If you visit Bethlehem around Christmas, you’ll find yourself in the city’s cool, damp winter season. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 12°C (54°F) and 15°C (59°F), while nights can drop to 5°C (41°F) or 7°C (45°F). Rain shows up pretty often, and the sky flips between cloudy and partly clear.
The weather really sets a calm, authentic vibe for exploring historic spots and enjoying the season’s events. You’ll want to bring light jackets, layers, and an umbrella as you wander through outdoor markets, churches, and those narrow stone streets.
December days are short on sunshine, but honestly, the city’s festive energy more than makes up for it.
It’s helpful to know what kind of weather to expect so you can plan your days without too much hassle. Temperature swings, rain patterns, and changing daylight all play a part, and understanding the December climate can turn your trip into a smoother, more memorable experience.
Overview of December Weather in Bethlehem
Bethlehem in December brings mild winter weather. Nights get cool, rain falls regularly, and you get a mix of sun and clouds.
The climate feels comfortable for sightseeing, but you’ll still need layers and a little prep for wet weather.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During December, Bethlehem’s daytime temperatures usually reach 16–18°C (60–64°F). Nights cool off, often landing around 8–10°C (46–50°F).
This is a winter climate without the harshness of colder regions.
There’s a noticeable difference between day and night. A light jacket or a sweater works well for evening walks.
If you stay out late, you’ll want a warmer layer, especially in open spots where the wind feels stronger.
Humidity averages around 55–60%, so the air doesn’t feel too dry or too damp. That makes outdoor activities manageable, even when the temperature drops after sunset.
Weather Patterns During Christmas Week
Rain falls often in December, with about 8–10 days of measurable rainfall over the month. Around Christmas week, showers are likely, but they’re usually short-lived.
Total precipitation averages close to 50–55 mm.
Skies flip between clear and cloudy. You get about 6 hours of sunshine per day, so most afternoons are bright enough for sightseeing.
Cloud cover tends to increase in the evenings, and breezes around 5 m/s can make things feel cooler.
Snow almost never shows up in Bethlehem, but it’s not impossible. Sometimes you might catch a flurry in late December or January, though it rarely sticks.
If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, you’ll probably see rain instead.
Comparing December to Other Months
December marks the rainy season in the West Bank. Rainfall is higher than in October or November, but less than in January and February, which are usually wetter.
Cooler temperatures clearly separate December from the milder autumn months.
Compared to spring (March–May), December feels colder and less predictable. Spring brings more stable sunshine and drier conditions.
December, on the other hand, keeps you on your toes with rain and chilly nights.
If you want warmer, drier weather, May, June, and October are safer bets. December, though, offers a festive vibe and manageable winter weather, making it a unique time to see Bethlehem.
Temperature Details and Daily Variations
In December, Bethlehem’s days stay mild, but nights definitely get cooler. Temperatures shift steadily as the day goes on, with occasional extremes brought on by regional weather systems.
Average Highs and Lows
Average daytime highs hit around 17–18°C (62–65°F) in late December. Nights drop to about 8–9°C (46–48°F), which feels pretty chilly without a jacket.
Rain is common, and cloudy days can keep highs closer to 15°C (59°F). If the sun comes out, temperatures might climb a bit above average.
Humidity sticks near 55–60%, making evenings feel cooler. Bring light clothing for daytime and a warm layer for nights.
Hourly Temperature Fluctuations
Temperatures climb slowly through the morning. The coolest point comes just before sunrise, when it’s about 8–9°C.
By midday, things warm up to the daily peak, often between 16–18°C.
After sunset, temperatures drop quickly. Late evening dips to about 10–12°C, and by midnight, you’re close to the overnight low.
You’ll feel a clear difference between morning and afternoon. If you’re planning walking tours or outdoor visits, midday is your best bet for warmth.
Early mornings and evenings definitely call for layers.
Record Temperature Extremes
Averages give you a solid idea, but Bethlehem has seen more extreme December temps. Sometimes, highs reach 20–21°C (68–70°F) during warm spells.
