Winter in Tel Aviv feels pretty mild compared to a lot of other places, but you’ll still notice cooler air, more clouds, and a definite change from that hot, dry summer. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 13–15 °C (55–59 °F), and sometimes nights get close to single digits. Snow basically never happens, but rain becomes a regular guest, especially from December to February.
You’ll see the city’s pace shift during these months. Rain showers can roll in fast, but then the sun pops out again—so you get a mix of cozy indoor moments and nice outdoor strolls. The Mediterranean Sea cools off, so swimming isn’t really tempting, though the waterfront still draws people with its fresh breezes and lively views.
This season really affects how you plan your days and what you decide to pack. If you bring layered clothes, a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather throws at you. With less daylight, you might find yourself balancing between exploring historic neighborhoods, checking out Tel Aviv’s food scene, and soaking up the city’s culture, even when it’s chilly or wet outside.
Overview of Winter Climate in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv cools down in winter, with more rain and shorter days than the rest of the year. You’ll get a mild Mediterranean winter—it’s wetter than summer, but still comfortable enough for being outdoors.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
From December to February, Tel Aviv’s daytime temperatures usually land between 14°C and 18°C (57°F–64°F). Nights feel cooler, often dropping to 9°C–11°C (48°F–52°F). It almost never gets colder than 7°C (45°F), so you won’t have to worry about freezing.
January gets the most rain, with 12–15 rainy days on average. Showers show up in quick bursts, not endless downpours, so you can usually sneak in outdoor plans between storms. Humidity rises compared to summer, but it’s not too intense.
You’ll still see a good amount of sun most days. Breezes pick up near the coast, but strong winds are rare. Winters here feel more mild and damp than truly cold.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Tel Aviv’s winter really stands apart from its hot, humid summers. In July and August, highs reach 30°C–32°C (86°F–90°F) and it hardly ever rains. In winter, highs stick to the mid-teens Celsius, and rain becomes the main story.
Spring and autumn bridge the gap. Spring warms up fast and rain fades away by April. Autumn cools things down and brings the first showers in late October or November. Winter is the only time you’ll consistently need a jacket and something waterproof.
You won’t run into snow or ice here, unlike northern cities. Instead, the weather stays pretty gentle, so you can visit any time of year without big disruptions.
Winter Weather Variability
Winter in Tel Aviv isn’t exactly the same every year. Some winters bring a lot of rain, while others stay drier. On average, the city gets 400–500 mm (16–20 inches) of rain in winter, but totals can swing quite a bit.
Storms from the Mediterranean sometimes bring a few wet days in a row. Other times, clear skies break up the season. You might even get days that reach 20°C (68°F), especially in December or February.
This up-and-down weather means you should pack for both cool, damp days and mild, sunny ones. Layers and a light rain jacket will keep you comfortable, no matter what winter decides to do.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Tel Aviv brings mild but noticeably cooler weather than those scorching summers. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-60s °F (about 17–19°C), and at night it can drop into the upper 40s to low 50s °F (9–11°C). That day-to-night contrast stands out, especially with the added humidity and rain.
Daytime Temperature Trends
During winter, Tel Aviv’s days usually run between 63°F and 66°F (17–19°C). It’s cooler than other seasons, but still mild compared to cities with tougher winters.
Afternoons often feel comfortable with just a light jacket or sweater. On sunny days, the coastal air can make it seem a bit warmer, especially if the wind dies down.
Clouds show up more often in winter, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 25–30% of the time. That means less sunshine, so sometimes it feels cooler than the thermometer says.
Nighttime Temperature Patterns
At night, Tel Aviv usually cools off to 49–52°F (9–11°C). Frost isn’t really a thing, but the damp sea air makes evenings feel chillier than you might expect.
You’ll probably want to wear layers, since the combo of cool nights and humidity can feel colder than the numbers suggest. Closed shoes and a light coat make evening outings more comfortable.
Extreme cold hardly ever happens here, but the temperature drop after sunset is enough that you’ll notice. Rain tends to show up more at night, too, which adds to that cool feeling.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Winter covers December, January, and February, and each month has its own vibe.
- December: Highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 52°F (11°C).
- January: The coldest month, with highs near 63–64°F (17–18°C), lows around 49°F (9–10°C).
- February: Starts to warm up a bit, highs about 65°F (18–19°C), lows near 50°F (10°C).
January feels the chilliest, and by February you can sense spring is on the way. The steady mild highs and cool lows make Tel Aviv’s winter easy to handle for most visitors.
Precipitation During Winter
Most of Tel Aviv’s annual rain falls in winter. December through February see the bulk of it, with January standing out as the wettest month. Rain usually comes in quick bursts, and you’ll often get clear skies in between.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
You’ll notice regular rainfall during winter. Tel Aviv gets about 372 mm of precipitation a year, and almost two-thirds of that lands in winter.
Rain tends to show up as quick showers, not long, heavy storms. Some mornings start wet and clear up by afternoon, so the weather can feel pretty changeable.
January is the wettest month, with about 85 mm of rainfall. December and February also bring steady rain, just a bit less. Flooding rains aren’t really a problem here, unlike in tropical places.
Monthly Precipitation Statistics
Winter months really highlight Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean climate. In December, rainfall averages about 70–80 mm, spread over several days. January peaks at around 85 mm, and February usually drops to 60–65 mm.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | 70–80 | 9–10 |
| January | ~85 | 11 |
| February | 60–65 | 8–9 |
Rain tapers off as winter heads toward spring. By late February, you’ll notice fewer showers and drier days.
Rainy Days Versus Sunny Days
Winter in Tel Aviv balances rainy days with plenty of sunshine. For instance, January might bring 11 rainy days, but you’ll still get about 190 hours of sunshine that month.
