Winter in Bethlehem completely changes the mood from the dry, hot summers most people expect. You’ll get cool days, chilly nights, and the highest chance of rain all year. Average highs sit around 12–14°C (53–57°F), and lows drop near 5°C (41°F). Sometimes it even snows—usually in January or December—but snow never sticks around for long.
The skies shift a lot in winter, bouncing from clear to cloudy, and daylight hours shrink compared to summer. January brings the most rain, and sunshine drops to about 6 to 10 hours a day. The whole city slows down, honestly. It feels quieter than the busy holiday rush.
If you’re planning a trip to Bethlehem in winter, it pays to know what you’re getting into. The cooler air, rain showers, and shorter days really shape how you’ll see the streets, markets, and old landmarks.
Overview of Bethlehem’s Winter Climate
Bethlehem’s winter weather really shows its central West Bank location and Mediterranean climate. You’ll get mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and some rainfall, with snow only making rare appearances.
Geographical Location and Elevation
Bethlehem sits in the highlands of the West Bank, about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The city’s up at about 760 meters (2,494 feet) above sea level.
That elevation really affects winter. You’ll notice bigger swings between day and night temperatures. Average highs in winter stay near 54–57°F (12–14°C), and lows often drop to 41–44°F (5–7°C). Freezing nights are rare, but cold ones are pretty normal.
Snow happens, but not much. You might see 1–2 days of light snow between December and February. Rain is more common—January gets about 1.5–1.7 inches (38–43 mm).
Being up high also means the air feels cleaner, and you get more sun than in coastal areas. December gives you around 10 hours of daylight, and that slowly grows as winter moves on. The mix of sun and cool air makes Bethlehem’s climate stand out from the lower regions nearby.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Bethlehem falls under a Mediterranean climate (Csa classification), so winters are mild and wet, summers are hot and dry. Winter is the rainy season, stretching from late autumn through early spring.
Rain usually comes as short, moderate showers, not those endless storms. January brings the most rainy days, with 6–7 days of measurable precipitation. Most times, the rain clears up fast and the sun comes back out.
Humidity stays moderate, so the air feels cool but not soggy for too long. Strong winds don’t really happen, though sometimes a breeze from the west makes things feel chillier.
Compared to the coast, Bethlehem gets drier, sunnier winters. You’ll see more clear days than cloudy ones—skies are clear about 70–75% of the time in the middle of winter. The season feels crisp and bright, not gloomy.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Bethlehem’s winter feels mild but a bit damp, especially if you’re used to harsher winters elsewhere. Expect cool days, chilly nights, and a noticeable shift as winter moves toward spring.
Average Daytime Temperature in Winter
Daytime highs during winter usually land between 12°C and 16°C (53°F to 60°F). January is the coldest, with highs near 12°C. By February, things warm up a bit—highs hit around 14°C, and March gets even warmer at about 16°C.
These numbers put Bethlehem in the mild winter climate category. You won’t see freezing days, but humidity and rain can make it feel cooler.
If you’re walking around, these temps are comfortable, but you’ll want a light jacket or sweater. Rain showers pop up often in January, so waterproof gear is a good call.
Nighttime Lows and Daily Range
At night, temperatures drop more sharply. Lows hit 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F) in January and February, with March nights a touch warmer.
This gives you a daily range of about 7°C to 10°C (12°F to 18°F), so mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler than midday. For example:
- January: 5°C (low), 12°C (high)
- February: 6°C (low), 14°C (high)
- March: 7°C (low), 16°C (high)
Layering is your best friend. You might start off bundled up and shed layers as the sun comes out.
Temperature Trends by Month
December brings highs near 14°C and lows around 7°C. January is the coldest, averaging 12°C by day and 5°C at night.
By February, you’ll feel the shift—highs climb to about 14°C, lows stay near 6°C. March warms up even more, with highs at 16°C and lows at 7°C.
Rain also drops off after January, so February and March feel a bit drier and more comfortable for exploring outside.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter is when Bethlehem gets almost all its rain, with January and February being the wettest. Rain is the main story—snow’s pretty rare and light when it does show up.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
You’ll notice rain falls more regularly in winter than any other time. Bethlehem gets between 58 mm (2.3 in) and 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain in January and February.
Rain falls on about 8 to 10 days per month in winter. Showers are usually moderate, not torrential. Since Bethlehem has a Mediterranean climate, rain concentrates in winter, and summers are almost bone dry.
If you’re heading outdoors, bring an umbrella or a light raincoat. Streets get slick, but flooding almost never happens with these amounts.
Chance of Snowfall
Snow in Bethlehem is rare, but not unheard of. Records show December, January, and February as the only months with a shot at snow. Still, the city averages just about 1 day of snow per year.
When it does snow, it’s usually light and melts quickly. Bethlehem’s elevation—760 meters (2,494 feet)—means it gets cold enough for snow sometimes, but not enough to keep it on the ground.
If you’re in town mid-winter, you might see a dusting on rooftops, but it shouldn’t mess up your plans.
