If you’re planning a trip to Jerusalem during Christmas, you’ll land right in the heart of its mild winter season. Days feel cool but comfortable, and nights bring a noticeable chill.
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 18°C (64°F), dropping to about 11°C (52°F) after sunset. This balance makes walking the city’s historic streets much easier than in the hot summer.
Rain falls in December, but it shows up in short bursts instead of all-day storms. Skies shift between sunshine and clouds, giving you crisp, bright days mixed with softer, overcast ones.
With the shortest daylight hours of the year, your time outside feels precious. The cooler air adds something special to the seasonal atmosphere.
The weather shapes both your wardrobe and your experience of the city. You might catch the golden stone walls glowing under winter light or, if you’re lucky, a rare dusting of snow.
Christmas Weather Overview in Jerusalem
Mild winter days, cooler nights, and a fair chance of rain set the tone for Christmas in Jerusalem. Sunshine hours stay steady, but daylight is short, creating a crisp holiday feeling across the city.
Typical December Climate Patterns
December kicks off the winter season in Jerusalem. Daytime temperatures usually reach 17–18°C (63–64°F), while nights can drop to about 8–9°C (46–48°F).
These shifts make layering important. Mornings and evenings feel much cooler than midday.
Rain falls on several days in December, with 50–60 mm of monthly precipitation. Rainstorms tend to be short but can get heavy, so a light rain jacket or umbrella is handy.
Humidity averages near 55–60%, which keeps the air cool but not too damp. Winds blow at about 5 m/s, noticeable but not really disruptive.
Sunshine still breaks through often, with about 6 daily hours of sun despite those shorter days.
Comparison to Other Months
December feels cool and refreshing compared to the scorching months of June through September. Summer highs easily climb over 30°C (86°F), while December stays almost 15°C cooler.
If you compare December to January and February, you’ll find it’s a little milder. Those months bring colder nights and heavier rainfall, sometimes even frost in the higher areas.
Spring and autumn—April, May, October, and November—bring more stable, warmer days, less rain, and longer daylight. December, though, is more up and down, with a higher chance of showers but still plenty of sunny periods.
Holiday Atmosphere and Conditions
Christmas weather adds to Jerusalem’s seasonal mood. Shorter days mean sunset hits early, often before 5 p.m., which makes the festive lights and evening gatherings in the Old City stand out even more.
Dress in layers—a t-shirt or light shirt for daytime, a sweater or jacket for evenings, and waterproof shoes for wet streets. Sunglasses can still come in handy since skies often clear after rain.
Crowds are smaller than in spring or summer, but holiday visitors do fill up key spots. The cooler air makes walking tours, church visits, and outdoor markets more comfortable, as long as you’re ready for the occasional shower.
Temperature in Jerusalem Around Christmas
You’ll get cool days and chilly nights during late December in Jerusalem. The city sits at about 754 meters (2,474 feet) above sea level, so it stays cooler than the coast, and weather can flip fast between mild sunshine and damp, colder spells.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually land between 12°C and 16°C (54°F to 61°F). On sunny days, it can feel warmer, especially in sheltered spots or when you’re trekking uphill through the Old City.
Jerusalem’s higher altitude keeps things cooler than coastal Tel Aviv. December rainfall is common, so even sunny days can feel chilly if the air’s damp.
If you plan to explore places like the Mount of Olives or the markets, wear layers. A light jacket or sweater often does the trick during the day, but keep something waterproof nearby for surprise showers.
Nighttime Lows and Highs
At night, temperatures drop off quickly. Lows usually sit between 6°C and 8°C (43°F to 46°F), but it can get as cold as 4°C (39°F) on some nights.
Frost doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible in open or higher parts of the city.
Homes and hotels in Jerusalem use strong heating systems in winter, so you’ll stay comfortable indoors. If you’re walking outside in the evening, you’ll want a warm coat, scarf, and maybe even gloves.
Moving between heated interiors and the cool, damp night air can feel abrupt. You might find yourself adjusting layers a lot.
Temperature Variability During December
December in Jerusalem is more variable than many expect. The average range is 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F), but short warm spells sometimes push daytime highs close to 18°C (64°F). Cold fronts can drop daytime highs to about 10°C (50°F).
Rain and wind make everything feel colder. Dry, sunny days feel comfortable, but when clouds roll in, temperatures seem to drop fast.
Packing for a range of conditions is smart. Bring both warm layers and lighter clothing, and definitely some waterproof gear. Jerusalem’s winter weather can shift quickly, so you’ll want to stay flexible.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Christmas
December brings cooler weather and a mix of light to moderate rainfall in Jerusalem. The city doesn’t get heavy downpours, but you should expect some wet days, shorter daylight, and the occasional slim chance of snow.
Average Rainfall in December
December rainfall usually totals about 19 millimeters (0.75 inches). That’s modest compared to wetter Mediterranean cities, but it’s enough to make the streets damp and bring out that winter feel.
Rain falls in short bursts, not long, soaking storms. You’ll often find dry intervals even on rainy days. A light waterproof jacket or umbrella is usually enough.
Summer months are almost bone-dry, so December marks the start of the rainy season. The extra rain helps refresh the air and reduce dust, making outdoor time more pleasant when the skies clear.
Number of Rainy Days
Jerusalem gets about 6 to 7 rainy days in December. These are spaced out, so you’re unlikely to get stuck in a long stretch of wet weather.
Most rainy days bring light to moderate showers. Heavy rain is less common. Because the city’s hilly, water can collect in some spots, so good walking shoes are a must if you’re exploring on foot.
Even when it doesn’t rain, mornings and evenings can feel damp. Cooler temperatures and moisture in the air add to the winter vibe. Planning indoor activities for rainy days can help your trip run smoother.