On the flip side, night temperatures can fall to 3–4°C (37–39°F), and rare frost events have happened.
Snow is unusual, but every once in a while, you might see light snowfall in December. Heavier snow usually waits until January or February.
These extremes aren’t the norm, but it’s smart to prepare for a wider range. A flexible wardrobe keeps you comfortable, whether it’s warmer or colder than you expect.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
December stands out as one of the wettest months in Bethlehem, Palestine. Rainfall jumps compared to the dry summer, and quick bursts of heavy showers are pretty common.
Rain shapes much of the winter atmosphere, bringing cooler temps and shorter days.
Chance of Rainy Days
Bethlehem gets frequent wet days in December. On average, you’ll see 8 to 10 rainy days during the month.
These aren’t endless rainstorms, but scattered showers that might last a few hours or most of the day.
Rain usually comes in waves, leaving several dry days in between. This lets you enjoy outdoor activities if you plan around the wetter spells.
Carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella makes sense, since the weather can shift fast.
Compared to summer, when rain is pretty much missing, December marks the return of the wet season. You’ll notice streets and hillsides looking greener thanks to the regular showers.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
December usually brings 80–100 mm (3–4 inches) of precipitation. That puts it among the wetter months, though January often tops it.
Rain falls across multiple events, not just one big storm.
Here’s a quick look at average December rainfall:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Rainfall | 80–100 mm |
| Rainy Days | 8–10 |
| Average Daily Rainfall | 2.5–3.5 mm |
Expect damp conditions underfoot, especially on old stone-paved streets. Flooding is rare, but heavier showers can slow you down for a bit.
Rainfall Patterns Throughout December
Rain in Bethlehem during December follows a pretty clear rhythm. Early in the month, the first consistent showers arrive after the long, dry summer.
By mid-month, rainfall peaks, and you get more frequent, sometimes heavier, downpours.
Late December stays wet, but rain events might get a bit less intense compared to the middle of the month. A totally dry week? That’s almost unheard of.
Rain usually falls as cool showers, not thunderstorms. Snow could happen, but it’s rare—just the occasional dusting in higher areas.
So December really is about steady winter rain, not wild weather.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Bethlehem in December offers a mix of cloudy skies and bright breaks. You’ll see several overcast days mixed with sunny spells, so outdoor sightseeing is definitely possible if you plan a little.
Frequency of Cloudy Days
Cloud cover increases as winter sets in. You can expect about 9 rainy days, which usually come with heavier clouds.
Even on dry days, mornings and evenings often stay partly cloudy.
Cloud patterns change fast. A day might start gray and damp, then clear up by afternoon.
This means you should be ready for quick changes in light as you explore the city.
Practically speaking, about a third of the month feels mostly cloudy. The rest of the days bounce between partly sunny and clear.
This balance gives you chances for both indoor and outdoor activities, without long stretches of gloom.
Average Daily Sunshine
Despite the cloud cover, Bethlehem still gets a decent dose of sunshine in December.
You get about 192 hours of sunshine over the month, which averages out to a little over 6 hours a day.
That’s enough daylight to enjoy walking tours, historical sites, and open-air markets.
The sun isn’t as strong as in summer, but it still warms things up during the day when temperatures reach around 18°C.
Shorter days mean the sun sets earlier, so plan your outdoor trips for late morning or early afternoon.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are still handy—clear days can bring strong sunlight, even in winter.
Clear Versus Overcast Days
Clear December days feel crisp and bright, with great views across Bethlehem’s hills. These days make the stone buildings and landscapes pop, so they’re perfect for photos or exploring outside.
Overcast days, though, bring cooler temps and higher humidity. Light rain is pretty common, and the cloud cover can make the city feel quieter.
A typical week might give you a mix: 2–3 clear days, a few partly cloudy ones, and 1–2 overcast or rainy days.
