretch of the year here.
Snow almost never happens, but the evenings get chilly and the air feels damp. The whole vibe is a world away from those relentless, sunny summers.
Most of Hebron’s rain falls in winter. January stands out as the wettest month. Rain usually comes in quick bursts, not long storms, but it’s enough to turn the hillsides their brightest green. If you’re packing, bring layers and something waterproof—trust me, you’ll need them.
Daylight shrinks, and the sun sets earlier than you might guess. Still, you get some stretches of clear sky between the clouds, showing off crisp views of the city and the hills. The mix of cool air, scattered rain, and bright winter light really sets the mood for Hebron in winter.
Overview of Hebron’s Winter Climate
Hebron gets cool to cold in winter, and most of the year’s rain comes now. The city’s elevation and Mediterranean setting combine to create a winter that feels pretty different from other places in Palestine.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Hebron fits the Mediterranean climate mold: mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In winter, temperatures usually sit between 7°C (45°F) at night and 13–15°C (55–59°F) during the day.
December through February bring the most rain, with January usually topping the charts. January averages about 137 mm (5.4 inches) of rain, and December and February aren’t far behind.
Snow doesn’t happen often. But Hebron’s higher elevation means you might catch a light dusting or some frost in a colder year. Rainy days are pretty common, with about 7–10 days per month at the peak of winter.
Cool temperatures and steady rain shape Hebron’s winters. The dampness and cold nights feel even chillier in homes without central heating.
Geographical Context in the West Bank
Hebron sits in the southern West Bank, roughly 30 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The city stands at about 943 meters (3,093 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest major cities in Palestine.
This elevation matters. Higher ground brings cooler air, more clouds, and heavier rain than the lowlands. Hebron often feels colder and wetter than the nearby valleys or desert edges.
The hills and limestone terrain also play a part. Rain falls in short, heavy bursts, and the rocky ground drains fast. That makes the landscape greener in winter, but temperatures can drop suddenly after sunset.
Because of where it sits, Hebron’s winter climate mixes Mediterranean influences with the quirks of local topography. The result? Cooler, wetter winters compared to many other Palestinian cities.
Climate in Hebron Compared to Palestine
If you line up Hebron against the rest of Palestine, the differences jump out. Coastal areas like Gaza or Jaffa have milder winters, with average temperatures around 15–17°C (59–63°F) and more humidity. Hebron stays cooler and drier thanks to its altitude.
Rainfall is higher in Hebron than in desert spots like Jericho, which might get less than 150 mm (6 inches) of rain a year. Hebron averages about 520 mm (20 inches), mostly in winter.
The temperature gap is real. On a January night, Jericho might not dip below 10°C (50°F), but Hebron can sink to 5°C (41°F) or even lower. The city feels more like a highland climate zone than a typical Mediterranean coastal town.
If you’re traveling in winter, you’ll need warmer clothes and rain gear in Hebron—unlike trips to warmer, drier regions. The city’s winter really is a blend of Mediterranean weather and its own highland twist.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Hebron
Winter in Hebron brings cool days and chilly nights. Temperatures stay well above freezing most of the time, and the pattern is pretty steady from December through February.
Average Highs and Lows from December to February
Daily highs in Hebron during winter usually range from 52°F (11°C) to 56°F (13°C). Lows fall between 38°F (3°C) and 45°F (7°C).
January is the coldest, with highs near 52°F (11°C) and lows around 38°F (3°C). December and February are a little milder, but nights can still get close to freezing.
Freezing is rare, though you might see some frost on the coldest nights. Snow? Almost never—expect cool rain instead.
Monthly Temperature Fluctuations
Winter temperatures in Hebron don’t swing much, but there are small shifts.
- December: Highs near 55°F (13°C), lows around 42°F (6°C)
- January: Highs dip to 52°F (11°C), lows down to 38°F (3°C)
- February: Highs climb back to 56°F (13°C), lows average 41°F (5°C)
The changes are gradual—cooling at first, then a slow warm-up as spring gets closer. Daytime highs rarely get past the mid-50s, and evenings can feel much colder, especially with Hebron’s elevation at nearly 3,000 feet (943 meters).
You’ll want to dress in layers, especially when the sun goes down and the cold sets in fast.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Winter and summer in Hebron are worlds apart. Summer highs can hit 84°F (29°C), but winter highs stick to the low or mid-50s. Summer nights stay mild, while winter nights can get downright chilly.
Spring and autumn bridge the gap. Spring warms up quickly, with temps in the 60s and 70s°F. Autumn cools off and brings the first winter rains.
Summer is hot and bone-dry, but winter is all about cool temps and rain. This back-and-forth shapes daily routines in Hebron, from outdoor plans to farming schedules. Winter isn’t extreme by global standards, but it’s different enough to affect how you travel or spend your days.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Hebron gets most of its yearly rain in winter, especially in December, January, and February. Rain, not snow, is the main event, and the city’s elevation and Mediterranean climate make it all the more noticeable.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain doesn’t show up evenly through the year. Winter carries the load.
- December: about 100–120 mm
- January: usually the wettest, at 130–140 mm
- February: a bit less, around 90–110 mm
These three months account for more than half of Hebron’s yearly 500–520 mm total. Outside of winter, rain is pretty rare.
Number of Rainy and Precipitation Days
Rainy days spike in winter. In Hebron, January usually brings the most, with 7–9 days of measurable rain.
December and February each see about 6–8 rainy days. All together, that’s 20–25 precipitation days across the main winter months. So, about one in every three days during winter has some rain.
