israel in december travel

Israel in December: A Mesmerizing Winter Wonderland

When most people think of winter destinations, Israel might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, December in Israel offers a unique and enchanting experience that’s unlike any other winter destination. From mild weather and festive celebrations to historical sites and natural wonders, Israel in December has something to offer every traveler. In this post, we’ll explore why Israel should be on your travel radar this winter.

Mild and Pleasant Weather

While many parts of the world are blanketed in snow and freezing temperatures, Israel enjoys mild and comfortable weather in December. With temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 68°F (20°C), you can explore the country without worrying about extreme cold or sweltering heat. The pleasant weather makes outdoor activities and sightseeing a joy.

Read further:

• Does It Rain in Israel? The Climate of the Promised Land
• What to Wear in Jerusalem

December Holidays

December in Israel is marked by the celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. This eight-day Jewish holiday is a magical time to visit. Cities and towns are adorned with colorful menorahs, and you can savor delicious holiday treats like sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes). Don’t miss the opportunity to join in the festivities and witness the lighting of the menorahs.

Christmas in Israel is a unique and spiritually significant occasion celebrated by both local Christian communities and visitors from around the world.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus , is just a short journey from Jerusalem, making it a focal point for the festivities. Pilgrims and tourists gather at the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the site of Jesus’ birth, where a grand midnight Mass is held. The Old City of Jerusalem also embraces the Christmas spirit, with decorations adorning streets and shops, and the Christian Quarter hosting various processions and religious events. In Nazareth , where Mary is said to have received the Annunciation, special church services and events take place.

While Christmas in Israel may not feature the same wintry landscapes and traditions as some other countries, it is a profoundly meaningful and culturally rich celebration that brings together people of various backgrounds to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Other Things to Do in Israel in December

Israel is a land steeped in history and culture, and December provides a fantastic opportunity to explore its iconic sites. Visit Jerusalem’s Old City and the Western Wall, tour the ancient ruins of Masada , and wander through the streets of Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity. The pleasant weather makes it comfortable to explore these historic landmarks.

But Israel is not just about history; it’s also home to stunning natural beauty. December is an ideal time to visit the Dead Sea , where you can float effortlessly in the hypersaline water while enjoying the surrounding desert landscape . Additionally, consider hiking in the Negev Desert or exploring the lush landscapes of the Golan Heights .

Israeli cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors from around the world, and December is a great time to savor it. Warm up with a bowl of shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce) or indulge in fresh falafel and hummus. Don’t forget to try local wines and craft beers to complement your meals.

Israeli markets come alive in December with holiday spirit. Visit the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv or the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem to shop for unique gifts, spices , and local delicacies. The bustling atmosphere and colorful stalls make for a lively and memorable shopping experience.

Visiting Israel in December can be a fantastic experience, with pleasant weather and various cultural and historical attractions. Here are some valuable tips to make the most of your trip:

Plan Ahead : December is a popular time for tourists in Israel, so it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance. Book accommodation, tours, and flights early to secure the best options and prices.

Check the Weather : While Israel generally enjoys mild December weather, it can vary. Jerusalem and northern areas can be chilly, so bring layers and a light jacket. Coastal cities like Tel Aviv are milder but can still be a bit cool in the evenings.

Language : English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Hebrew phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.

Safety : Israel is generally safe for tourists, but it’s essential to stay informed about the local situation. Check travel advisories, follow local news, and be aware of any security guidelines or restrictions.

Respect Local Customs : Israel is a diverse country with people of different faiths and traditions. Be respectful when visiting religious sites, dress modestly, and follow any specific guidelines or rules.

Currency : Ensure you have local currency (Israeli New Shekels) for small purchases and cash-only establishments, although credit cards are widely accepted.

Public Transportation : Israel has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trains. Consider using a transportation card or app for convenience.

Travel Insurance : Always have travel insurance that covers health emergencies and potential trip disruptions.

Travel Light : Pack light, comfortable clothing, and walking shoes . December is generally a more relaxed time for tourism, so you won’t need to dress formally.

Explore Local Culture : Beyond the well-known attractions, take time to engage with locals and experience the rich culture and traditions of Israel.

By following these tips, you can make your December visit to Israel a memorable and enriching experience, filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.

Conclusion: Israel in December

Israel in December offers a perfect blend of mild weather, cultural celebrations, historical treasures, and natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient sites, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply enjoying a unique winter escape, Israel has something for everyone. So, consider adding this enchanting destination to your travel plans this December and experience a winter wonderland like no other.

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• Israel In December: Walk Down The Pathways Of The Cities Of Israel This Winter

The holy land has much to offer its tourists. There are many museums, historical sites, natural wonders, and much more. Apart from having the city of Jerusalem where Jesus was born, there are so many fascinating places that date back to centuries. If you are visiting Israel in December , there are many things that you can do at this time of the year. There are many festivals and events that take place since Hanukkah and Christmas is celebrated. If you have the question in your mind, what season is it in Israel in December? Then you don’t have to wonder anymore. It is definitely winter at this time of the year. It will most certainly be cold but that also makes festivals like Christmas so much better.

The Weather In Israel In December

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The weather in Israel in December is usually quite cold with temperatures ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius. The weather continues to fluctuate and there is usually heavy rainfall. Temperatures can drop down to about 5 degrees Celsius in places like Jerusalem or Galilee Hills. If you don’t know what to wear in Israel in December, then worry not. You can wear jeans, jackets, sweaters, and gloves. The midday might end up being a little warmer, so you may not need it then.

The 10 Best Experiences To Have In Israel In December

The possibility of rain is always there, especially in the month of December but worry not, we have listed some of the best things you can do even if it is rainy out. If you are travelling to Israel in December then you should make sure to find out about the weather beforehand. If the weather is on your side then you should definitely experience these things:

1. Experience Hanukkah

Hanukkah or the festival of lights continues for about 8 days. If you want to experience the festivals in Israel in December, then you shouldn’t miss out on this. If you walk down the streets of Jerusalem’s old city or the neighborhood of Nachlaot, you will be able to see the menorahs which are lit and placed inside glass boxes and are kept on windowsills. You can also visit Mamilla Alrov Mall or the Western Wall for a public lighting event. There are special events that take place all around the country if you want to enjoy the lights.

Date: December 2nd to December 10th

Must Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Israel In 2022 For An Extended Tour Of The Holy Land

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2. Go skiing at Mt. Hermon

There are some mountain peaks that get snowfall on some days during the year. Jerusalem is more than likely to experience snow as it gets cold. If there is enough snowfall then you can head to Mt. Hermon which lies at the tip of the North side of the country. The vertical drop from Mt. Hermon is just 1,552 feet which makes it ideal for beginners and children. You can also go sledding or tubing. This should definitely be a part of your bucket list if you are wondering what to do in Israel in December.

3. Experience the nightlife in Tel Aviv

If nightlife is what interests you, then you should definitely stop by the city of Tel Aviv. You can find anything you need for a good night out. You can find endless clubs, bars, theaters, museums, concert halls, and dance centers. If you have the time on your hands then the city can keep you up the entire night. This is one of the best things you can do if you are visiting Israel in December 2022. Spend the night meeting new people, getting VIP passes and enjoying drinks.

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Israel: The Beginning Of A Lifelong Romance

4. Enjoy Hamshushalayim

Hamshushalayim is a combination of the words Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Hebrew. This festival takes place every weekend of December at different institutions. There are special night tours, street theaters, and musical performances. There are many museums and galleries that are open to the public for free during this festival. Many restaurants and hotels even offer special deals at this time. You should have this on your bucket list if you are visiting Israel in December.

Best place to visit: The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Suggested Read: 15 Scenic Israel Beaches That You Ought To Visit In 2022!

5. Explore the mountain fortress in Masada

The fortress stands on an isolated rock plateau in the south of Israel and overlooks the Dead Sea. There is a tale about this place. It is said that about 1000 Jewish inhabitants committed suicide to escape their Roman enemies. You can take a cable car to the top or hike up and cross the snake path if you like. The best way to enjoy the fortress is if you visit during the time of a sunset. You will be able to watch the sun strike the Dead Sea. The scene is very picturesque as you can imagine. If you are visiting Israel in December, make sure to experience the beauty of this place.

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6. Party on New Year’s Eve

Israelis tend to call New Year ‘Sylvester’ because of the pope that died on the 31st of December. There is a feast that takes place at this time. The only thing that you can do during New Year’s Eve is to just head out for the parties that take place. Although most Kosher places won’t entertain such parties, a lot of clubs or restaurants will throw bigger celebration parties. Since the weather in Israel in December tends to be rather chilly it is important that you carry warm clothing.

Suggested Read: 12 Perfect Wedding Venues In Israel For Your Happily-Ever-After In 2022!

7. Dance away your blues

If you are traveling to Israel in December, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the parties. As most people will tell you, parties are quite popular in Israel. Tel Aviv usually has an annual festival called ‘Feelin’ Blues’. This is a great way to warm yourself up during the winters. There are usually stages where different dancers are grouped together by their level of expertise. You can get a chance to show off your moves and maybe even win a prize! However, you don’t need to be in it for the competition. You can just join in for the fun or observe from afar!

8. Check out the Hullegeb Israeli-Ethiopian festival

If you have wondered about what the Israeli Ethiopian community is like, well then wonder no more. Visit this festival to experience a fusion of dance, music, and shows. Ethiopian culture has actually become a large part of Israel and this festival proves it best. The traditions of Ethiopia have fused into contemporary art. The festival takes place every December and continues for a week. There are many famous singers who show up and if you visit Israel in December, you will be able to see them live!

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Israel: Know Why It’s On Every Wanderer’s Bucket List

9. Don’t miss out on the Christmas festivities

You don’t have to miss out on Christmas just because you are away from home. There are plenty of festivals that happen around the country and this is the time to be a part of it! If you want to really get into that Christmas mood, you can find a massive Christmas tree in Nazareth. If you want a proper Christmas banquet, make sure to reserve a place at Mike’s Place. Bethlehem is also a good place to visit if you are in Israel in December. The town is beautifully decorated and has plenty of concerts and delicious food.

10. Take a tour through the city of Jerusalem

If you are visiting Israel in December, you should definitely visit the city of Jerusalem. There are a lot of places that are religiously important such as the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If you feel like this is an important place to visit, surely you could spend a day here since there is plenty to see. You can write down a prayer and place it between the cracks of the Western Wall or you can visit the site where Jesus was crucified. If you have free time, you can browse the stalls of the Old City bazaar. You can find plenty of souvenirs to take back from your trip from here. Make sure to find out about the weather in Israel during December before you head out. You definitely don’t want the rains to spoil your tour of the city.

Further Read: 10 Hip And Historic Hostels In Israel Perfect For Exploring Its Cities

If you are interested in visiting Israel in December 2022, then allow us to help you book your upcoming vacation . All you have to do is sit back and get ready to make plenty of memories!