Monthly Variation in Precipitation
Rain doesn’t spread out evenly over winter. January is usually the wettest, with close to 74 mm (2.9 in) and a bunch of rainy days. February is similar, while December is a bit drier at around 57 mm (2.2 in).
By March, rain drops to about 58 mm (2.3 in), signaling the end of the wet season. In summer, like July and August, rain is nearly nonexistent, which really shows how winter dominates Bethlehem’s rainfall.
This seasonal rhythm shapes daily life and the landscape—winter rain keeps the soil and plants healthy before the long, dry summer.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Bethlehem’s winter air feels cooler and sometimes damp, with steady breezes adding to the overall feel. You’ll notice changes in humidity and wind that can affect how you dress and what you do outside.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity during winter is higher than in summer. Relative humidity averages 60% to 75%, peaking in January when the rain is at its highest. That extra moisture can make the cold feel sharper, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Older stone buildings hold onto that dampness, so you might notice condensation inside. If you’re visiting, pack clothes you can layer and that dry out fast.
Rain bumps up humidity, too. With about 10–12 rainy days in January, the air feels heavier than the crisp, dry summer. Still, it never gets oppressively humid—just enough to notice.
Expect humid but manageable conditions. The cool temperatures and extra moisture make winter feel very different from Bethlehem’s dry months.
Average Wind Speed in Winter
Winter winds in Bethlehem stay moderate, averaging 8 to 12 km/h (5–7 mph). They usually blow in from the west or northwest, bringing cool Mediterranean air. They won’t stop you from getting around, but they do make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Sometimes, gusts hit 20 km/h (12 mph), especially when rain systems pass through. That adds a chill, especially in open or higher parts of the city.
February often brings calmer days as rain lets up. On those days, the air feels stiller, and temperatures seem a bit milder.
If you’re walking the hills or checking out outdoor sites, a windbreaker will help. The mix of cool air and steady breezes really defines Bethlehem’s winter vibe.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Bethlehem’s winter months mean shorter days and less sunshine than the rest of the year. Daylight is limited, and the season just feels a bit dimmer.
Average Daily Sunshine
In December and January, Bethlehem gets about 6 to 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. That’s almost half what you’d see in summer, when days are long and skies are mostly clear.
Clouds are more common in winter. About a quarter of the days stay mostly cloudy, cutting down on direct sunlight. It doesn’t rain all the time, but overcast skies are pretty standard.
December stands out as the darkest, with just 6.4 hours of sunlight daily. By February, sunshine creeps up a bit, making days feel brighter as spring approaches.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, aim for midday when the sun’s highest and skies are more likely to clear.
Seasonal Changes in Daylight
Daylight hours change a lot during winter. In late December, the shortest days last about 10 hours, with sunrise around 6:30–7:00 AM and sunset close to 5:00 PM.
By February, you’ll get almost 11 hours of daylight, so there’s more time outside—even if it’s still a bit cloudy. That slow increase is one of the first hints that spring is on the way.
The combination of fewer daylight hours and less sun can make winter feel shorter. Planning your activities around the available light helps you make the most of your stay.
Travelers should adjust their expectations. You won’t get those long, light evenings, but you’ll still have enough time each day to see Bethlehem’s historic sites.
Regional and Practical Considerations
Bethlehem’s winter brings cool temps, some rain, and the occasional snowflake. Conditions shift across the West Bank depending on elevation, and locals often adjust their routines to deal with shorter days and chilly nights.
Comparison with Other West Bank Cities
Bethlehem sits at about 760 meters above sea level. That makes its winters cooler than the lower-lying areas nearby.
Take Jericho, for instance. It’s down in the Jordan Valley at around 250 meters below sea level, which means it stays much warmer in winter. Daytime highs there often reach 65–70°F, while Bethlehem usually hangs around 55–60°F.
Hebron stands even higher than Bethlehem at roughly 930 meters. Because of that, Hebron gets a bit colder and sometimes sees more frequent frost.
Ramallah sits at a similar elevation to Bethlehem. Usually, temperatures there match up, but Ramallah does get more rain.
This elevation difference across the West Bank really shapes the weather. You might spot snow in Bethlehem or Hebron, while Jericho stays dry and mild.
If you’re planning to travel between these cities, get ready for some real changes in what you’ll need to wear. Driving conditions can shift a lot too, especially up in the hills.
Weather Impact on Daily Life
Cooler winter weather in Bethlehem really shapes how you plan your day. Average highs usually stick around the upper 50s°F. Nights, though, often slip into the low 40s°F.
Rain falls most often from December through February. You’ll probably notice wet streets and sometimes muddy paths in the nearby villages.
Snow hardly ever shows up, but it can happen—maybe once or twice a season. When it does, snow can disrupt traffic and close some roads, since limited snow removal resources make it tough to keep things moving.
Shorter daylight hours in midwinter, about 10 hours of sun, make daily routines shift a bit. Shops and markets might adjust their schedules.
You won’t see many people out for evening activities. If you carry a light jacket and an umbrella, you’ll stay comfortable while getting around the city.