Christmas in Gaza City usually brings pretty mild and comfortable weather, which feels nothing like the freezing winters you might expect elsewhere. Daytime temperatures tend to hover around 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C), and nights get cooler, dropping closer to 50°F (10°C).
Rain picks up in December, but you’ll mostly see short bursts instead of those endless, dreary storms.
You’ll probably notice the air feels fresh, and the skies often stay partly clear, so you get a decent mix of sunshine and clouds. December falls right in the wet season, so Gaza gets some of its highest rainfall now.
Still, dry days happen often enough that you can make outdoor plans without worrying too much about the weather.
This combination of mild temperatures, occasional rain, and pleasant daylight makes Christmas a good time to get outside, walk along the coast, or just enjoy the city. The climate stays calm enough for holiday activities and travel, so it’s honestly one of the nicer times to experience Gaza City.
Overview of Gaza City’s Climate
Gaza City sits on the eastern Mediterranean Sea and has a Mediterranean climate. You’ll get hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The seasonal changes are predictable, but still feel distinct compared to other parts of Palestine.
Geographical Setting and Climate Classification
Gaza City is in the Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean. The city sits only about 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level, which helps keep temperatures more moderate than farther inland.
The Köppen climate system puts Gaza in the Csa category, meaning it has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. That means long, dry summers and short, wetter winters—pretty typical for this part of the world.
The sea has a big influence on daily weather here. Breezes take the edge off summer heat, and winters rarely get very cold. You won’t often see temperatures below 6°C (43°F) or above 40°C (104°F), though it’s not entirely impossible.
Geography also shapes rainfall. Most of the rain falls between November and March. From May through September, it’s almost completely dry. On average, Gaza gets about 194–289 mm (7.6–11.4 in) of rain a year.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summers in Gaza drag on, and they get hot and dry. From June through September, average highs reach 30–33°C (86–91°F), and rain almost never happens. Humidity stays moderate, but near the coast, it can feel muggy.
Winter feels like a real shift. December through February brings average temperatures down to 12–15°C (54–59°F). Daytime highs usually feel comfortable, often between 17–20°C (63–68°F), and nights can dip to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rain mostly falls in these cooler months. December and January are the wettest, with about 40–70 mm (1.6–2.8 in) of rain each month. Showers come on quick and can be heavy, and the wind picks up compared to the gentle summer breezes.
Spring and autumn work as transition periods. March and April still get some rain, while October often stretches out the summer warmth before cooler air finally settles in.
Comparison With Other Regions in Palestine
Gaza City’s climate feels milder than inland Palestine. Cities like Hebron or Ramallah, up in the central highlands, go through colder winters with nighttime lows near freezing. Gaza, on the other hand, rarely drops below 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rainfall is different too. The Gaza Strip averages under 300 mm of rain a year, while parts of the West Bank can get 500–700 mm. Gaza ends up drier and relies more on winter rains for farming and water supply.
Summer heat isn’t as harsh in Gaza as it is in places like Jericho, where highs often shoot past 40°C (104°F). The Mediterranean keeps the coast more stable, so evenings are milder and there aren’t as many big swings in temperature.
All of this just shows how Gaza’s spot on the coast gives it a more moderate climate than the highlands or the Jordan Valley.
Typical Weather Conditions at Christmas
In Gaza City during late December, you’ll get mild days, cool nights, and a decent chance of rain. The season brings more cloud cover than summer, but the sun still breaks through most days.
Average Temperatures in December
December usually brings daytime highs around 19°C (66°F) in Gaza City. These temps feel pretty good for being outside, especially after the sticky summer.
At night, lows average near 9°C (48°F). It’s not freezing, but you’ll want a jacket if you’re out late.
The sea temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F). That’s cooler than summer, but still not bad for the Mediterranean. Most people skip swimming, though you’ll see some locals braving the water.
December kicks off the cooler season, with temperatures staying moderate and rarely dropping below 7–8°C (45°F).
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During Christmas week, you’ll notice a real difference between day and night. Daytime highs reach 18–20°C (64–68°F), so light clothing works fine. But as soon as the sun sets, temperatures fall fast.
Nighttime lows average 8–10°C (46–50°F). If your home doesn’t have heating, it can feel chilly indoors, so warmer layers at night are a good idea.
The sun gives you about 6 hours of daily sunshine, and the days are shorter than in spring or summer. By late afternoon, it starts cooling off, and breezes from the Mediterranean add a bit of chill.
It’s smart to dress in layers so you can adjust as the weather changes from day to night.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December stands out as one of the wettest months in Gaza Strip, with 90–100 mm (3.5–4 in) of rainfall on average. Rain comes down in short, heavy bursts instead of dragging on all day.
You’ll usually see 6–8 rainy days this month. Showers often clear up quickly, so the weather rarely stays gloomy.
Humidity rises compared to the dry summer, but it’s still pretty manageable. Coastal winds help keep the air fresh, though storms off the Mediterranean can bring strong gusts now and then.
Rainfall during December provides much of Gaza’s yearly water, making it a critical part of the wet season.
Humidity, Cloud Cover, and Sunshine
In December, Gaza City’s air turns cooler and more humid than in the long, dry summer. You can expect more clouds and shorter days, but the city still gets a decent amount of sun for winter.
Average Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in December averages around 70% in Gaza City, which is about as high as it gets all year. That’s normal for winter, since cooler air holds moisture more easily.
You’ll notice mornings and evenings feel damp, especially near the coast. Humidity mixed with cooler temperatures can make the air feel colder than what the thermometer says.
Unlike the dry summer, December’s humidity can make indoor spaces feel chilly if they’re not heated. During the day, light layers usually work, but you’ll want a sweater or jacket for nighttime.