Frequently Asked Questions About Israel in December

Which month is the best time to visit Israel?

The months of April to May and the months of September to October are the time for the spring and autumn season respectively in Israel.

How many days are enough for Israel?

To enjoy a complete tour of Israel, a minimum of 8 days in required. The best length of time for including all the major attractions would be 14 days, covering leisure days and all the popular cities.

Can you swim in Israel in December?

While it is possible to go swimming in places in Tel Aviv or Eilat, the temperature of the water can be quite cool ranging between 72°F and 67°F.

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What To Pack For Israel In December: A Guide To Winter Travel Essentials

• Last updated Feb 22, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category United States

Are you planning a trip to Israel in December? As the winter season descends upon this enchanting Middle Eastern country, it’s crucial to prepare for the colder weather. But what exactly should you pack? Don't fret! In this guide, we will highlight the winter travel essentials you need for your adventure in Israel. From warm clothing to important accessories, we’ve got you covered. So, keep reading to ensure that you pack everything you need to stay comfortable and stylish during your December travels in Israel.

What You'll Learn

What are the essential clothing items to pack for a trip to israel in december, are there any specific items or accessories that are recommended for visiting religious sites in israel during december, is it necessary to pack a raincoat or umbrella for the possibility of winter showers in israel in december, are there any specific cultural events or festivals in israel in december that may impact what should be packed, are there any specific health or safety items that should be included in a packing list for israel in december, such as sunscreen or insect repellent.

When planning a trip to Israel in December, it's important to pack clothing items that will keep you comfortable in the cooler weather. Here are some essential clothing items to consider:

• Layered clothing: December in Israel can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to chilly. Packing clothes that can be layered allows you to adjust your attire according to the weather. Start with a lightweight base layer such as a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, then add a medium-weight jacket or cardigan on top. This way, you can easily remove or add layers as needed.
• Warm outerwear: Since December is the winter season in Israel, it's essential to bring a warm coat or jacket. Opt for a waterproof or water-resistant option, as there may be occasional rain showers during this time of year. A down or insulated jacket would be ideal for keeping you warm in colder temperatures.
• Scarves, hats, and gloves: Don't forget to pack accessories that will help keep you warm. A scarf can be a versatile item, providing extra warmth around your neck or even doubling as a shawl in case you need extra coverage. A hat will help retain heat and protect your head from the cold wind, while gloves will keep your hands warm when outdoors.
• Comfortable footwear: Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes or boots, as you'll likely be exploring various tourist sites and walking around cities. Opt for shoes that are comfortable for long periods of walking. It's also a good idea to bring waterproof shoes or boots, as the weather can be unpredictable, and you may encounter rain showers.
• Sweaters and long-sleeved shirts: Pack several sweaters or long-sleeved shirts that can be easily layered and provide warmth. Look for materials such as wool or cashmere, which are excellent insulators. These can be worn alone or combined with other layers, depending on the temperature.
• Trousers and jeans: Opt for trousers or jeans that offer warmth and durability. Jeans are always a reliable option for casual outings, while trousers can be dressed up for more formal occasions. Consider bringing a couple of pairs of each to provide versatility in your wardrobe.

It's essential to remember that the weather in Israel can vary, so it's a good idea to stay updated on the forecast before packing. Additionally, consider the specific activities you'll be participating in during your trip, as this may influence your clothing choices.

In conclusion, when packing for a trip to Israel in December, it's important to prioritize warmth and comfort. Bring layered clothing, warm outerwear, scarves, hats, gloves, comfortable footwear, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers or jeans. By packing these essential clothing items, you'll be prepared to enjoy your trip to Israel, regardless of the weather conditions.

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When visiting religious sites in Israel in December, it is important to be respectful and considerate of the customs and traditions associated with these places. Here are some recommended items and accessories to enhance your experience and show proper etiquette:

• Modest Clothing: As Israel is a religiously diverse country, it is advised to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. This means avoiding revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, or mini-skirts. For both men and women, wearing clothes that cover the shoulders and knees is considered appropriate.
• Head Coverings: In certain religious sites, such as synagogues, it is customary for men to wear a head covering, such as a yarmulke or kippah. These can be found at the entrance of most synagogues or brought from home. Women are not typically required to cover their heads, but it is respectful to do so out of cultural sensitivity.
• Scarf or Shawl: For women visiting religious sites, carrying a scarf or shawl can serve multiple purposes. It can be used to cover the head, shoulders, or knees if needed. Additionally, some sites may require women to wear a robe or cloak, which can be provided at the entrance, but having a light scarf handy could be more comfortable and hygienic.
• Comfortable Shoes: Many religious sites in Israel involve walking and standing for extended periods. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. This will ensure a more enjoyable experience and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
• Water Bottle and Snacks: It is advisable to carry a water bottle during your visit to religious sites, as the weather in Israel can be quite warm, even in December. Staying hydrated is important for your well-being. Additionally, it may be a good idea to bring some snacks, particularly if you plan on visiting sites located in remote areas where food options may be limited.
• Respectful Behavior: While not an item or accessory per se, showing respectful behavior is crucial when visiting religious sites. This includes speaking softly, refraining from taking loud phone calls, and refraining from any disruptive activities. Remember, these sites hold deep religious and cultural significance for many people, so it is important to be mindful and respectful.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure a meaningful and respectful visit to religious sites in Israel during December. Remember to check the specific dress code and guidelines for each site you plan to visit, as certain customs may vary. Enjoy your visit and embrace the rich cultural and historical heritage that Israel has to offer.

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In December, Israel experiences a variety of weather conditions, including the possibility of winter showers. While winter showers are not as common as they are in other countries, it is still necessary to pack a raincoat or umbrella when visiting Israel during this time of year.

Firstly, it is important to understand the climate of Israel in December. The country has a Mediterranean climate, which means it generally experiences mild winters with sporadic rainfall. However, weather patterns can fluctuate, and it is not uncommon to have unexpected showers even during the winter months. Therefore, it is better to be prepared and have a raincoat or umbrella on hand.

Packing a raincoat or umbrella is especially necessary if you plan on exploring outdoor attractions or going on hikes. Israel is known for its stunning natural beauty, and many popular destinations, such as the Dead Sea, Masada, and the Negev Desert, involve outdoor activities. Having a raincoat or umbrella will ensure that you can fully enjoy these attractions without worrying about getting wet and uncomfortable.

Moreover, having a raincoat or umbrella will also come in handy when exploring cities like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. While these cities offer plenty of indoor attractions, such as museums, restaurants, and markets, you may still find yourself outside for extended periods. Whether it's strolling through the narrow streets of the Old City or walking along the beautiful beaches, having a raincoat or umbrella will provide protection from unexpected showers.

It is important to note that the weather in Israel can be quite unpredictable, with rapid shifts from rain to sunshine and vice versa. Therefore, it is best to have a compact and lightweight raincoat or umbrella that can be easily carried in your bag or backpack. This way, you can be prepared for any weather changes and adjust accordingly.

In summary, while winter showers may not be frequent in Israel during December, it is still necessary to pack a raincoat or umbrella. The country's Mediterranean climate can bring unexpected rainfall, and having proper protection will ensure that your trip is enjoyable and comfortable. So go ahead and pack that rain gear, and be prepared for any weather conditions that come your way in Israel.

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In Israel, December is a festive month that is filled with various cultural events and festivals. These events can have an impact on what should be packed for a trip to Israel during this time. Whether you are visiting for religious purposes or simply to experience the Israeli culture, it is important to be prepared for the specific events that take place in December.

One of the most significant events in December in Israel is Hanukkah. This Jewish festival of lights lasts for eight days and is celebrated in homes and public spaces throughout the country. During Hanukkah, it is common to see menorahs (candelabras) displayed in windows, and children playing with dreidels (spinning tops). If you are planning to visit Israel during Hanukkah, it is a good idea to pack some warm clothes as the weather can be quite cold during this time of the year.

Another cultural event that takes place in December is Christmas. While Christmas is not an official holiday in Israel, it is still celebrated by the Christian community. In cities such as Jerusalem and Bethlehem, you will find a festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations, markets, and religious processions. If you are visiting Israel during Christmas, it is important to pack appropriate clothing for visiting religious sites, such as modest attire for women and covered shoulders. Additionally, it may be necessary to make accommodation reservations in advance, as this is a popular time for tourists visiting religious sites.

Aside from religious festivals, there are also other cultural events that take place in December in Israel. For example, the Jewish Film Festival is a popular event that showcases Israeli and international films. If you are interested in attending this festival, it is a good idea to pack appropriate attire for attending film screenings. Additionally, it may be helpful to research the film schedule in advance and make any necessary reservations.

In conclusion, there are several cultural events and festivals in Israel in December that may impact what should be packed. Whether you are visiting for Hanukkah, Christmas, or other cultural events, it is important to be prepared. This includes packing warm clothes for the cold weather, appropriate attire for visiting religious sites, and making any necessary reservations in advance. By being prepared for these events, you can fully enjoy your trip to Israel during the festive month of December.

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When packing for a trip to Israel in December, it is important to take into consideration the specific health and safety items that will be necessary. The weather during this time of year can vary, but generally, the days are cool and the nights can be quite cold. It is important to bring appropriate clothing layers for this temperature range, as well as other essential items to ensure a safe and healthy trip.

One of the most important items to include in your packing list for Israel in December is sunscreen. While the weather may not be as hot as during the summer months, the sun can still be quite strong, especially during the day. Even if it is cloudy, the UV rays can still penetrate through and cause sunburn. It is recommended to bring a sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) and to apply it generously to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, arms, and legs.

Another essential item to include in your packing list is insect repellent. While mosquitoes may not be as prevalent during the winter months, there is still a possibility of encountering them, especially in certain areas. Additionally, there may be other biting insects or ticks that could pose a risk. It is wise to bring a repellent that contains DEET or another effective ingredient to protect yourself from insect bites. Apply the repellent to exposed skin areas and clothing, following the instructions on the product label.

In addition to sunscreen and insect repellent, it is also important to bring any necessary medications or first aid supplies. If you have any chronic or pre-existing medical conditions, make sure to bring an ample supply of your prescription medications, as well as any necessary medical documents or identification. It is also a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit, including items such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, and pain relievers. While medical care is generally accessible in Israel, having these supplies on hand can be helpful for minor injuries or illnesses.

It is also important to prioritize personal hygiene and cleanliness while traveling. Pack hand sanitizer or wet wipes to clean your hands when soap and water are not readily available. Furthermore, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face, can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness.

Lastly, it is a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers your specific needs while traveling in Israel, including any adventure activities or extreme sports you may plan to participate in.

In conclusion, when packing for a trip to Israel in December, it is essential to include health and safety items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, necessary medications, and a basic first aid kit. Additionally, prioritize personal hygiene and cleanliness, and consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. By being prepared and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Israel.