The rest of the year? Almost no rain, especially from July through September. The difference between wet and dry seasons here is huge.
Rainfall Intensity and Variation
Winter rain in Hebron comes in moderate bursts, not endless drizzle. Showers can be strong, with daily totals sometimes hitting 20–30 mm when things get heavy.
Storms don’t last long, but the amount of rain can swing from week to week. Some weeks only bring light showers, while others pack in several days of heavier rain.
Hebron’s elevation—about 943 meters (3,093 feet)—keeps things a bit cooler and wetter than lower areas nearby. Steady rain is the norm, but snow is still rare and usually brief if it happens at all.
Winter Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Hebron means less sunshine and shorter days. You’ll notice shorter days, fewer hours of sun, and cooler conditions that make you think twice about how long you want to be outside.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Hebron gets about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day in winter. That’s the lowest all year—summer can reach 13 or 14 hours.
Clouds and rain cut down the sunlight, especially in December and January. Even on clear days, the sun sits lower, so the light is weaker and doesn’t warm things up much.
Plan for shorter, cooler afternoons with less brightness. If you depend on daylight for sightseeing or work, keep in mind you’ll have fewer hours to play with.
Seasonal Changes in Daylight Length
Daylight slowly stretches as winter goes on. In December, Hebron averages about 10 hours of daylight. By February, it’s closer to 11 hours, with days getting a minute or two longer each day.
You’ll notice sunrises come a bit earlier and sunsets a bit later as spring nears. The change isn’t huge, but you still get pretty short days through most of winter.
The limited daylight and cool temps make mornings and evenings feel extra long and dark. If you’re planning travel or daily routines, remember that the shortest days hit near the end of December.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Less sunshine and shorter days definitely affect outdoor plans in Hebron. With only 6 to 7 hours of sun, you’ll want to schedule sightseeing or walks around midday for the best light and warmth.
Rain also matters. December through February often brings 100–130 mm of precipitation per month. Cloudy, wet days can cut into your time outside and make things a bit dreary.
Still, there’s plenty to do. Markets, historical sites, and city walks stay open, but you might need to slow down or change your plans. Dress in layers and plan around the daylight to make the most of your time outdoors.
Wind Conditions in Hebron’s Winter
Winds in Hebron during winter are usually moderate but steady. The city’s elevation and Mediterranean climate keep the breezes cool and sometimes a bit damp. Wind speed and direction can shift from early to late winter, so you’ll notice the difference.
Average Wind Speed and Direction
Hebron’s winter wind speeds usually fall between 7 and 12 mph (11 to 19 km/h). That’s not extreme, but it can feel brisk, especially with the city sitting at about 943 meters above sea level.
Most winter winds blow in from the west and northwest, bringing cool air off the Mediterranean. Sometimes, they switch to the southwest, which feels a little warmer.
On open hillsides, the wind feels stronger than in the shelter of the old city. The breeze can make it feel colder than the temperature says, especially after dark.
If you’re visiting, bring a light jacket or windbreaker. The wind is steady enough to add a chill, even when the sun’s out.
Monthly Variations in Wind Patterns
Wind conditions in Hebron shift slowly from December through February. In December, winds usually swing between west and southwest as the rain picks up. Gusts can get a bit stronger during stormy days.
By January, winds settle into a more consistent northwest direction. Speeds often hit the higher end of the winter range. The air feels coldest now, and the wind really adds to that chill.
In February, winds ease up a bit, but they still mostly come from the northwest. You’ll notice more calm spells between rain, though afternoons can stay breezy.
Expect the strongest winds right in the middle of winter. As spring gets closer, things start to mellow out.
Additional Winter Weather Factors
Winter in Hebron isn’t just about cooler temperatures and rain. Humidity, sunlight, and the occasional odd storm all play a part in how comfortable or tricky your day might get.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Hebron during winter sits at moderate levels compared to the dry summer. Most days, average relative humidity lands somewhere between 60% and 70%. That can make the chilly air feel a bit damp, especially early or late in the day.
This moisture in the air makes indoor heating less effective, so sometimes you’ll feel cold even if it’s not freezing outside. Stone buildings in Hebron soak up that dampness and hold onto it, which just makes everything feel cooler indoors.
If you’re traveling, bring layers you can swap out as needed. A light jacket might work for daytime, but you’ll probably want something heavier after dark.
UV Index During Winter
Even with shorter days and more clouds, Hebron’s UV index in winter averages about 3. That’s moderate, but it can still get to your skin if you’re outdoors for a while.
Hebron sits at around 943 meters (3,093 feet) above sea level. The thinner air up here means more UV rays reach the ground than they do at lower elevations. Sun protection matters, even when it’s cool outside.
Use sunscreen if you’re out walking or hiking in open areas. Sunglasses and hats help too, especially since sunlight bounces off wet streets and hillsides after it rains.
Extreme Weather Events
Winters in Hebron usually feel pretty mild. Still, every so often, extreme weather events shake things up.
You’ll most often see heavy rainstorms. Sometimes, they dump more than 100 mm of rain in a single month. That much rain can flood roads and make getting around a real hassle—localized flooding isn’t unheard of.
Cold snaps can push nighttime temperatures close to 32°F (0°C). Snowfall hardly ever happens, and if it does, it’s just a dusting that melts off once the sun comes up.
Winter storms sometimes bring strong winds, too. That wind can make everything feel colder than the thermometer says.
If you’re in Hebron, it’s smart to check local forecasts and give yourself extra time to travel when the rain really starts coming down.