Winter in Eilat feels totally different from the rest of Israel. While other regions get chilly and wet, the southern desert city stays mild, dry, and sunny.
You’ll usually see daytime temperatures around 16–22 °C (61–72 °F), with barely any rain. That makes Eilat the warmest place in Israel during winter. Nights do cool off, sometimes dropping close to 6 °C (43 °F), but frost and snow never make it this far south.
This mix of comfortable days, cool nights, and steady sunshine means you can count on good weather for outdoor activities. Hiking in the desert, strolling along the Red Sea, or wandering through nature reserves all feel much more pleasant without the summer heat.
The sea gets cooler in winter, averaging about 20–21 °C (68–70 °F). Some folks find that refreshing, but others might just stick to the shore.
With over seven hours of sunshine per day, Eilat’s winter gives you a bright escape from darker, colder places. If you’re after clear skies, warm afternoons, and minimal rainfall, this city delivers.
Overview of Eilat’s Climate
Eilat has a dry desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, and barely any rain. You’ll notice long sunny stretches, clear skies, and big temperature swings between day and night.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Eilat sits at the northern tip of the Red Sea, surrounded by mountains and desert. This spot gives it a climate that’s arid, sunny, and dry almost all year.
Rain hardly shows up, with annual totals averaging less than 40 mm. It’s one of the driest places in Israel.
Humidity stays low, so even when it gets hot, the air feels comfortable. In summer, clouds are rare, and skies stay clear more than 95% of the time.
The desert landscape leads to sharp temperature drops at night. Summer afternoons often hit 100°F (38°C) or more, but nights cool off and feel much more tolerable.
In winter, daytime highs are mild, but nights can get close to 50°F (10°C).
These conditions make Eilat a go-to spot for sunshine, especially in winter when the rest of Israel gets rain.
Köppen Climate Classification
Eilat falls under the BWh classification in the Köppen system, so it’s a hot desert climate. That means high temperatures, strong sunlight, and almost no rain.
The “B” stands for dry climate, “W” means desert, and “h” shows that average annual temperatures stay above 64°F (18°C). Eilat fits this perfectly, as cold weather rarely happens and rain is just a light sprinkle when it does come.
You won’t see a real wet season here. Unlike other parts of Israel with Mediterranean climates, Eilat just gets an occasional brief shower in winter, and summer stays bone dry.
This system helps explain why Eilat’s weather barely changes—sunshine rules here, no matter the season.
Annual Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Eilat follow a clear seasonal rhythm, though the desert moderates the extremes.
- Summer (May–September): Highs usually hit 100–103°F (38–39°C). Nights drop to around 77–80°F (25–27°C).
- Winter (December–February): Highs range from 68–72°F (20–22°C). Lows average 50–53°F (10–12°C).
- Spring and Fall: These seasons bring highs of 80–95°F (27–35°C), with evenings that feel pretty comfortable.
July sits at the hottest, and January is the coolest. Even with the heat, the dry air means it doesn’t feel as sticky as humid places.
Day length shifts too, from about 10 hours in December to more than 14 hours in June. That changes how long you can stay outside, but the region still stays sunny.
You can plan on warm days, cool nights, and reliable sunshine any time you visit Eilat.
Typical Winter Weather in Eilat
Winter in Eilat stays mild and dry, especially compared to other places. You’ll get comfortable warmth during the day, cooler nights, hardly any rain, and clear skies with light to moderate winds.
Average Day and Night Temperatures
Daytime temperatures in winter usually land between 69°F and 72°F (20–22°C). On colder days, highs might dip to about 62°F (17°C), while the warmest days can climb to 84°F (29°C).
Nights are cooler, with lows around 50–53°F (10–12°C). It almost never drops below 44°F (7°C), so you don’t have to worry about frost.
This weather feels great for outdoor activities. Light clothing works for the day, but you’ll probably want a sweater or jacket at night.
The Red Sea’s steady warmth keeps water temperatures between 69–74°F (20–23°C), which is decent for swimming or diving if you’re up for it.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
Rain barely shows up in Eilat during winter. The chance of a wet day sits at just 3%, and average rainfall is about 0.2 inches (5 mm) per month.