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Frequently asked questions.

In December, the weather in Israel can be quite mild during the day but cooler in the evenings. It's best to pack layers, including long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or jackets, and a lightweight coat or rain jacket. It's also a good idea to bring a scarf and hat for colder moments.

Yes, sunscreen is still necessary in December, even though the weather may not be as hot as in the summer months. The sun can still be strong, especially during the day, so it's important to protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen.

While the weather may not be warm enough for swimming in December, it's always a good idea to pack a swimsuit or swim trunks. Some hotels in Israel have heated pools or you may have the opportunity to visit a spa or thermal baths where you can enjoy swimming or relaxing in warm water.

It's advisable to pack comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for exploring the cities and attractions in Israel. Additionally, you may want to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops for warmer days or for visiting the beaches along the coast. Don't forget to bring a pair of socks to keep your feet warm in case the weather gets colder in the evenings.

• Naim Haliti Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

• Jose Ramos Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

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8 Tips for winter vacations

If you’re planning on traveling to Israel between October and March then this post is for you! In my opinion, winter is the best time to visit Israel.

The prices are lower, the weather is not that cold, and it is low season, so the important sites (like Masada and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) are less crowded. If you’re just beginning to plan your trip, then I would highly recommend that you first read the post or watch the video about planning your itinerary in Israel so that you have a general idea of what Israel has to offer.

Winter vacation tip #1 – Go south

My first tip is to spend most of your time in the south, in the desert. For many years the Israeli Ministry of Tourism marketed Israel as a destination for pilgrims, seeing as most of the Christian holy sites are located in Israel. In recent years the focus has been on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as short city break destinations, and I really hope that the focus will soon shift to marketing the desert as a destination.

Good things are already going on, but overseas tourists don’t get the information. The Israeli desert is the perfect winter destination. A safe desert boasting excellent hiking, bicycle and jeep trails. If it’s your second time in Israel and you mainly want to stay in the desert, check whether there are low-cost flights to Ovda, Eilat or Ramon airports (more about the airports in tip #4).

Winter vacation tip #2 – Go to the Judaean Desert

If you’re only coming for a couple of days and intend to stay in Jerusalem then you can always take a day tour to the  Judaean Desert  (also possible from Tel Aviv, but then you’ll need to get up really early in the morning). Israel is tiny and unbelievably diverse.

Just half an hour’s drive east from Jerusalem takes you into the Judean Desert. You can even reach Masada, the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi in one day, and indeed this is a very popular day tour from Jerusalem. You can even skip Masada and have a relaxing day on the northern beaches of the Dead Sea. Two more important sites to the north of the Dead Sea are Qumran and Qasr el Yahud.

If you like hiking then you ought to visit Ein Gedi National Park. There you can get hold of a good map and go on 10-15km hikes.

Vadi Kelt, which lies halfway between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, is another option for a beautiful hike. I have written quite a lot about the Judaean Desert: here are some related posts –

All you need to know about the Judaean Desert

Accommodation in the Judaean Desert

Winter vacation tip #3 – Go to the Negev

The Negev desert covers half of Israel. There is a lot to see and do but if you’re starting to plan your trip then make sure to visit Sede Boker and/or Mitzpe Ramon. Sede Boker is a kibbutz where Ben Gurion, our first prime minister, once lived and where he is now buried. His burial site is a national park next to the kibbutz on a cliff overlooking the Zin Canyon. This area has some great walking, cycling and jeep tours you can take. Ein Akev is a small spring and pool you can visit. Ein Avdat National Park, inside the Zin Canyon, is another popular short hike. 15km to the south is Avdat National Park (not to be confused with Ein Ovdat), which is a Nabatean ruin.

Mitzpe Ramon is a town lying on the cliffs of the Ramon Crater. Although it is a small town, with only 5,000 residents, and although its socio-economic status is below the national average, it is the place I would recommend most highly. First of all, the Ramon Crater is one of my favorite places in Israel, and the views are spectacular. The second, practical reason why I like it so much is that it has it all: a boutique hotel right on the cliff, private jeep tour, budget accommodations, great walking trails, fine restaurants and a cheap supermarket. It is always easier having a car in the desert, but even if you’re relying on public transportation you can easily reach most places around Mitzpe Ramon. Unlike Eilat (the next tip), which you can immediately sense is a touristy city, in Mitzpe Ramon tourism is a new business which is still in development.

If you like hiking check out this  hiking site .

Winter vacation tip #4 – Go to Eilat (or at least land there)

Like many Israeli tour guides, I’m not too keen on Eilat and usually I don’t advise people to go there. There are cheaper and nicer vacation destinations in Europe. And if you cross the border from Eilat to the Jordanian side, to Aqaba, or to the Egyptian side, to Sinai, the prices fall by 50%.

In summer and on Jewish holidays I definitely don’t go there, but perhaps I am being a little too harsh on the city. Many of my Israeli tour guide friends like the city. The hotels a little further from the beachfront are much cheaper, the Eilat mountains, with their many trails, are amazing, and on top of that you have the Red Sea, where you can go diving, snorkeling and swimming (also in December).

The big advantage of Eilat is that there are a lot of low-cost flights from Europe to Eilat Airport, which is in the city, and to Ovda Airport, which is a military base 20km north of Eilat. From here you can take a shuttle bus to Eilat and to the New Ramon Airport, which will probably open at the end of 2019 (or 2020 or 2021…) and replace the other two.

If it’s your second visit to Israel and you have already seen the must-see sites or if you’re coming in winter and just want to stay in the desert and save lots of money on the flight, then it is worth checking it out.

Winter vacation tip #5 – Christmas

Although winter is low season, around Christmas there is a peak in tourists (and prices) seeing as a lot of people have vacation time and want to visit the holy sites. If you plan to visit at this time of year then make sure to book well in advance. Jerusalem and Bethlehem get very full, so if you’re less interested in the religious side of Israel then try not to be in Jerusalem around the 24th of December. The only major Jewish holiday in winter is Hanukkah, and prices will also be higher around this time. You can check in this post when the next Hanukkah festival is.

Winter vacation tip #6 – March (spring)

If I had to choose the best time to visit Israel than I would say March (but before Passover). There is still a chance of rain but the temperatures are mostly over 24°C (75°F), everything is green and blooming, the desert is hot but not too hot, and the rivers and pools are as full as they’ll ever be. It is the best time for hiking all over Israel.

Winter vacation tip #7 – Go to the beach!

Summer in Israel is really hot and most of winter is not that cold, somewhere around 20°C. You can go out in a T-shirt most days of December in  Tel Aviv . It might be rainy and stormy but between November and March the weather on most days is perfect for the beach. Israelis usually won’t go into the water when it is under 25°C but this doesn’t mean that you can’t! I love going to the beach in winter, when the water is clear, there are no jellyfish, and it isn’t crowded. So don’t forget to bring your swimsuit with you!

Winter vacation tip #8 – the downside

As I have mentioned, it isn’t really cold most of the time: the average temperature in Tel Aviv in January is around 20°C (68°F) and in the daytime a T-shirt will usually be just fine, but there are some stormy days during which you can’t really enjoy being outside.

It can also get very cold in places located at a high altitude. Jerusalem lies at a height of 800m, as does Mitzpe Ramon, even though it is in the desert. At night it can get really cold or even snow. So you do need to bring suitable clothing. Something else to take into account is that it doesn’t rain very often, but when it does it usually comes down hard. You can’t be outside without getting soaked. So if there is a high chance of rain be sure to stay inside.

If you’re thinking about hiking there are two important things you need to take into consideration: having enough water with you and flash floods. I have seen many travelers heading off on long hikes with only a single bottle of water. You will need at least 4.5 liters a day, and more if you plan to sleep outside where there is nowhere to fill your water bottle.

Usually at the beginning and end of winter, i.e. October and March, there are flash floods in the desert wadis (a wadi is a dry riverbed or valley, in which water only flows when it rains).

You’ll probably be warned if you’re heading to places where it might happen, but it is important to be aware. You can’t know when it’s coming because it doesn’t need to rain where you are for it to affect you. Usually it rains in the mountains around Jerusalem and an hour later there are flash floods in the Judaean Desert wadis that drain all the water.

Order my 3 booklets  – Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Masada – from me directly for 19€ right now and get the PDF and EPUB version for free! Or buy the PDF or EPUB for 9.90€.  Check out all of my merch . The booklets are also available on  Amazon .

3 Responses

Heading to Israel in a couple of weeks. Any tips or activity ideas for a toddler??

Maybe the Biblical zoo in Jerusalem?

Can’t agree more with tip1 and 3. And if you want to really experience the Negev, stay in Sde Boker for a few days. You will be centrally situated and on top of experiencing the breathtaking landscape of Nahal Tzin, Ein Avdat, Ein Akev… and of course, Ben Gurion’s heritage, you will be able to access easily places like Mitzpe Ramon, but also the small and the big crater on your way to the Dead Sea and new ultimate out of the beaten track new vibe… Nitzana area with beautiful sites like Shivta and cool new experiences like sandboarding.

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Best Time to Visit Israel – Your Full Monthly Guide

• March 30, 2023

When planning your trip to Israel, it is important to consider the best time to visit, as the country offers a range of experiences throughout the year. With a diverse landscape, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, there’s always something to explore. To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together a comprehensive monthly guide that highlights the weather, holidays, events, and the best places to visit in Israel.

January 

While January might not be the warmest time to visit Israel, it offers cooler temperatures that are perfect for exploring the country without breaking a sweat. With average highs of 15°C (59°F) in Tel Aviv and 9°C (48°F) in Jerusalem, this is a great time to visit historical sites and museums.

If you’re interested in culture, the annual Eilat Chamber Music Festival takes place in January. This world-class event features renowned musicians from around the globe, showcasing classical and contemporary pieces.

February 

As February approaches, the temperatures remain relatively cool, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. This month is also the cheapest time to visit Israel, as tourism is at its lowest, meaning you can find great deals on accommodations and flights.

In February, you can experience the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat, also known as the New Year for Trees. This is a time for environmental awareness and tree planting, with numerous events and activities taking place throughout the country.

March brings warmer weather to Israel, making it an increasingly popular time for tourists. With average highs of 19°C (66°F) in Tel Aviv and 14°C (57°F) in Jerusalem, this is a comfortable time to explore the country’s stunning landscapes.

During March, you can also experience the joyful festival of Purim, a time when Israelis dress up in costumes and partake in lively street parties. The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, and it’s a fun, family-friendly event.

April is an ideal time to visit Israel, as the country comes alive with celebrations for both Passover and Easter. This is a great opportunity to experience the rich religious history of the region and participate in various cultural events.

In April, the weather continues to improve, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) in Tel Aviv and 18°C (64°F) in Jerusalem. As spring is in full bloom, this is an excellent time to explore the countryside and marvel at the stunning wildflowers, especially in the Golan Heights and Galilee regions.

