The Weather in Jerusalem
Season by Season
The weather in Jerusalem is usually very predictable. There are two distinct seasons in the center of Israel: winter and summer.
Daily Forecast:
Summer runs from May to September. While it can get pretty hot, the air isn’t humid, so the heat is bearable. There may be occasional days of hamsin – hot dry winds and dust storms – but otherwise the daytime heat is usually relieved by balmy evenings. In fact, summer evenings in Jerusalem can be a bit on the chilly side. Average temperature in August: 19 to 29C (66-84F)
We love summer weather in Jerusalem because:
- The evenings are delightful
- The sky is always blue
- The sun is always shining
- You can plan a garden party without any worry it will rain – it won’t!
- Every day – and night – is perfect for an outing of some kind
- Grapes are ripe on the vine and cantaloupes and watermelons line country roads
Jerusalem weather in the winter is a bit less predictable than in the summer.The wet season starts in November and goes through April. Because Israel’s water supply is so dependent on rainfall, Israelis hope, pray, beg the Heavens for winter rains. A particularly torrential rain is know as “rains of blessing” in Hebrew, so you won’t hear anyone grumble about a rainy day here – not even little children.
The first winter I was in Israel, I was surprised one day to hear all the kids from the school across the street run outside screaming. I rushed to the window to see what had happened.
On the sidewalk beneath my window, 40 five-years-olds were jumping up and down, dancing and shouting with joy, their faces turned up to the sky: it was raining for the first time of the season. Most years, it doesn’t rain nearly enough, though, so you can count on a good number of mild, sunny days in the winter, too. Nevertheless, make sure you bring waterproof boots and coats. Try to get a raincoat with a hood. It can be so windy when it rains that umbrellas are useless. November through December are usually fairly mild. January and February are the coldest months of the year and every few years Jerusalem is treated to a spectacular snowfall that turns the city into a still, fairy wonderland.
Average temperature in January: 6 to 12C (43-55F) Average number of rain days in Jerusalem: 44 Average annual rainfall: 553mm/22 inches
We love the winter weather in Jerusalem because:
- The temperatures are usually so mild
- The long evenings are perfect for going to a jazz concert or out for a romantic dinner
- Children dancing for joy in the rain are such moving sight
- Every rainfall reminds us of how dependent we are on our environment
- Israel's famous citrus fruits are in season – make sure to visit Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s produce market to feast on the bright colors of the produce.
Spring in Jerusalem is that fleeting two to three-week period, sometime in late March or April, when almond trees blossom pink on every corner and blood-red poppies riot in empty lots and road dividers. You might still get caught in an occasional shower, the air smells sweet and the weather’s warm one day, chilly the next, trying to decide what season it is – before the heat and endless blue skies of summer come to stay.We love spring weather in Jerusalem because … well, what’s not to love about spring time and almond blossoms?
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