Snowfall Possibilities
Snow in Jerusalem during December is rare, but not impossible. On average, snow falls about 0.1 days in the month, and when it does, it’s only a light dusting of about 2 millimeters.
If snow shows up, it usually melts quickly. Still, it can cover rooftops for a bit and give you striking views of the Old City.
December actually brings the highest chance of snow for the year, so it’s worth keeping in mind, even if it’s a long shot. Locals usually get excited about these rare snow events—they make for a memorable visit.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in Late December
Late December brings short winter days to Jerusalem, but you still get a decent amount of sunshine. Cloud cover hangs around, but skies often stay partly clear, so you’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You can expect about 6 to 6.5 hours of sunshine per day in late December. That’s less than summer, but it’s still enough to get outside and explore.
Daylight lasts just over 10 hours, with sunrise around 6:35 AM and sunset near 4:40 PM. The sun sits lower in the sky, and shadows stretch long across the city.
December tends to be a bit sunnier than January, so you’ll have more chances to see Jerusalem in natural light. Rain showers pop up, but they’re usually brief, and the sun comes back quickly.
| Measure | Late December Average |
|---|---|
| Daylight length | ~10 hours |
| Sunshine duration | 6–6.5 hours |
| Sunrise | ~6:35 AM |
| Sunset | ~4:40 PM |
This mix of daylight and sunshine gives you enough time to explore historic sites before evening sets in.
Typical Cloudiness Levels
Cloud cover in late December sits at a moderate level. On average, skies are clear or partly clear about 70% of the time, while overcast conditions are less common.
The cloudiest stretch comes in mid-December, but by the final week, skies usually turn clearer. For example, by December 30, you’ll have about a 74% chance of clear or partly clear skies.
You’ll still get some variation, though. Light to moderate cloud cover often passes quickly, and sunlight breaks through.
You might get several bright days in a row, then one or two with heavier clouds. A light jacket and umbrella keep you ready without missing out on outdoor plans.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
December brings cooler, often damper air to Jerusalem compared to the dry summer months. You’ll notice moderate humidity and steady winds that shape how comfortable it feels to be outside.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity rises during the winter, and December is one of the more humid months in Jerusalem. Average relative humidity reaches about 55–60%, which is much higher than the dry spring and summer when it can dip below 40%.
This humidity can make the air feel cooler than the actual temperature, especially in the evenings. With daytime highs around 16–18°C (60–64°F) and nighttime lows near 9°C (48°F), the extra moisture might make you feel a light chill, especially in the shade or when the wind picks up.
Rainy days in December also bump up the humidity. It rarely gets uncomfortably damp, but you might notice moisture hanging around after showers.
A light jacket is useful, since the combo of cooler temperatures and moderate humidity can make things feel brisk.
Average Wind Speed in December
Jerusalem’s December winds are generally moderate. Average wind speed ranges between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), usually blowing in from the west or southwest.
These winds bring in cooler, moist air from the Mediterranean, adding to the seasonal chill. You’ll notice the wind most in open spots—hilltops or wide streets—while the Old City’s narrow alleys feel more sheltered.
The breeze can make daytime temperatures feel cooler, especially when humidity is higher. Strong gusts don’t show up much in December, but breezy conditions are common enough that a wind-resistant layer is a good idea if you’re walking long distances.
For most visitors, the wind just adds freshness to the air.
Travel Tips for Visiting Jerusalem at Christmas
Jerusalem in late December greets you with cool, damp weather, busy holiday crowds, and a mix of cultural and religious events. You’ll want to prepare for changing conditions, plan around popular sites, and figure out how to move through the city efficiently.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 17–18°C (mid-60s°F). In the evenings, it cools down to about 8–10°C (upper 40s°F).
Rain shows up pretty often, and you’ll probably get several wet days during the month.
Pack layered clothing so you can handle those quick changes in weather. I’d suggest a light sweater or fleece for the daytime, and then you’ll definitely want a warmer jacket for the evenings.
Toss in waterproof shoes and a compact umbrella—streets can get slippery once it rains.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for wandering the Old City’s stone paths.
Sunglasses and sunscreen still come in handy, surprisingly, since Jerusalem gets a decent amount of winter sunshine.
A small daypack helps when you’re carrying water, snacks, and rain gear. Sightseeing gets a lot easier if you’re not juggling everything.
Popular Activities and Events
Christmas brings a buzz to Jerusalem, especially in the Christian Quarter and over in Bethlehem. Midnight services and processions fill the area, and the crowds at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can get pretty intense.
Local markets like the Mahane Yehuda Market stay lively with seasonal foods and bright decorations.
Museums and cultural centers keep their doors open, so they’re a solid choice if it’s raining.
If you’re into walking, December’s cool weather actually makes hikes in the surrounding Judean Hills pretty enjoyable.
Some organized tours mix historical sites with holiday events, so you get a taste of both the city’s heritage and its festive atmosphere.
Transportation and Accessibility
Traffic really picks up around Christmas, especially near the Old City and Bethlehem. The Jerusalem Light Rail and public buses usually run on schedule, but religious holidays sometimes throw things off.
You’ll find taxis everywhere, but the fares can jump when lots of people need a ride.
Walking through the Old City often gets you places faster than anything else, though you’ll have to deal with those uneven stone streets and some pretty steep paths. Comfortable shoes? Absolutely necessary.
Thinking about heading to Bethlehem? It’s a good idea to book a guided transfer or shuttle. The checkpoint can slow you down more than you might expect.
You can rent a car, but honestly, parking in central Jerusalem is tough to find and usually costs quite a bit.