May is one of the best months to visit Israel, as the country experiences warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall. With average highs of 25°C (77°F) in Tel Aviv and 22°C (72°F) in Jerusalem, this is an ideal time for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

During May, Israel celebrates its Independence Day, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut . This national holiday is marked by fireworks, parties, and military parades, making it a unique and exciting time to experience Israeli culture.

June marks the beginning of the summer season in Israel, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) in Tel Aviv and 25°C (77°F) in Jerusalem. This is a popular time for beachgoers, as the Mediterranean coastline offers warm, crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches.

One notable event in June is the Tel Aviv Pride Parade , which is one of the largest pride celebrations in the Middle East. The city becomes a hub of colorful festivities, concerts, and parties, attracting visitors from around the world.

The best time of year to visit Israel for sun-seekers is July, when temperatures soar to an average high of 30°C (86°F) in Tel Aviv and 28°C (82°F) in Jerusalem. This is the perfect time to hit the beach, relax at the Dead Sea, or float in the refreshing waters of the Sea of Galilee.

While there aren’t many specific events in July, the summer months are packed with concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals that cater to a wide range of interests.

August is the hottest and driest month in Israel, with temperatures reaching an average high of 31°C (88°F) in Tel Aviv and 29°C (84°F) in Jerusalem. This is the best time to go to Israel for those looking to escape cooler climates and indulge in water-based activities.

One popular August event is the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, showcasing both international and local musicians in a picturesque beachfront setting, but be warned; Temperatures can soar to a whopping 40°C (104°F), so be sure to take plenty of sun cream!

As September arrives, the intense heat of the summer begins to subside, making it an increasingly comfortable time to visit Israel. With average highs of 29°C (84°F) in Tel Aviv and 26°C (79°F) in Jerusalem, you can still enjoy warm weather while exploring the country.

September is also the time for the Jewish High Holidays, including Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). This is a unique time to experience the country’s rich religious traditions, as many local customs and ceremonies take place. Yom Kippur is the one day of the year when there are virtually no cars on the roads due to the religious nature of the holiday, so, may take to the streets on their bicycles.

October 

October is a fantastic time to visit Israel, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. The average highs are around 26°C (79°F) in Tel Aviv and 23°C (73°F) in Jerusalem, providing pleasant conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

During October, you can experience the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot . This festival commemorates the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert and involves the building of temporary shelters known as sukkahs. You can also attend the annual Jerusalem International Film Festival, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world.

November 

As November rolls in, the temperatures continue to drop, making it one of the cooler and quieter times to visit Israel. The average highs are around 22°C (72°F) in Tel Aviv and 18°C (64°F) in Jerusalem. This is also the beginning of the rainy season, although the showers are usually short and sporadic.

November is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly experience, as it’s considered the off-peak season. You’ll find lower prices on flights and accommodations, making it the cheapest time to visit Israel.

December brings cooler weather to Israel, with average highs of 18°C (64°F) in Tel Aviv and 12°C (54°F) in Jerusalem. Although this is the wettest month of the year, the rain doesn’t typically last all day, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.

During December, you can experience the festive atmosphere of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. This eight-day celebration is marked by the lighting of menorahs, eating traditional foods, and playing games. Additionally, Christmas in the Holy Land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with various events and ceremonies taking place in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth.

The Best Time to Visit Israel is Whenever You Can 

The best time to visit Israel depends on your preferences and interests. For warm weather and beach activities, the summer months of June to August are ideal. However, if you’re looking to explore the country’s rich history and culture, the milder months of April, May, and October are perfect. Budget travelers will find the best deals during the off-peak season from November to February.

No matter when you choose to visit, Israel offers a unique and memorable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. So, pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the Holy Land!

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Israel in December: Warm Weather & Watersports

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If you are planning to go on a vacation in December, look no further than Israel. While many countries are in the grips of a cold winter, Israel is fairly warm during this time. From the beaches of Tel Aviv to the holy land of Jerusalem to the beautiful Golan Heights, the country has many historical and natural sights to explore. And with Hanukkah and Christmas taking place during this month, traveling to Israel in December can also be a great time to see the religious and cultural diversity of the country.

Israel Weather in December

The average December temperature in Israel varies between 11 °C and 23 °C. It is a bit more temperate along the coastal areas, like Tel Aviv. If you are traveling to Israel in December, expect a few rain showers both inland and along the coastal areas. The country receives an average rainfall of 19 mm during this month.

Not sure when to visit Israel? For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Israel .

Weather in Israel in December - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit israel in december.

In addition to the weather conditions, there are several other factors that make Israel an ideal holiday destination in December. Below are some of them:

• Watersports: Although December is part of the winter season in Israel, the weather in coastal areas is still warm enough for watersports. Most coastal towns offer activities like diving and surfing, Tel Aviv is the favorite pick among tourists. The city of El Ajami has its own sailor yacht club and sailing school.
• Festivals and events: December is packed with various festivals and events in Israel. Enjoy the festivals of Hanukkah or Hamshushalayim that take place during the middle of the month. The Christmas and New Year celebrations in Israel are a sight to behold, with the streets filled with the aroma of shawarmas and the sky lit up with fireworks.
• Diverse wildlife: Head to the Hula Valley in northern Israel, which is known for its nature reserve, wetlands, and lake park, to spot various bird species. The start of December sees thousands of migratory cranes arrive at Hula Lake Park. You can also visit Hamat Gader Park to see the crocodile farm. The place also draws a large number of tourists for its thermal baths.
• Affordable rates: Since it is not a part of the peak season, the beachside hotels and apartments are available at special discounts. So if you plan your cab rides or rentals appropriately, you can make the most of your budget to splurge elsewhere.

Where to Go and What to Do

The pleasant tropical weather of Israel in December allows you enough time to explore the cultural and historic sites during the day and enjoy the nightlife after dark. If you wish to explore the more natural side of Israel, head outside the major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Trek across the cliffs of Masada to explore the less traveled fortresses of ancient civilizations.

The northern mountains of Israel are also a great place for hiking and exploring. With many festivals and events taking place in December, the nightlife in Israel really kicks into high gear. There are parties close to every major city block, and cafes often get new additions to their menus around this time.

Even without the unique festival dishes, Israel has plenty to offer in terms of food and drinks, from the traditional Middle Eastern cuisine of hummus, falafels, and bourkas to the dishes from other parts of the world found. If you like to enjoy a drink or two, we advise sampling the limonene cocktail if you are visiting Israel for the first time.

No trip to Israel is complete without visiting the holy city of Jerusalem . The Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall are the top-visited sites in the city. While in Jerusalem, do make it a point of visiting the Old City bazaar, which has a great selection of mementos for you to take home.

Israel is a year-round destination, but if you are looking for an affordable travel destination during the holiday season, then December is the best time to visit the country. Though December is a winter month in Israel, the country’s weather is fairly warm, especially if you come from the cold parts of the world. There are many historical and natural sights to explore in Israel in December .

Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Israel for more ideas and insights. Our travel experts in Israel can help you choose the right customizable trips to Israel .

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Your Israel Packing List: A Season-by-Season Guide

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Travelers often think of the climate in the Middle East as being warm (or blazing hot like the surface of the sun) year-round, Israel truly has four distinct seasons – and I’ve been there for them all! There are also numerous microclimates in this tiny country and you’ll no doubt have tons of different adventures scheduled on your Israel itinerary , so you need to make sure your packing list for Israel covers all your bases.

I’ll take you through what to pack for Israel in this season-by-season guide, including your travel to Israel checklist of items that you’ll need every time you visit. Whether you’re wondering how to pack for a 10 day trip to Israel or a two month visit, keep reading for all the essentials!

Want to skip all the planning and access my detailed Israel itinerary complete with daily schedules, awesome activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

FAQ’s for Packing for Israel

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Packing List for Holy Land Trip

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Tourists and locals alike wear casual clothing in Israel. Jeans are common for most outings, even weddings and funerals!

Make sure that you are dressed as modestly as you can imagine. Women in particular should be covered from the ankle to the wrist to the collarbone, and your head should definitely be covered if you even look close to marriage age (which is young).

When visiting religious sites in Jerusalem, both men and women should plan to keep shoulders and knees covered out of respect. Men and women of marrying age should also cover their heads.

Don’t bring anything that could be perceived as a weapon to Israel. Be judicious about any clothing with religious or political messages on them so that you don’t find yourself unexpectedly in the middle of the complex geopolitical situation or religious differences.

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

Year-round travel to Israel checklist : travel essentials

There are a few items you’ll need when you visit Israel in any season. Fortunately it’s a very developed and westernized country with a huge international population, so you’ll be able to find anything you forget, but there are a few things I always like to bring from home.

First up, allllll the stuff you need to charge your devices. This is the 21st century, after all. Israeli homes and hotels uses European-style outlet, so you won’t need a specific Israel travel adapter. If your needs are simple, you might be able to get by with these cheap Europe plug adapters .

After bringing tons of them with us for years, we’ve come up with a better strategy! These days we have this high-quality global power adapter . It accepts plugs from anywhere and converts them to plugs for any destination. To meet modern needs, it has two USB-A plugs and three USB-C plugs in addition to a traditional three-prong outlet. It’s even my daily power adapter at home since it can simultaneously charge two phones, two smart watches, my extra USB power pack and my laptop! I can’t recommend it enough.

For days of city exploration, a casual medium sized bag like this one works great. Just enough space for your phone, camera and water bottle… but not so huge that you stand out for the wrong reasons. It’s versatile enough to cover you for museum-hopping or dinner out.

You’ll want a great, functional daypack to take with you for extra layers, sunblock, snacks and WATER for long days outside. So much water. This is honestly one of the most important Israel packing tips since it can impact your entire visit. Dehydration can be a real problem for some visitors to Israel, as there’s a lot of walking and the climate is very dry in many areas.

My favorite daypack for Israel is a Camelbak, and I definitely recommend one like this that holds a full day’s worth of stuff – it’s at the top of my list of what to take to Israel. Israel is an extremely casual country (and full of tourists, to boot) so you won’t feel out of place carrying it around. It’s the perfect option when you’re hitting the beach, hitting the trail or hitting the historic sites.

It may seem like a small item, but a quality travel towel should always be on your list of what to pack for a trip to Israel. You’ll use it at the beach and Ein Gedi at a minimum, and maybe a few other times as well – definitely worth it for the minimal space it requires! I recommend the XL size if you want one big enough to use at the beach.

Of course, since Israel is an extremely photogenic country you’ll want to bring a great camera. There are some wonderful choices these days in the “bridge camera” space and that’s what we’d recommend for most travelers who aren’t taking pictures for a living. You get full manual controls and a great zoom lens, but in a compact body that doesn’t require thinking about which lens to use. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for most travelers, this type of camera will suit your needs without breaking the bank and provides more flexibility than your smartphone’s camera.