This rhythm means you should keep your plans flexible—save outdoor adventures for sunny days, and shift to indoor spots when it’s cloudy or wet.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
In late December, Bethlehem’s air feels cool and dry, not damp. Winds usually blow in from the west, and visibility stays good, with just a bit of haze on some days.
These conditions affect how comfortable you feel outside and how easy it is to get around.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity around Christmas in Bethlehem is usually low. Muggy or damp conditions almost never happen, with the chance staying close to 0% all month.
You can count on crisp, dry air, which often feels cooler than you’d expect from the thermometer.
Daytime dew points average between 6°C and 9°C, well below any discomfort zone. Nights might feel colder, since dry air helps heat escape fast after sunset.
Unlike the summer, when humidity can creep up, December is one of the driest times of year.
This makes it easier to spend time outside—no sticky or heavy air.
If you’re traveling, the dry climate means less worry about mold, damp clothes, or frizzy hair.
You might want a light moisturizer or lip balm, though, since the cool, dry air can chap skin and lips.
Prevailing Winds
Winds in Bethlehem during December stay steady but not strong. Average speeds hover around 10–11 km/h—enough for a gentle breeze, but not enough to make you uncomfortable.
The wind mostly comes from the west, shaped by weather systems off the Mediterranean. By the end of the month, westerly winds can make up nearly 40% of the time.
Bethlehem sits at about 775 meters above sea level, so the terrain changes how you feel the wind.
Gusts can seem stronger on hilltops and in narrow streets, while lower spots stay calmer.
These winds help bring in cool air, making evenings feel colder than the thermometer says.
A light jacket or scarf usually does the trick for evening walks.
Visibility and Air Quality
Bethlehem usually enjoys good visibility in December. Dry air keeps fog at bay, and skies often stay clear or partly cloudy.
On average, clouds cover the sky about 28% of the time, so you’ll get plenty of bright days.
Air quality gets a boost from the cooler season. Dust and pollen levels drop compared to spring or summer, so breathing feels easier.
The steady winds also help clear out smoke or car emissions.
Some haze might show up when the wind dies down, but it rarely cuts visibility enough to affect your plans.
You’ll usually see the hills and valleys around Bethlehem clearly.
For photography or sightseeing, the mix of clear skies and clean air makes December one of the better months for sharp views and natural light.
Daylight Hours and Sunrise/Sunset Times
In Bethlehem, December really limits daylight, with the shortest days showing up right around Christmas. Sunrise and sunset don’t change much throughout the month, but those early evenings and slow mornings make planning your day pretty important.
Length of Day in December
December gives Bethlehem its shortest daylight stretch all year. Around Christmas, you’ll usually get about 10 hours of daylight each day. That’s almost 3 hours less than what you get at the end of June.
The sun comes up later in the morning and heads down earlier in the evening. This really cuts into the time you have for outdoor stuff. Most days, you’ll see daylight from just after 6:30 AM to about 4:40 PM.
With limited daylight, evenings sneak up fast. That can really impact walking tours, outdoor markets, or visits to historic sites.
If you want to explore the Old City or check out religious landmarks, you’ll want to plan for earlier in the day.
Shorter days also bring cooler nights even sooner, so it’s smart to pack warm clothes if you’ll be outside after sunset.
Sunrise and Sunset Schedule
Sunrise and sunset in Bethlehem shift a bit as December rolls on. Early in the month, you’ll see the sun come up at about 6:21 AM, and it’ll set around 4:35 PM.
By the end of December, sunrise drifts to 6:38 AM, with sunset nudging a little later to 4:45 PM.
So, daylight hours don’t really change much over the month. The earliest sunset pops up in early December, and the latest sunrise shows up in early January.
Here’s a quick table to help you plan:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 6:21 AM | 4:35 PM |
| Dec 25 | 6:36 AM | 4:43 PM |
| Dec 31 | 6:38 AM | 4:45 PM |
These times follow Eastern European Time, since that’s what Bethlehem uses. Daylight saving time doesn’t kick in during December, so you don’t have to worry about any sudden changes.