You won’t see weeks of constant rain. Usually, a few wet days come, then several clear ones follow.
When planning outdoor activities, expect some showers but also count on lots of dry, bright stretches. This back-and-forth makes Tel Aviv’s winter weather easier to handle than in many other coastal cities.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Tel Aviv’s winter means shorter days and less sunshine than summer, but you’ll still get several hours of daylight each day. That keeps outdoor plans on the table year-round.
Average Daily Sunshine
From December to February, Tel Aviv averages 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. That’s less than summer, but it’s still plenty for sightseeing or hanging out outside.
January usually sees the least sun, with about 6 hours a day. February picks up a bit to 7 hours, and December matches January.
Compared to northern Europe, Tel Aviv feels much brighter in winter. Some European cities only get 1–2 hours of sun, while Tel Aviv stays much sunnier.
This steady sunlight helps the city feel mild, even on cooler days. It also keeps things from feeling too gloomy when it rains.
Day Length Changes in Winter
Day length in Tel Aviv shifts slowly through winter. December has the shortest days—about 9 hours and 54 minutes—with sunrise around 6:30–6:45 a.m. and sunset near 4:30 p.m.
By late January, days stretch just over 10 hours, and by February, you get about 11 hours of daylight. That’s more than an hour gained from the start to the end of winter.
Winter days are still much shorter than summer, which can last over 14 hours. But you’ll notice the daylight growing after mid-December.
February feels a lot brighter than December, even though it’s still mild. The mix of longer days and more sunshine signals spring is coming.
Sea and Coastal Weather Conditions
Tel Aviv’s spot by the sea shapes both the water and the air along the shore. Winter brings cooler water and higher humidity, with breezes that can really change how the weather feels.
Average Sea Temperatures
The Mediterranean off Tel Aviv cools down in winter, but it’s still warmer than many other coasts. In December, the sea temperature averages about 21°C (70°F). By January, it drops to 19°C (66°F), and in February, it’s around 18°C (64°F).
Swimming isn’t as popular, but some folks still go for water activities, especially with wetsuits. The cooler sea also affects the air along the coast, making evenings feel fresher than inland.
The sea holds onto warmth longer than the air, so nights near the water might feel a bit less cold than farther inland. This slow, steady cooling helps when you’re planning things by the beach.
Coastal Winds and Humidity
Winds along Tel Aviv’s coast usually come from the west and northwest in winter. They bring in moisture, so humidity often sits between 65–75%. That can make the air feel damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Wind speeds stay light to moderate, but gusts pick up during rain showers. The breeze can make it feel cooler than the temperature says.
Because of the humidity, clothes might dry slower, and the air indoors can feel heavy if you don’t have good ventilation. On the plus side, coastal winds help clear the air and keep pollution lower than inland. This mix of wind and moisture really defines Tel Aviv’s winter weather.
What to Expect: Local Activities and Packing Tips
Winter in Tel Aviv means cooler temps, more rain, and a blend of indoor and outdoor options. You can check out cultural spots, seasonal events, and food markets—just make sure you’ve got the right clothes and gear to stay comfortable.
Popular Winter Activities
You can still head outside during winter. Tel Aviv often surprises you with sunny breaks between rainy days.
Walking along the Tayelet promenade lets you catch some fresh sea air. You’ll get great views of the Mediterranean, even if the water feels way too cold for swimming.
Markets keep buzzing in winter. Carmel Market and Sarona Market invite you to taste local foods and browse all kinds of stalls.
Cafés don’t really slow down either, so they’re perfect for relaxing on cooler days.
Sports fans can catch local basketball or soccer matches—they keep playing through the season.
If you lean toward something slower, you’ll find the city’s parks, like Yarkon Park, offer space for quick walks when the weather clears up.
Winter brings cultural festivals into the mix. The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival and seasonal food fairs add some real variety to the city’s entertainment options.
These events let you enjoy music, art, and local cuisine, even when the beach isn’t really calling your name.
Recommended Clothing and Essentials
Temperatures in Tel Aviv during winter usually sit somewhere between the upper 40s and mid-60s °F (8–18 °C). Rain shows up pretty often, especially in December and January, so you’ll want to be ready for wet days.
Pack layered clothing you can adjust as the weather shifts. A light sweater or fleece feels just right for the day, but you’ll probably want a warmer jacket at night.
Waterproof shoes and a compact umbrella will help you stay dry when showers roll through.
Bring comfortable walking shoes because you’ll probably end up exploring a lot on foot. A small backpack comes in handy for water, snacks, or tossing in an extra layer.
If you’re planning to visit religious sites in nearby cities, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees will come in handy too.
Indoor Attractions and Events
When it starts raining, Tel Aviv actually has plenty of indoor options. Dizengoff Center and Fashion Mall Tel Aviv let you shop for international and local brands, and you don’t have to worry about the weather at all.
Museums are another good bet. The Eretz Israel Museum offers a planetarium and some interesting historical exhibits.
You’ll also find the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which shows off both modern and classical works. Honestly, either museum can fill up half a day if you let yourself linger.
Families might want to try an Escape Room—they’ve really caught on all over the city.
Cinemas, like the Cinematheque, screen both mainstream and independent films, so you can pick whatever suits your mood.
If you’re in the mood to unwind, you can check out hotel spas at places like the Hilton Tel Aviv or Carlton Tel Aviv. They offer saunas and all sorts of treatments.
Foodies can stay cozy indoors at local restaurants or maybe indulge in desserts at spots like Max Brenner, which is pretty famous for its chocolate menu.