Make sure to grab some packing cubes to keep your stuff organized. They’ll help you quickly see when you’re down to that last pair of underwear and it’s time to do laundry. ( This is my life when traveling full-time with kids – regularly counting everyone’s underwear.)

Should you bring a suitcase or a backpack for your trip to Israel? That really depends on the style of travel you’re doing. When I was packing for Birthright Israel, I opted for a backpack and that was a great choice. Some of our accommodations didn’t have elevators, and when I traveled on my own later there were times when I needed to easily transport everything without wheeling a suitcase around. Don’t miss this awesome travel backpack for women if that’s the direction you want to go – like my old (discontinued) one, the daypack zips on and off so that you can carry everything on the plane but then just bring the smaller portion out with you.

What should you pack your stuff in? Read our hands-on reviews of the best travel backpacks for women .

On the other hand, now that I’m older, grayer and tend to stay in places with elevators and use a rental car to get around a suitcase works just fine. I find that a hard-sided carry-on suitcase works well for just about all travel I do now. We have several suitcases from this series and they’re holding up beautifully.

What do people wear in Israel?

Travelers visiting Europe often worry about “looking like a tourist” or “standing out”. The good news when you’re packing for Israel is that you don’t need to worry about dressing up . I’ve attended both weddings and funerals in Israel at which family members and guests were wearing jeans. It’s a casual country!

When you’re deciding what to wear in Tel Aviv, remember that it’s a casual beachside city. While people don’t walk around the interior parts of the city in only a swimsuit, within a few blocks of the beach you could see young Israelis in a swimsuit and coverup or short shorts. And, of course, sunglasses. You’ll see flip flops and locally-made Naot sandals on lots of feet.

If you want to bring nicer clothing for dinner or going out at night, jeans will suffice. Men often pair them with a casual button-down shirt, while women might wear a nice top and any shoes that aren’t full-on running shoes. But Israel outfits for daytime can include shorts or even athletic wear without so much as a second glance. So no need to stress to much about the style of what to wear to Israel. That said…

Is there a dress code in Jerusalem? : What to Wear in Holy Land Tour

While how to dress in Israel could easily be described as “casual” in most areas, clothing in Jerusalem is just a little… different. Along Yafo Street and in other popular areas, you’ll see a healthy mix of secular Israelis and tourists in shorts, young soldiers both in and out of uniform, and religious Jews and Muslims with varying levels of coverage. While there’s no formal dress code in Jerusalem and you’ll see people of all stripes, some sites do require more modest attire.

When visiting religious sites in Jerusalem, both men and women should plan to keep shoulders and knees covered out of respect. Men who are visiting the kotel (Western Wall) should plan to cover their heads with a kippah – either bring your own, or don one of the freely available cardboard ones (yes, cardboard). For married women visiting the kotel , it is also appropriate to cover your head though you’re unlikely to face much scrutiny – and if someone says something to you, feel free to ignore them.

If you plan to visit Jerusalem’s very religious neighborhoods like Mea Shearim, make sure that you are dressed as modestly as you can imagine . Women in particular should be covered from the ankle to the wrist to the collarbone, and your head should definitely be covered if you even look close to marriage age (which is young). You may be harassed for dressing in a way that residents consider immodest . Consider yourself warned.

To make sure you’re covered ( pun intended ) you might want to put a large shawl on your list of what to bring to Israel. Wrap it as a skirt, drape it around your shoulders… whatever you need to do!

Psssst… the Baha’i Gardens dress code also requires that you cover shoulders and knees! So keep your shawl or other modest clothing available when you visit Haifa.

There are two primary seasons in Israel, summer and winter. Summer runs May through October and winter runs November through March, though November can sometimes be more like autumn in the US depending on the year. There’s a tiny little Spring in Israel, usually in April. What do those seasons mean for you as a tourist?

Summer is generally hot everywhere – especially in southern Israel. The beachside city of Tel Aviv is generally warmer and more humid than Jerusalem, which sits up in the mountains. Beware of jellyfish in the water in July and August.

The weather in Israel in October can be transitional but is usually still excellent for tourists – dry, but not as brutally hot as the peak summer months. Moreover, locals are celebrating the joyous fall holidays making October the best time to visit Jerusalem in our opinion. Keep reading for what to wear in Isreal in October and all year long.

November is a crap shoot. It can still be hot (especially in places like Eilat), or it can start to become cooler and even somewhat rainy toward the end of the month, while December and January can be downright cold and wet depending on the year and exactly where you’re heading. Not what you’d expect for weather in the Middle East, eh? We’ve experienced torrential rains and more during winter in Israel.

Does it snow in Jerusalem? Yes, sort of, sometimes. Snow isn’t necessarily an annual event, and when it happens it’s usually just a nice dusting that doesn’t stick around long. But if you’re interested in chasing winter weather make sure to head to Mount Hermon in the north – you can even go skiing in Israel!

There are many rainy days in February and March. If you’re wondering what to wear in Israel in March, bring rain boots and a rain coat! Then April brings glorious weather and blooming wildflowers. We think it’s the best time to visit Israel, especially if you enjoy hiking and plan to visit the north. Just beware that many Israelis take their own holidays during Passover – some domestic and some overseas – so book accommodations early.

Get the inside scoop on the best time of year to visit Israel

I always like to start my own clothing packing lists by considering footwear and then working my way up. This is not a country where you’ll sit around or see everything from the window of a car, so the most important item you can pack are the best walking shoes for Israel. And which ones are those? What shoes to wear in Israel depends on your own needs and the time of year!

Pro tip:  I’m a huge fan of wool socks! Regardless of the season, they’re comfortable and they keep your feet dry and stink-free thanks to their naturally antimicrobial properties. You can even wear them a few times between washes and they won’t be gross. I traveled the world for a year with just four pairs (including two of  these ) and it worked out great.

At the same time, you don’t need to bring tons and tons of footwear – keeping your shoe choices pared down is important when you’re figuring out how to pack for Israel without overpacking . Remember that if you’re on a big group tour, you’ll be responsible for hauling your own bags!

Shoes for summer in Israel

Summers in Israel generally vary between “hot” and “extremely hot”, so you’ll want footwear that’s appropriate for walking but will also keep you cool. The good news is that there are some great options now that could be your one and only shoes for travel in Israel ! I’ll admit that I haven’t tried these myself, but I sort of wish I had brought them on our round-the-world trip to minimize my shoe count. They will work equally well for beach days, city walking and middle-distance hikes on all but the most rugged terrain.

Another option if you are ok bringing two pairs of shoes for Israel is to pair these comfortable flip flops with trail runners that can be worn equally well on rocky trail or in water. I wore these shoes to hike at Ein Gedi ( and the into the water ) and they worked perfectly thanks to great drainage. These socks are the perfect mate since wool keeps your feet cool, healthy and dry (as long as you don’t wear them in the water, obviously).

Shoes for winter in Israel

Winter in Israel can be chilly and rainy, so you’ll want to pick sensible shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances. You can probably get by with one pair of shoes if you choose them well! Unless you plan to do major hiking, cute, comfortable athleisure shoes should do the trick; I like to bring along quality inserts if I feel like I need extra support for a long day of walking. If you want to blend in like a local, don’t leave home without a pair of Blundstone boots – they’re everywhere in Israel and will work equally well in town or out on trails.

It’s easy to pack light for a summer trip to Israel, and summer lasts a long time! You’ll find locals dressed in skimpy outfits in humid, beachy Tel Aviv and a little more conservatively in Jerusalem (where the temperatures tend to be a bit cooler but the reflections from all those stone buildings are intense). What’s a good traveling to Israel packing list for April through October? You may also want to consult this list for what to wear in Israel in November if it’s a warmer year. This list works for an Israel outdoors packing list or indoors. It is versatile for exploring both.

-2 shorts or skirts

-1 pair of pants (I’d probably choose jeans , but you could consider these awesome hiking pants if you’ll be spending a lot of time exploring the great outdoors)

-3-4 short sleeve or sleeveless shirts

-2-3 dresses (1 short , 1 long )

-1 cardigan or light jacket

-2 necklaces (1 long , 1 short – I love traveling with this one because I can swap out the stones for a different look every day)

-hat (check out this awesome rollable one !)

– sunglasses

-1 swim suit

That should be enough if you follow the capsule wardrobe method to make sure everything coordinates! The maxi dress with a cardigan over it should take care of what to wear in Jerusalem when visiting religious sites. For all other places, comfort and practicality are in order.

If you’re traveling down to Eilat to snorkel in the Red Sea, you may want to bring your own snorkel gear if you have specific preferences. You can always rent it locally, but I’d especially recommend bringing kids snorkel gear to ensure that they have properly fitting equipment.

If you’re planning to visit Israel in winter, you’ll need to pack warmer clothing that’s appropriate for rainy weather and cooler temperatures. What to wear in Israel in December, January and February? Even in March, high temperatures rarely rise above the 60s, so you’ll want to leave the shorts and tank tops at home. Fortunately that warmer clothing will take care of any concerns about the modest dress code in Jerusalem’s religious sites!

What to Wear in Israel in Winter

-2 jeans (I’d recommend one black and one blue )

-1 black leggings – I recently got these and I never want to take them off , plus they can be worn a bunch of times between washes

-1 hiking pants ( These Prana pants served me well all over the world – they’re practical and flattering and can even be worn off the trail without looking weird. Another option is quality black leggings , but be sure to choose a pair that can double as pants if you need them.)

-2 long sleeve shirts , 1 short sleeve shirt (I recommend a merino blend like this one or this one – it looks nice enough to wear on its own and offers warmth and breathability without bulk, making it perfect for layering too. It can also go a few wears without getting stinky – bonus!)

-2 light sweaters

-1 jacket ( packable down jacket for December through February, packable rain jacket with room for layering in November and March)

– cozy socks

-hat, scarf and gloves for December through February (Check out this amazingly cozy fleece-lined hat !)

-1-2 necklaces

Good news for winter travelers: most homes and apartments in Israel have clothes dryers! Feel free to bring your jeans and enjoy them. They’ll look great with your new Blundstone boots . How many winter accessories to bring on your trip is a matter of personal preference, but many parts of Israel can be mighty cold on winter evenings and I’ve seen snow dusting the palm trees in Jerusalem.

* You’ll probably still need to bring a swimsuit for a Birthright packing list. But if you’re visiting on your own in winter, you can decide whether or not to pack it (I wouldn’t).

