Christmas in Tel Aviv usually means a mild, comfortable break from the harsh winters you’ll find elsewhere. Daytime temperatures hover around 19–20°C (66–68°F), while nights dip to 11–14°C (52–57°F). Rain shows up often, but it doesn’t tend to linger all day.
You won’t see snow or feel biting winds here. Instead, you’ll notice a mix of sun and clouds. The Mediterranean climate keeps the air fresh. Showers pop up, but they rarely stop you from getting outside.
The sea keeps some of its warmth, so the coast stays lively, even in December. Locals and visitors both make the most of it.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas in Tel Aviv
Around Christmas, Tel Aviv offers mild temperatures, a blend of sunny and partly cloudy skies, and moderate rainfall. Nights feel cool, but not freezing. The sea stays pretty warm compared to other winter destinations.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas week, you’ll usually see daytime highs of 17–20°C (63–68°F). That’s comfortable for walking, sightseeing, or just sitting outside with a light jacket.
Nights cool down to 10–12°C (50–54°F). It’s not harsh—especially when you compare it to European winters.
Extreme cold doesn’t really happen. December’s record lows have dropped to about 5°C (41°F), but those nights are rare. Still, it’s smart to pack a sweater or light coat for evenings.
Tel Aviv gives you a mild winter. You won’t see snow or frost here—just crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December brings more rain than most months. The city averages 100–130 mm (4–5 inches) of rainfall, spread over about 9–11 days.
Showers come and go quickly, but they can be heavy. You might see clouds roll in, rain pour down, then sunshine returns soon after.
Rain falls in waves, sometimes lasting a few hours, then clearing out. Extended gray days don’t really happen like they do up north.
After a storm, the sun often breaks through, leaving everything feeling fresh and clear.
Flooding rarely affects central Tel Aviv, but low-lying areas can get waterlogged during intense showers. Streets get slick, so wear good shoes if you plan to walk a lot.
Humidity Levels and Wind Speeds
December’s relative humidity averages about 60–65%. This can make the air feel cooler, especially at night.
Winds blow in from the west, off the Mediterranean. They’re usually light to moderate, around 10–20 km/h (6–12 mph). Strong gusts happen during storms, but not that often.
After it rains, the air feels fresher and visibility gets better along the coast. The mild climate and fresh air make outdoor activities comfortable—just dress in layers so you can adjust as the weather shifts.
Humidity and wind together give Tel Aviv a crisp winter feel, but not the bone-chilling cold you might expect elsewhere.
Sky Conditions and Sunshine
December in Tel Aviv brings mild winter skies, some sunshine, and shorter days. You’ll get a good mix of clear and cloudy periods, with enough sun to enjoy being outside.
Cloud Cover and Partly Cloudy Days
Cloud cover increases in December compared to the dry months. On many days, the sky flips between partly cloudy and mostly clear. About two-thirds of the time, you’ll see limited cloudiness.
Rain falls, but it’s often light and scattered. Clouds tend to move along, letting the sun return not long after.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, expect passing showers to interrupt sometimes. Still, the mix of sun and clouds keeps things comfortable and avoids the endless gray you find in colder regions.
Average Sunshine Hours
December has fewer hours of direct sun than summer, but you still get a fair amount. Skies stay clear or partly cloudy for about 15–16 hours across the month, which is roughly two-thirds of daylight.
July is the sunniest month, with long stretches of clear skies. December’s sun isn’t as intense, but it’s still reliable enough for outdoor plans.
Most days bring 5–6 hours of bright sun, which beats many European cities at this time of year. That’s a big plus if you’re looking for a winter getaway with some light.
Daylight Duration in December
December days are short. The sun rises around 6:30 AM and sets about 4:40 PM, so you get roughly 10 hours of daylight.
You’ll want to plan your sightseeing and outdoor activities earlier. Evenings come quickly, and the city’s cafés and restaurants get busier after sunset.
Compared to June’s long days, December feels noticeably shorter. Still, with mild temperatures, you can enjoy daytime adventures and relaxed evenings.
Sea Temperature and Beach Weather
Tel Aviv’s beaches stay pretty mild in December, with seawater warmer than you might expect. You can enjoy the coast, but comfort depends on how you feel about cooler swimming temps and the occasional rain.
Average Sea Temperature
The Mediterranean off Tel Aviv averages about 21°C (70°F) in December. That’s cooler than the summer peak of nearly 29°C (84°F), but still warmer than many European beaches in winter.
Daytime air temperatures often climb into the high teens Celsius (mid-60s °F), so the difference between air and water isn’t huge. Taking a dip isn’t a shock to the system like it is in colder places.
Humidity stays high, so the air can feel damp even when it’s not raining. Cloud cover is frequent, and daylight is short. These factors make beach outings more about walking, relaxing, or quick swims than sunbathing.
Swimming Conditions and Safety
Swimming is possible in December, but not everyone finds it ideal. If you’re okay with cooler water, you’ll manage, but it can feel cold if you’re used to tropical seas. A light wetsuit helps for longer swims.
Rain falls on about 12 days this month. Showers can stir up rough seas and strong currents, and visibility drops. Lifeguard stations may not always be staffed outside summer, so check before you swim.
Winds from the west average around 9 mph, making waves a bit choppy. Experienced swimmers handle this, but it’s less ideal for casual dips. Stick to marked swimming areas and skip the water during storms.