Even in January, which is technically the wettest, totals rarely go above 1.2 inches (30 mm).
Snow never falls here, and storms are rare. Most days stay dry with plenty of sunshine.
You can plan outdoor trips without worrying much about the weather. Hiking, desert tours, and water activities almost never get canceled because of rain.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in Eilat remains low in winter, so the air feels dry and nice. Dew points stay well below muggy levels, making it easy to spend time outside.
Average wind speeds range from 7 to 8 mph (11–13 km/h). Winds usually blow from the north and aren’t strong enough to mess up your plans.
Since the air is dry and breezy, you won’t deal with sticky or damp conditions. The combo of low humidity and gentle winds keeps the mild temperatures feeling crisp.
Month-by-Month Winter Breakdown
Winter in Eilat is mild by almost any standard. Expect cool nights, dry air, and lots of sunshine during the day, with just a little rain here and there.
December Weather Details
In December, daytime temperatures usually range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Nights often drop to 9–12°C (48–54°F).
You’ll want a light jacket for the evenings, but daytime clothes can stay relaxed and casual.
Rain is rare, averaging about 1–2 mm for the month. Skies stay mostly clear, and you’ll get about 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day.
Winds are light, around 8–9 km/h (5–6 mph), so conditions feel calm.
The Red Sea is still swimmable, with water temperatures near 23°C (73°F). It’s not as warm as summer, but still good for diving and snorkeling.
December is also a great time for hiking—the air is crisp but not too cold.
January Weather Details
January is the coldest month in Eilat. Daytime highs reach about 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), and nighttime lows can dip to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
You’ll want to prepare for chilly mornings and evenings, though midday usually feels pleasant.
Humidity averages close to 50%, which is pretty comfortable compared to the coast. Rainfall stays low, usually under 5 mm for the whole month.
Sunshine lasts for about 10.5 hours daily, so clouds rarely get in the way.
The sea temperature drops to around 21°C (70°F), cooler than December but still manageable for swimming if you wear a wetsuit.
Desert tours and nature walks are popular now, since the cooler air makes it easier to stay active.
February Weather Details
By February, things start to warm up a bit. Daytime highs average 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F), while nights stay cool at 9–11°C (48–52°F).
You can feel spring getting closer, but it’s still winter weather.
Wind speeds pick up a little, averaging 10–11 km/h (6–7 mph). Rain is still scarce, usually 1–3 mm for the month.
Skies stay clear and the days get longer—about 11 hours of daylight.
Sea temperatures climb back toward 22°C (72°F), making water sports a bit more tempting.
February feels comfortable for sightseeing, with moderate weather that works for both outdoor exploring and time at the beach.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight During Winter
Eilat’s winter days stay bright compared to a lot of other places. You’ll get plenty of sunshine and moderate daylight hours, even during the shortest days.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, Eilat gets 7 to 8 hours of direct sunshine each day. December averages about 7 hours, while January and February climb to 8 hours.
That’s a lot of sunshine compared to most Mediterranean or European spots in winter.
The city enjoys clear skies most days, with about 70% of daylight hours sunny. Cloud cover barely shows up, and rain is rare, so you can usually plan outdoor stuff without worrying about gloomy weather.
Because sunshine is so consistent, winter in Eilat often feels warmer and brighter than the temperature might suggest.
The sun stays strong, so don’t forget sun protection, especially around midday.
Daylight Duration in Winter
Daylight in Eilat during winter runs from about 10 hours in December to 11 hours by February.
The shortest day falls in late December with just over 10 hours of daylight. By February, days stretch a bit, reaching almost 11 hours and 5 minutes.
This gradual increase gives you more time for outdoor activities as winter goes on.
Even in December, you get a full day to explore, unlike northern regions where daylight drops under 8 hours.
At midday in winter, the sun sits lower than in summer, about 37° to 40° above the horizon. That means softer light and cooler conditions, but there’s still enough sun to keep things bright and comfortable.
Sea Temperatures and Water Activities
Eilat’s Red Sea coast stays warmer than most Mediterranean destinations in winter, so you can enjoy the water year-round.