Read more: Your complete 10-day Israel itinerary for first-time visitors

Money-saving travel resources: – Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner – Book your discounted rental car on RentalCars.com – Compare travel insurance options – 4 simple hacks to save more money on booking.com Check out these helpful articles to plan your upcoming trip to Israel: – The perfect 10 day Israel itinerary – 3 days in Jerusalem itinerary – 2 days in Tel Aviv itinerary – Where to stay in Israel – 50 things to know before you visit Israel – What to pack for Israel in each season – When is the best time of year to go to Israel? – 10+ must-read tips for renting a car in Israel – 20 foods you have to try in Israel – 25+ best books about Israel – Where to stay in Jerusalem – What to do in Jerusalem on Shabbat – Israel with kids: the complete guide – Visiting Jerusalem with kids – Visiting Tel Aviv with kids – Best day trips from Tel Aviv – Best day trips from Jerusalem – Your Israel itinerary for (more or less) 10 days – Visiting the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel

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The Ultimate Packing List for Israel: Season by Season

I’ll start with a confession – I don’t like packing. I always do it at the last minute and then get nervous that I might have forgotten something. Then, I jot down a list of things I must take with me and go over them again and again. I think the wiser thing to do is to make a packing list enough time in advance and stick to it. That’s why I created this post – so you won’t have to ponder too much about what to pack to Israel. So… here’s my ultimate packing list for Israel, season by season.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, including links from Amazon, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. These links help me keep the website alive and not depend on sponsors! I appreciate your support.

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Need the packing list on a printable page? Download my FREE printable packing list for Israel so you can tick off everything you put in your luggage. The printable list includes some items that are not included in this post.

Table of Contents

The essentials

Here are some essential things to bring to Israel, regardless of the weather:

1. All the required documents

• Your passport and, if required, a visa! ( check if you need a visa here )
• A photocopy of your passport in case you lose it. A scanned image on your phone is also ok.
• Health and travel insurance. Now, when there’s uncertainty in Israel due to the war, you can get health insurance through Harel Yedidim , a local Israeli insurance company. 
• Medical prescriptions, if needed!

2. Int ernational power adapter

In Israel, the power outlets are type C and H and require 230 V and 50 Hz. If you’re coming from a country that doesn’t have these power outlets, it’s best to bring an international power adapter.

Get it on Amazon

*I don’t have this exact power adapter, because I’m from Israel and don’t need an adapter, but it got good reviews and it works in Israel.

3. Credit card and cash

You might be wondering if you can pay by credit card in Israel. So, the answer is – yes. Most places accept credit cards. Yet, there are a few places where they only accept cash, such as certain Christian sites or market stores. So it’s still a good idea to bring some cash with you. If you need to withdraw money, it’s best to do it inside an official bank like Discount, Bank HaPoalim, Bank Yahav, and Bank Leumi. These banks can be found almost everywhere in the main cities.

4. Neck wallet

If you’re bringing money, a credit card, and important documents, you need to keep them safe. Pickpocketing is not common in Israel, but I personally had a bad experience with two thieves who took a lot of money from me while traveling on the bus. So… It’s always good to have your valuables close to you. That’s why I believe a neck wallet is so important for any trip.

Find neck wallets on Amazon

5. Portable power bank

You probably won’t forget your mobile phone, right? But what about a power bank? Yes, you can charge your phone every night, but if you’re using it to take pictures and navigate around Israel, your battery might die out fast. That’s why a portable power bank is always recommended, especially if you plan to do some hiking during your trip.  

Find portable power banks on Amazon

6. Toiletry basics

It’s always good to stay clean during travel. Make sure to pack a toiletry bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, your favorite shampoo, conditioner and body soap, and a hairbrush. I always like using a head case for my toothbrush because it’s much easier to clean after my trip. Find head covers for your toothbrush on Amazon.

7. Sunscreen & sunglasses

The Israeli sun is strong all year round. That’s why it’s important to pack good-quality sunscreen. I recommend at least 50 SPF! And don’t forget good-quality sunglasses.

8. A shawl to cover the shoulders

This is especially relevant to women travelers, but if you’re a man and like to go sleeveless, it could also be relevant to you. Many travel blogs recommend bringing a skirt for holy sites in Israel, but it’s not a MUST. You can also come with long pants or Jeans . BUT a shawl is a MUST if you plan to travel with sleeveless shirts. When visiting the Western Wall, synagogues, churches, mosques, or Temple Mount, you will need to cover your shoulders. In some places, they offer a shawl for you, but maybe you will prefer your own. Find beautiful shawls on Amazon . Just make sure the shawl isn’t transparent! Learn more about the dress code in Jerusalem , Israel’s holiest city.

9. Small backpack for day touring

While traveling in Israel, you will probably go on a number of day tours. And on these tours, you will need to carry water, sunscreen, snacks, and any other essentials. So, a small backpack is very handy. When picking a daypack, you should choose whichever daypack suits your personal needs and body structure. If possible, I recommend checking the backpack in a physical store and only then comparing prices to Amazon or other online stores.

*I’m linking to Osprey’s backpack because I have some of Osprey’s products and like the brand. Haven’t tried this specific backpack.

10. Comfortable walking shoes

If you’re planning to walk around and do lots of sightseeing, comfortable walking shoes are a MUST. The pavements of the Old City in Jerusalem are slippery and uneven, so it’s extremely important to have good shoes over there. And, of course, if you’re planning to combine some hiking on your trip, proper shoes are essential. If you plan to visit Israel with new shoes, walk with them a bit before the trip so they will be comfortable.

I also recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops, that you can use in your hotel or hostel when you want to shower. Or, if you want to go to the pool.

11. Optional – A swimsuit

While Israel has some fantastic beaches, you don’t have to swim while visiting the country, especially if you’re coming in winter. But if you do want to swim in the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee, or the Dead Sea, a swimsuit is highly recommended. Find swimsuits on Amazon .

Summer packing list for Israel (June to September)

Summer in Israel starts around June and ends in September, with August usually being the hottest month. Usually, the day temperatures will be higher than 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) no matter where you’ll be. So, it’s important to come prepared with suitable clothing. In places like the Dead Sea and Eilat, you can expect temperatures that soar well beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). And it’s going to be DRY!

Here are some recommended items for the Israeli summertime:

• Short shirts and pants. The heat might be unbearable, so make sure you’re packing short clothes. If you want to protect yourselves from the sun, you can pack light and breathable long-sleeve shirts.
• A sunhat. Pack a hat with UV protection and wide brims. I personally recommend the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat (on Amazon) , which I normally use when guiding.
• Swimsuit. Summer is the ideal time to go to the beach or swim in the hotel’s swimming pool. So, a swimsuit is essential if you love to swim or splash around in the water.
• Light jacket. The days will probably be hot, but the evening might be chilly, especially if you’re staying in Jerusalem, the Negev, or the Upper Galilee. So, it’s good to pack something warm for the evenings.  
• Lip moisturizer for dry lips. The dry weather might affect your lips, so it’s good to have a lip moisturizer in hand. Find the perfect lip moisturizer on Amazon.

Recommended read >> Full guide to summer in Israel .

Winter packing list for Israel (December to February)

Winter in Israel starts around December and ends in February. Usually, the temperature during the day is about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Still, there are some very cold days, with the temperature reaching around zero degrees. Sometimes, it even snows in Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. During the evening, the temperature can get very chilly, especially in Jerusalem. Compared to other places around the globe, it might not be so cold, but I still recommend bringing warm clothes. It’s best to come with layers.

Here are some recommended items for the Israeli wintertime:

• A coat.   It doesn’t have to be a super warm coat, but I do recommend bringing a coat with wind and rain protection. F ind coats on Amazon .
• Umbrella . It isn’t a must because it doesn’t always rain in winter. But I recommend checking the forecast a week in advance, and if you see expected rainfall, bring an umbrella. Winds are usually strong, so bring a sturdy one. But don’t worry – If you get caught in the rain with no umbrella, it’s usually easy to buy one in the cities.
• A scarf, mittens, and a wool hat. This is especially important if you’re coming to Jerusalem, the Upper Galilee, or the Golan Heights. These places can get very cold in winter, and I always walk around with a scarf, mittens, and wool hat in my backpack. Just in case I get cold.
• Waterproof shoes. After rainfall, pavements might be flooded or wet. So, if you don’t want the water to penetrate your shoes, it’s best to come with waterproof ones.

Recommended read >> Full guide to winter in Israel .

Spring and fall packing list for Israel (March to May and October to November)

Spring and fall are the intermediate seasons in Israel. A few years ago, people said that springtime has more chance of rain, but I think things have changed lately. The weather is unexpected, and there might be a super hot day or a super cold day. And there’s not much difference between spring and fall anymore. If you plan to hike in Israel, springtime is the most beautiful month, with flowers blossoming everywhere. But fall is also a pleasant time for hiking.

There’s nothing too special to add to your packing list for Israel in spring or fall. It’s recommended to bring different layers of clothing, so you can be prepared for all types of weather. A rainproof jacket could also be a good addition to your suitcase. But other than that, I think the essentials cover it.

Recommended read >> Full guide to springtime in Israel .

Israel is generally a warm destination all year long and in winter, there could be some chilly evenings. So, the best thing is to pack clothes in layers that can fit all kinds of temperatures. Other than clothing, you should pack all your documents, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a portable charger, and anything else that will make your trip fun and comfortable. Hope this packing list for Israel will help you keep organized!  

Before you go – I also recommend reading >> Travel to Israel: All You Need to Know.

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Weather & Climate

Ben Gurion Airport Guide

Driving in Israel

Reasons to Visit Israel

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One-Week Itinerary

Best Israel Tours

Top Things to Do in Israel

Best Beaches

Best National Parks

Outdoor Markets

How to Visit the Dead Sea

Food to Try in Israel

Things to Do in Jerusalem

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Guide to the Western Wall

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Best Time to Visit

The Best Time to Visit Israel

The best time to visit Israel is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach). Summer is the most popular and therefore the most crowded, but it can often be extremely hot and unpleasant.

Whenever you decide to go, use this guide to help plan your trip to this tiny but fascinating country known for its rich culture, fascinating history, stunning beaches, and eclectic food.

Holidays and Festivals

Israel is the world’s only majority-Jewish state, and as such, all of the Jewish holidays are national holidays. They follow a lunar calendar, so the dates are different each year on the Gregorian calendar, but generally they tend to fall in a certain month or season. Some turn into countrywide celebrations for an entire week, while others are more somber or have particular rules that may affect your stay.

That said, it's important to research what occurs on each holiday. For example, on Passover (usually in April), observant Jews do not eat bread, cake, and other foods made with grains, so those foods can be difficult to find during that week. Yom Kippur (usually in September) is a fast day, and everything in the country closes down (even public transit and many roads) starting the night before and through the next day. Holidays like Sukkot or the Feast of the Tabernacles (usually in September or October), Purim (usually around February), and Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day, in May) are rowdy celebrations.

It is worth noting that Muslim holidays, which change every year because they follow the Islamic calendar, are also celebrated in certain parts of Israel. Lailat Al-Miraj is a big event at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, as it marks Mohammed’s rise to Heaven. Eid Ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, brings celebrations to the Muslim Quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem. Check before you visit to determine when these holidays fall on the Gregorian calendar.