Weather Extremes and Historical Records
Tel Aviv’s December weather usually stays mild, but the city has seen some wild swings and rare weather events. Knowing the patterns helps you prepare for the usual winter rain and the occasional surprise.
Record Low and High Temperatures
December in Tel Aviv is usually comfortable, but sometimes the weather surprises you. The record high for December hit about 33.5°C (92°F)—way warmer than the usual 19°C (66°F). On those rare days, you might find yourself in short sleeves, even in winter.
The record low for December dropped to about 4°C (39°F). Most nights stay much warmer—closer to 11°C (52°F). But every once in a while, a cold snap comes through, usually when inland winds and clear skies combine overnight.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they show how unpredictable Tel Aviv’s winter can be. Packing a light jacket and some layers gives you options if the weather shifts.
Unusual Weather Events
Rain dominates December, but heavy downpours sometimes cause localized flooding in low-lying streets and along the coast. These floods don’t last long, but they can disrupt travel if you’re not ready.
Snow almost never falls in Tel Aviv—it’s just too warm and too close to the sea. Instead, you might notice strong westerly winds during storms, which make the air feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Fog sometimes forms in the early morning, but it usually disappears fast. On rare occasions, long stretches of clouds limit sunshine to just a few hours, making the city feel cooler and damper than the numbers suggest.
How to Dress and Prepare for the Weather
December in Tel Aviv means mild, damp winter weather. Days feel comfortable, but evenings cool off and rain showers are common. You’ll need clothes that keep you warm, comfortable, and dry.
Recommended Clothing for December
Daytime highs hit the upper teens °C (mid-60s °F), and nights drop to 11–12°C (low 50s °F). Layering is essential. A light sweater or long-sleeve shirt works for daytime, and a medium-weight jacket is handy for evenings.
Rain shows up often, so bring a water-resistant jacket or a compact umbrella. Closed-toe shoes that handle wet sidewalks are smarter than sandals. A scarf or light hat comes in handy if you’re out after dark, when it feels noticeably cooler.
You don’t need a heavy winter coat, but skip packing only summer clothes. Go for versatile layers that you can add or remove as the weather changes.
Packing Tips for Visitors
When you pack, focus on clothes that work in different situations. Try something like:
- 2–3 sweaters or cardigans for layering
- 1 medium jacket that handles light rain
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes that can get wet
- Casual wear for daytime exploring
- A slightly dressier outfit for restaurants or cultural events
Bring a foldable umbrella to save space. Quick-dry fabrics are nice, since humidity and showers can make cotton slow to dry.
If you’re heading to Jerusalem too, toss in a warmer jacket, since it gets colder there at night. That way, you’ll stay comfortable in both cities without overpacking.
Impact of Weather on Holiday Activities
Mild winter temps, short days, and occasional rain shape your plans in Tel Aviv in late December. You can enjoy outdoor attractions, but it’s best to prep for wet weather and cooler evenings.
Outdoor Events and Sightseeing
Daytime highs of 18–20°C (64–68°F) make walking tours and city exploring pleasant. Jaffa’s old streets buzz with holiday decorations, and markets keep going, even under cloudy skies.
Rain falls on about 10–12 days in December, so a light waterproof jacket is smart. Carrying an umbrella helps you keep moving, even when showers pass through.
With only 10 hours of daylight, plan your sightseeing for earlier in the day. Museums, historic sites, and guided tours often shift schedules for the season.
Evenings drop to 10–12°C (50–54°F), so you’ll want extra layers for outdoor dining or nighttime events. Despite the cooler air, most festivals and concerts go on, unless heavy rain forces a change.
Beach and Water Activities
The Mediterranean Sea usually sits at about 21°C (70°F) in December. That’s actually warmer than the air at night, but let’s be honest—it still feels pretty brisk if you’re thinking about swimming.
You’ll still spot some locals and tourists taking quick dips. Most people, though, would rather just stroll along the beachfront promenades.
Winter brings steady winds, so surfing and windsurfing are definitely possible. Still, you’ll want to check the forecasts since storms can whip up some rough seas.
Lifeguard services don’t really stick around on many beaches at this time of year, which makes sense.
A lot of beach cafés and bars on the promenade stay open. They’re a great place to catch the sunset, which happens around 4:40 p.m.
You might find cycling or jogging by the shore more pleasant now, since the cool air actually makes exercise easier than it is in the heat of summer.
If you’re set on swimming, heated hotel pools seem like a much safer bet than the open sea.
Indoor Alternatives for Rainy Days
Rainy days in Tel Aviv? Honestly, they’re the perfect excuse to check out some indoor spots. I usually start at the Azrieli Mall or one of the other big shopping centers. You can wander between shops, grab a bite, and maybe catch a movie, all without getting soaked.
If you’re in the mood for something cultural, the Haganah Museum is a solid pick. Art galleries along Rothschild Boulevard also offer a cozy escape from the rain. In winter, you’ll notice these places feel quieter, which I actually prefer.
When the weather turns, indoor food markets, bakeries, and cafés suddenly feel extra inviting. It’s a great time to try some local dishes, stay warm, and just relax.
Some hotels even put on live music or themed dinners during the holidays. You can enjoy an evening out without ever having to step into the rain.