Sea conditions stay pretty mild, even in the coldest months, which makes swimming and water sports more doable than you’d expect.
Average Winter Sea Temperatures
The Gulf of Aqaba keeps steady water temperatures through winter.
In December, the average sea temperature is about 23.2°C. By January, it cools to around 22.1°C, and in February it drops to its lowest, near 21.5°C.
That puts Eilat’s waters among the warmest in the region during winter.
For comparison, the Mediterranean coast of Israel can drop to 17–18°C at the same time.
The seasonal change is small, just about 1.7°C difference from December to February. That stability means you won’t face sudden changes in water conditions, which is great for planning activities over several days.
In practice, the water feels cool but not freezing. Many people take short swims without a wetsuit, but staying in for long can feel chilly.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Sports
You can swim in Eilat throughout winter, but honestly, it depends on how much you can handle cooler water. At 21–23°C, most folks are fine for a casual swim, some snorkeling, or a short dive without needing special gear.
If you want to stay in the water longer, a thin wetsuit really helps you keep warm.
Snorkeling in winter feels pretty special, since the water stays clear and the coral reefs still look lively. Fewer tourists show up too, so you’ll find the beaches and dive spots less crowded.
Diving conditions usually work out well. Visibility often goes past 20 meters, and calm seas make exploring easier. Winds stay light, so you don’t get the choppy surface that summer sometimes brings.
If paddleboarding or kayaking is your thing, you’ll appreciate the mild sea temperatures and steady weather. Eilat basically gets 0 rainy days per winter month, so you won’t have to worry about storms or downpours.
You get a nice mix of moderate water temps, calm seas, and lots of sunshine, so staying active on the water in winter is totally doable.
Travel Tips for Visiting Eilat in Winter
Winter in Eilat brings mild days, cooler nights, and barely any rain. You can get outside comfortably, but it’s smart to prep for changing temperatures from day to night. The dry desert air means you should take care to stay healthy.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temperatures in winter usually land between 16–23 °C (61–73 °F). Nights can drop to about 10 °C (50 °F), so packing light layers is the way to go.
Try this:
- Daytime: T-shirts, a light long sleeve, and comfy pants or shorts.
- Evening: Toss on a sweater or light jacket.
- Footwear: Walking shoes for the desert, sandals for when you’re just hanging out.
If you’re planning to swim or snorkel, bring a swimsuit. The Red Sea water averages 20–21 °C (68–70 °F) in winter, which honestly feels a bit chilly. A thin wetsuit makes longer swims much nicer. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are a must since the sun still packs a punch, even when it’s cooler.
Outdoor Activities in Winter
Winter might actually be the best time to get out into Eilat’s desert. The cooler air makes hiking and jeep tours in the Eilat Mountains way more comfortable than summer’s heat. Some trails offer views over the Gulf of Aqaba, and from the high spots, you can see Jordan, Egypt, and even Saudi Arabia.
You can try camel rides, cycling, or go on a guided nature walk without worrying about the heat. The dry, clear air is perfect for photos.
Water activities are still on the table, even though the sea’s a bit cooler. Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve or diving in the Red Sea works out fine, especially if you’ve got a wetsuit. The quieter winter season means the beaches and attractions feel more open, so you get more space to enjoy it all.
Health and Safety Considerations
Even in winter, Eilat’s desert climate stays incredibly dry. Honestly, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, so keep sipping regularly—even if you don’t actually feel thirsty.
I’d recommend carrying a reusable water bottle, whether you’re out hiking or just wandering around town.
Sun exposure can sneak up on you here. With 7–9 hours of sunshine every day, it makes sense to use sunscreen, throw on some sunglasses, and grab a hat to keep your skin and eyes safe.
If you tend to feel chilly at night, pack a few extra layers for those evening strolls.
For water activities, keep in mind the sea sometimes feels colder than you’d expect. If you don’t have a wetsuit, maybe don’t stay in too long.
Before heading out on a long hike, check the local weather forecast. Rain almost never happens, but sudden winds or a chilly night can really change your plans.
A little preparation goes a long way in making sure you actually enjoy Eilat—safely and comfortably.