Israel has plenty of secular festivals as well, including the Red Sea Jazz Festival , the Israel Festival , the Jerusalem Beer Festival, and Tel Aviv Pride Week , which draws massive international crowds every June. Hotels and other accommodations are more expensive and book up quickly during holidays and festivals, so plan accordingly—Passover is one of the most expensive and popular times to visit Israel.

Even if you don’t come during a long holiday, Jews celebrate Shabbat every weekend, from sundown on Friday to an hour after sunset on Saturday. Practically speaking, this means that public transit stops running to many Orthodox neighborhoods—in fact, Tel Aviv only started limited bus service during Shabbat at the end of 2019. Taxis and other services are also limited, and in Orthodox neighborhoods especially, many restaurants and shops are closed. Of course, Shabbat is not only about limitations, it’s also a wonderful tradition. If you can get yourself invited to someone’s home for a Shabbat meal, you’re in for a real treat. It’s also a great time to relax, be outside, and go on long walks. And, one of the best activities to do before Shabbat on Friday morning is go to one of the big outdoor markets, or shuks, to see the bustling pre-Shabbat shopping—Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem or Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv are both lively options.

The Weather in Israel

With highs creeping into the low to mid-90s in some places in the summer, it's best to visit Israel in late spring/early summer (April, May, or early June) or fall (September and October) to avoid the extreme heat. While the weather is a little more unpredictable during these times (be prepared for the occasional rain shower), you can expect average temps in the 80s, ideal for beach days, hiking, and sightseeing.

Most of the country experiences a mild winter with lows in the 50s. However, winter can get rainy, and some parts do get cold—most notably Jerusalem, which can experience lows in the 40s and the occasional snowfall. Mount Hermon in the north, likewise, gets cold enough that it's home to the country’s only ski resort.

Peak Season in Israel

Despite the often oppressive heat, summer (July and August) is still the most popular time for tourists to visit Israel, and prices usually reflect that.

The week of Passover in the spring is probably the next-most popular time to visit. With schools, workplaces, and many government offices closed for the entire week, attractions, beaches, hotels, and restaurants can get quite crowded and expensive. Book early if you plan to come during Passover.

Winter in Israel is the rainy season and it can get quite wet, depending on the year. Though Jerusalem is one of the coldest cities and the Negev desert gets chilly at night, winter in general is fairly mild here. Attractions, restaurants, and shops are less crowded and flights, hotels, and rental cars are generally cheaper (except during December when U.S. schools are on break).

Events to check out:

• The holiday of Hanukkah, celebrated nationally, typically falls in December; while it’s not as big of a celebration as some other Jewish holidays, there are often public menorah lightings, concerts, and parties.
• Christmas is not a public holiday in Israel, but the Armenian Quarter and Via Dolorosa in the Old City in Jerusalem and Nazareth are good places to experience the holiday in Israel. Many tours also go to Bethlehem in Palestine.
• Secular New Year’s Eve in Israel, sometimes called Sylvester , is celebrated with parties and a night out, but it's not as widely celebrated as it is in other countries because the Jewish New Year actually occurs in the fall.
• The national holiday of Purim falls in February or March and is generally a rowdy holiday that involves dressing up in costume, reading the story of Purim from the Megillah, eating triangle-shaped Hamantaschen cookies, having a celebratory meal, and drinking alcohol.

Spring in Israel is absolutely lovely, with wildflowers blooming and temperatures creeping up to the mid-70s and 80s. It’s pleasant beach and hiking weather, and it’s perfect for trips to the Negev desert, Dead Sea , and Jordan Valley—some of the hottest parts of the country that are often unbearable in summer. Spring also brings some of Israel’s best holidays and festivals.

• The Jewish holiday of Passover usually occurs in late March or April and is celebrated across the country for a full week. Some days are Yom Tov days, with stores, restaurants, public transit, and more shutting down for a day. The rest of the week is filled with events, festivals, and lots of touring because the entire country is on vacation the whole week.
• Lag Ba’Omer comes 33 days after Passover. It is a national holiday but is especially celebrated in the city of Meron, where the famous Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is buried. Lag Ba’Omer is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, picnics, and singing.
• Usually in May, the Shavuot holiday is celebrated 50 days after Passover. It is like Shabbat, where many things close down across the country, and it lasts one eve and one day. It’s a tradition to eat dairy food on Shavuot.
• Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, typically occurs in April or May, and is accompanied by picnics and barbecues. Don't wear nice clothing: Children and teens often walk through their city and spray shaving cream or silly string at people.
• Easter is celebrated in Jerusalem, with festivities usually focused around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City.
• The Israel Festival is usually held at the end of May or beginning of June at multiple Jerusalem venues and is filled with art shows, dance performances, theater, concerts, and more.

Summer in Israel can get very hot. It rarely rains in the summer though, so you’re guaranteed good, if hot, weather. It’s the most popular time for tourists; many attractions fill up quickly and beaches across Israel are crowded. While there are no Jewish holidays in the summer, there are several festivals.

• Pride Week is held in Tel Aviv in June. Visitors from around the world flock here for parades, parties, and various celebrations.
• The Jerusalem Festival of Light in June illuminates the Old City with light installations and art on the ancient stone walls and cobblestone streets.
• Come August, more than 150 breweries (both international and domestic) are represented at the Jerusalem Beer Festival, which hosts food stands and live music, too.
• The Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat is a three-day-long festival held the last week in August with about 10 concerts per night and daily workshops.

Fall is very pleasant in Israel, as the oppressive heat of summer dissipates and temperatures are mild. The Jewish New Year occurs in fall, and there are several holidays during this season.

• Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year; it typically occurs in September and is celebrated nationally over two days. Though many things shut down, there are lovely traditions around Rosh Hashanah, like eating apples with honey and blowing the shofar (ram’s horn). The fast day of Yom Kippur takes place 10 days later, and everything in the country shuts down again. It is a serious holiday, without lively celebrations.
• The weeklong holiday of Sukkot, or Feast of the Tabernacles, is a wonderful holiday to be in Israel for. More of a harvest festival, there are small huts set up outside for eating in and elaborate meals are typical. You’ll also see people walking around carrying lulav and etrog (palm fronds and citron fruits)—especially around the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where thousands of people can gather on certain Sukkot mornings. There are some days of Yom Tov, but the rest of the week is filled with events, festivals, and lots of touring because the country is on vacation. The week ends with Simchat Torah, a raucous celebration with a lot of singing, dancing, and alcohol consumption.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Israel, because the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and there are much fewer crowds.

August is the hottest month in Israel with average high temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 and 32 degrees Celsius).

Winters in Israel are mild, but certain areas like Jerusalem can experience winter temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and on top of Mount Hermon, it gets cold enough to run a ski resort.

BBC News. "Israel Country Profile." April 27, 2020.

Haaretz. "'This Is a Historic Day': Tel Avivans Hope Buses on Shabbat Are Just the Beginning." November 24, 2019.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Tel Aviv, Israel Year Round." Retrieved March 17, 2021.

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When is the best time to visit Israel?

• Month-by-month

The best times to visit Israel are in spring or fall, because the days are pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 79°F, and the nights are cool.

It can be quite hot during the day from June to August, with average temperatures of 90°F. However, the evenings are cooler and if you don’t mind the heat, you’ll enjoy smaller crowds at popular sites.

Temperatures are much cooler in winter, around 50°F, with Jerusalem even receiving occasional snowfall.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Israel

Visiting Israel in January - March

In the early months of the year, temperatures in Israel are on the cooler side, with some parts of the country seeing the odd snowfall. This is also the time of year when Israel is most likely to experience rain.

Events & Festivals

• One of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar, Purim, which takes place in March, celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a Persian plot to purge the population. You’ll find the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem lined with lively celebrations, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
• Easter is incredibly busy in Israel, with many Christians choosing to celebrate the holiday in the Holy Land, especially in Jerusalem.

Visiting Israel in April - May

As spring begins in Israel the weather becomes much more agreeable with the sun shining and temperatures rising. Evenings can still be a bit cool, so be sure to pack a light sweater or jacket.

• Yom Haatzmaut, which falls in April or May, celebrates the formal establishment of the State of Israel, and is always directly preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for the cause. There is an almost incongruous ‘switch’ from somberness of Memorial Day to the lively celebrations, shows and festive events the following day.
• Commemorating the Exodus story, Passover, which usually falls in April, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. As such it’s also a particularly busy time to travel — all Israeli schools are closed and many families will spend time moving around the country, making it one of the most difficult times to get to certain sites or find hotel rooms. Many Jews will observe strict dietary rules during this period, and these restrictions may also affect the availability of certain foods in many hotels, though overall there is a feeling of celebration.

Visiting Israel in June - August

Temperatures rise rapidly in the summer, with long days of powerful sunshine. Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection if you plan on visiting Israel during this period.

Visiting Israel in September - October

The temperatures begin to cool off again in September and October, so the weather is much more pleasant than in the heat of the summer.

• The holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is the day of atonement when Jews ask for forgiveness for their sins from the previous year. Observance includes a 25-hour fast beginning at sunset. Many businesses shut down over this period, and it can be difficult to find transportation or an open restaurant as many locals take time off work.
• Rosh Hashanah is a two-day holiday marking the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. It is a time when the traditional shofar (ram’s horn) is blown from synagogues, and apples, honey and other sweets are eaten to celebrate the occasion. Be aware, many businesses will close during Rosh Hashanah.

Visiting Israel in November - December

Cooler winter weather returns in November and December, with the possibility of snow and certainly rain in Jerusalem .

• One of the most iconic Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is the eight-day festival of lights, celebrated by lighting menorahs and eating lots of oily food. In Israel, you can witness the annual relay race that brings a torch from the hills of Judea to light the menorah by the Western Wall.
• Although Judaism and Islam are the biggest religions in Israel, many Christian residents and visitors spend Christmas in the Holy Land, especially in areas such as Bethlehem and Nazareth.

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Israel Tours in December 2024

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196 Israel trips in December 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Galilee, Golan, Caesarea and Nazareth 4 days

We had a fantastic tour to Galilee, Golan, Caesarea, and Nazareth, the guide Tomer was extraordinarily knowledgeable and answer any questions we had. We highly recommend him for your visit to Israel. The communication and the booking process with the booking-tours company were smooth, and all pickup was on time.

• Sightseeing

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Dead Sea 4-Day Excursion

The tour was amazing! Masada sunrise - Ein Gedi - the Dead Sea - a wonderful mix of mountain hiking (not easy, but such a satisfaction from a successful ascent!), walking in the park and then relaxing in the Dead Sea. Jerusalem - history and modernity - it was interesting to see two sides of this city. And a cherry on the cake - a Tel Aviv bike tour - it was fantastic! Architecture, parks, history and especially the promenade - I enjoyed it so much! And also a complete delight from the hostel! There is a lovely lounge where a lot of events, nice bar and rooftop for guests to relax. Stunning atmosphere! The staff is friendly and professional - any help at any time. Thank you all, guys, you are amazing!