Cloud Cover Trends During December
December brings a lot more clouds compared to the clear skies of summer. Rainfall averages about 73 mm for the month, spread over 7 rainy days. You’re more likely to see gray skies, but it’s rare for rain to last all day.
Clouds usually build up when weather fronts move in from the Mediterranean. These systems bring quick rain, then clear up for a while.
On many days, skies shift between partly cloudy and overcast. If you’re planning to be outside, expect changing light and the chance of a quick shower.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Even with more clouds, Gaza City still gets a decent amount of sun in December. You’ll see about 7 hours of sunshine per day on average, which is less than summer but enough for outdoor plans.
Daylight hours are shorter, with the sun rising later and setting earlier. You get roughly 10 hours of daylight each day, compared to 14 in June.
This mix of shorter days and moderate sunshine gives December a softer light. It’s actually a good time for sightseeing—the sun isn’t as harsh, and the cool air makes walking around pretty comfortable.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Late December brings cooler air and more frequent changes in wind direction to Gaza. These shifts affect how comfortable it feels outside and also play into visibility and air quality around the city.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Winds around Christmas usually blow from the west and northwest, coming off the Mediterranean. These breezes bring in cooler, moist air and help keep daytime temperatures in check.
Average wind speeds sit at about 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph), but winter rainstorms can kick up stronger gusts. Those gusts aren’t extreme, but they can make evenings feel colder.
Rainy spells can shift the winds for a bit. You might notice calm mornings that give way to breezier afternoons.
These patterns mean there’s a real difference between the coast and inland neighborhoods. Near the sea, breezes keep the air moving, while more sheltered spots feel a little calmer.
Air Quality and Visibility
Cooler winter air and steady winds usually improve air quality in Gaza compared to the hot, stagnant summer. Rain showers also wash dust and particles out of the air.
Visibility is typically 8–10 kilometers, so you can see across most of the coastal plain. On clear days, the Mediterranean horizon looks sharp and well-defined.
Sometimes, heavy rain or humidity above 80% can briefly drop visibility. This happens most in the evening or early morning when mist forms.
Dust storms are rare in December, but they can happen. If the wind shifts from the east or southeast, drier inland air might bring a little dust, although that’s less likely in winter.
Historic Weather Trends and Climate Change
Gaza City’s climate has always leaned toward warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Long-term records show steady seasonal cycles, but they also hint at some gradual changes in rainfall and temperature that affect winter weather around late December.
Temperature and Precipitation Over the Years
If you look at historical records, Gaza’s winters have stayed pretty mild compared to much of Palestine. Average December days often reach 20°C (68°F), and nights drop to about 8°C (46°F). So, Christmas week feels cool, but rarely cold.
Rainfall shapes the season. December is one of the wetter months, with typical precipitation near 40–50 mm. Rain comes in short bursts, not long storms, and clear days still happen pretty often.
Over the last century, data shows that Gaza’s annual rainfall has dropped a bit. In the mid-20th century, winters saw more rain, while recent decades have brought fewer rainy days. This shift makes winter months less predictable—some years are close to drought, others see heavier downpours.
The yearly temperature range has also grown. The gap between the coldest winter averages and the hottest summer averages has widened, showing how seasonal extremes have become more pronounced.
Recent Anomalies and Climate Change Effects
In the last few decades, people have noticed clear signs of climate change in Gaza’s weather. Average winter temperatures keep creeping up, and those really chilly nights don’t happen as often anymore.
Back in the day, January lows dropped to around 6°C (43°F). Lately, though, temperatures often hover between 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rainfall patterns have gotten pretty unpredictable. Some winters dump heavy rain in just a few days, while others barely bring any at all.
This irregular pattern puts more stress on agriculture and water supplies, which already face plenty of challenges in Palestine.
Climate data points out that extreme heat events in summer show up more often now. Sure, that doesn’t hit Christmas weather directly, but it’s all part of the bigger warming trend that touches every season.
Hotter summers often stretch into autumn, and that can shorten the cool spell before December even arrives.
So, even though you’ll likely still get mild, comfortable weather around Christmas in Gaza City, the bigger picture suggests winters will keep getting warmer and rain will stay unpredictable.
Travel and Outdoor Activities During Christmas
Gaza City’s weather around Christmas feels pretty mild and pleasant. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C).
Rain might show up, but it’s not all that common, so you can plan outdoor activities without too much worry. Maybe just keep an eye on the sky.
Best Times for Sightseeing
Most afternoons turn out pleasant for walking tours, checking out markets, or wandering through historic sites. Cooler mornings and evenings make it easier to get around without that sticky summer heat slowing you down.
December brings more rain than summer, but showers usually don’t last long. If you carry a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket, you’ll probably be fine.
Spots like the Gaza coastline or local parks feel especially peaceful this time of year. The air stays fresh, and humidity doesn’t get too wild compared to summer.
Shorter days mean sunset comes before 5 p.m., so starting your sightseeing earlier makes sense.
If you’re into photography, winter light brings out softer tones, which honestly can make cityscapes and landscapes look even better.
Tips for Dressing and Packing
Pack light layers so you can handle changing temperatures. I usually go with a mix of long-sleeve shirts, a medium-weight sweater, and a jacket—these keep me comfortable most of the time.
At night, temperatures sometimes drop to around 52°F (11°C). If you like walking after dark, you’ll probably want a warmer coat.
You’ll want comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to wander around on foot. Some of the older parts of the city have pretty uneven streets, and your feet will thank you later.
Toss a small umbrella in your bag if you think you’ll be outside a lot. I also like to bring a scarf or a light hat—they add warmth, and they barely take up any space.
During the day, sunglasses come in handy. Gaza gets plenty of clear skies, even in winter.