8 Days Highlights of Israel

Excellent. On time, knowledgeable tour guide and very safe driver.

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 5 Days

Customer service, tour guide, bus driver, hotel everything perfect. Love this tour.

Discover Israel

Informative and interesting historical and biblical sites. Accommodations and food were very good and guides and drivers were friendly. Only real glitch was pairing English speaking and Spanish speaking tourists together. Lead tour guide had to repeat everything in both languages. Both sets of tourists were frustrated as it slowed things down. Queue line control at the church of the holy sepulcher was lousy, allowing people to cut lines; and at one point the line didn’t move at all from 3:00 until 4:15. By 5:00, they rushed everyone through — if they maintained flow speed throughout the day instead of just at the end and had more queue line discipline, people could get through faster and suffer less frustration. Jordan river— site near Jericho had putrid looking water; should use a site closer to the Sea of Galilee where the water is cleaner. Dead Sea was disappointing— staff would not allow people to swim or float — only wading.

The Story of the Israeli State - 10 Days

My husband and I had never been to Israel and booked this tour as a “bucket-list” event. Our tour guide, Efraim Native, was the best - he was a history professor, knew philosophy, religion, politics, economics, abd engineering - answering every question we had. He was friendly, helpful and made excellent food recommendations. Our tour covered Tel Aviv (our new favorite city), Haifa, the Golan (do not miss the Hula Nature Preserve), and Jerusalem (Old and New). We added the Masada/Dead Sea tour at the end. Finally, we chose the 5-Star hotel option and stayed in true luxurious accommodations). We will use Tour Radar and Click Tours again!

Biblical Lands 5 star - 8 days

Heritage of the Holy Land

Good itinerary, interesting and great guide. Nice group of people too

Heritage & Holy Land - 8 days

Fantastic tour with a fantastic guide (Eyal)!

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 7 Days

Excellent Tour. The tour guides have managed the tour very well as per the plan. Hotel accommodation was also good. Great for those who are looking for a Jewish experience. Highly Recommend...

Tailor-Made Private Israel Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Jewish Israel Tour Package, 8 Days

All the guides were informative and friendly. A special thanks to Chaya who helped us meet up with a relative in Akko at lunch. Would have preferred to tour the chocolate factory at the kibbutz we stayed at, and to have had the option of visiting the bird migrating place we drove past. Well organized. Enough time at each place. Suggestions of great museums on our free days would have been appreciated as well but the hotel staffs were all so helpful. We liked all the hotels but saw no advantage about being dropped off at a kibbutz hotel with a closed chocolate factory and signs inviting us to enter and taste.

Mini Jewish Tour Package, 6 Day

Had a fantastic tour. Our guides were really fantastic and knew their stuff. Bein Hareim tours were really flexible and facilitated a change we asked for. Would definitely recommend.

Past to the Future - The Story of the Israeli State - 11 days

The tour is very well-planned and paced. It gives one exactly what it promises: a chance to view the history of the Jewish people and the state through the major sites and cities.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tailor-Made Best Israel Tour with Daily Departure & Private Trip

What people love about israel tours in december.

I had a wonderful time! Our tour guide Orna was very knowledgeable, caring and with very good sense of humor! The same thing I would also say about our bus driver Namir. We felt very safe and cared of.

Destinations

• Northern Israel December 2024 (17)
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• Dead Sea December 2024 (4)

Regions in Israel

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• Israel Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

December Holiday Celebrations In Israel

December is a time of joy and celebration in Israel, as the country marks several important holidays during the month. From the lighting of the menorah on Hanukkah to the singing of carols on Christmas, Israel truly comes alive during this special time of year.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the December holiday celebrations that take place in Israel, including their origins, traditions, and how they’re celebrated today. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the festive spirit of December in Israel!

Israeli Holidays Celebrated in December

December is a time for celebration in Israel, with several holidays being observed throughout the month. From Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, to Christmas Day, there are many festive occasions to be enjoyed during this special time of year.

As well as marking important religious festivals, December is also an opportunity for Israelis to come together and celebrate their shared culture, customs, and traditions. Here, we will take a look at some of the most significant Israeli holidays celebrated during December and how these are traditionally celebrated.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned in the Temples’ menorah for eight days. It starts on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, usually falling in December.

Popular Foods Served During Hanukkah

Latke or potato pancake.

These are made by grating potatoes and onions, and then frying them in oil. This is a nod to the miracle of the oil that burned in the Temple, as the latkes are traditionally fried in oil. They are usually served with sour cream or applesauce on top.

These are jelly doughnuts these round treats are also fried in oil and filled with jelly or custard. They are usually served dusted with powdered sugar. Sufganiyot are becoming a traditional Hanukkah food in Israel, where you can find them being sold in bakeries and street vendors during the holiday season.

Brisket is a flavorful and tender beef cut that has become one of the most popular foods served during Hanukkah. Prepared in unique ways by different cultures, this protein-packed dish is often served with traditional sides such as potatoes and carrots or roasted vegetables like red peppers and garlic.

Deliciously juicy when slow-cooked in a rich sauce, brisket makes for an unforgettable main course whether it’s shared amongst the family at a holiday celebration or enjoyed alone for dinner. It also goes wonderfully with other Hanukkah classics such as latkes and fried doughnuts filled with jelly or cream – making it the perfect centerpiece of any festive meal!

Chicken Soup

An annual holiday favorite, Chicken Soup is one of the most beloved foods served at Hanukkah. It symbolizes spiritual nourishment and has become a beloved Hannukah tradition that can be found all around the world. Israelis serve a variation of their classic golden broth with pieces of chicken and/or vegetables, sometimes spiced up with traditional Middle Eastern seasonings like turmeric, cardamom, and coriander.

Matzo balls, small dumplings made from ground-up crackers, are often added to give the soup substance. Additionally, cabbage is often used as an aromatic element in many recipes to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables in the broth. This comforting dish brings together families and friends for the holiday season and is sure to fill your appetite for this time-honored tradition!

Kugel (A Sweet or Savory Pudding)

Kugel has been a popular Hanukkah food for many years. A kugel is a type of baked pudding or casserole; it is usually made with egg noodles or potatoes combined with onions, eggs, and spices. It is traditionally served during the holiday of Hanukkah but can be had year-round in some places. This type of dish not only serves as comfort food for many families but also symbolizes the commemoration of the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian army long ago.

It’s worth noting that the classic noodle kugel is just one variation – you can find everything from herb-roasted vegetable kugels to sweet knishes at festive feasts. All in all, it’s a classic delight that most people will look forward to indulging in every Hanukkah season!

These foods are not only delicious but also hold significance and serve as reminders of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, which is being celebrated during Hanukkah. Eating these traditional foods is one of how people celebrate the holiday and keep the traditions alive.

Is celebrated by Christian communities in Israel, particularly in cities such as Jerusalem and Nazareth. This holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with carols, church services, and festive meals. The city of Bethlehem, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, is particularly popular during this time as many people come to visit the Church of the Nativity, which marks the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born.

Christmas in Israel typically begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree in city squares, public places, and churches. Many churches hold special services and masses to mark the occasion, which often features carols and hymns, as well as readings from the Bible. These services are usually decorated with Christmas lights and decorations such as holly, mistletoe, and wreaths.

In Jerusalem and Nazareth, there are also many cultural activities that take place during the Christmas season, such as Christmas markets and parades. These offer a great opportunity for visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of Christmas in the holy land.

Overall, Christmas is celebrated in a very similar way as in most Western countries, with a focus on religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. However, the celebration takes on a unique flavor due to its location in the holy land and its presence among the different religious communities.

Traditional Christmas Dishes

Roast turkey.

Christmas in Israel is a truly unique experience, especially for food-lovers. Throughout the country, there are many dishes that have become staples of the holiday season – none more popular than roast turkey. Made with a blend of local Mediterranean ingredients like garlic, paprika and onions, it’s no wonder why this dish has gained such traction over the years.

It’s served warm with traditional accompaniments like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, making it the perfect centerpiece to any Christmas dinner in Israel. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, roast turkey remains one of the most popular traditional dishes in Israel throughout December and January – something to be savored by all!

A traditional Israeli Christmas dish is roast beef, or gavnit. Recognizable by its crisp outsides and juicy centers, it is usually flavored with a mix of spices that can vary depending on region. In some areas, the spices used may include cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin. This popular dish often appears at both family gatherings and holiday celebration meals. Though the recipe calls for roast beef, substitutions like lamb or veal are commonly used for a change in flavor profile.

The festive meal would not be complete without sides dishes like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes or sweet breads. With each family having its own unique recipe for this traditional Jewish dish, every table filled with roast beef is sure to bring delight to all gathered around it during the Israeli holiday season!

Christmas Pudding

Israeli Christmas traditions are unique and exciting, with their own special dishes that lend a unique flavor to the holiday season. If you’re looking to add something different to your plate this Christmas, you should try out Israeli Christmas pudding! This traditional dessert is made from eggs, dried fruits, and nuts that are boiled in a sweet syrup to present a delectable treat.

While it may not contain all the same ingredients as other Christmas puddings around the world, there’s no denying that its delicate flavors will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy a taste of Israel during the holidays with some tasty Christmas pudding!

Gingerbread

The Israeli expression for Christmas, which is Yule, is a widely celebrated holiday across the country – and just like any other Christmas celebration around the world, that includes traditional dishes. In Israel, one of the most popular dishes is gingerbread, traditionally shaped into little men.

This unique version of gingerbread gets its specific flavour from the addition of orange juice and spices like cardamom, coriander, cloves and nutmeg, giving it a unique taste that blends perfectly with every bite. When it’s served during Yule dinner in Israel, everyone can appreciate how delicious this simple holiday treat can be.

In conclusion

These holidays serve as a reminder of the diversity and richness of Israeli culture. They bring people together from different backgrounds and religions, to celebrate and share their traditions. The holidays highlight the importance of preserving the environment and promoting sustainability.

The food, traditions, and decorations that are part of these celebrations, serve as a way to keep the traditions alive and pass them on to the next generations. December holiday celebrations in Israel are a time of joy, reflection, and unity that leaves a lasting impact on all those who participate.

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Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

The Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events. Please see the latest Israel Security Alert .

U.S. citizens should heed the  Travel Advisory  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The U.S. Embassy continues to closely monitor the dynamic security situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. There are active military operations and active rocket and mortar fire in Gaza and the Gaza periphery.  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. If you require emergency assistance while in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, contact the  U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem  by email ([email protected]).

Individuals seeking to depart Gaza  through the Rafah crossing into Egypt should monitor the  Palestinian General Authority for Crossings and Borders’ Facebook Page  for a list of those approved to cross. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or immediate family (as listed below) who desire our assistance and have not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at  [email protected]  with a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.

The U.S. government does not control the crossing lists nor determine who is permitted to depart Gaza or enter Egypt. Individuals must assess their own safety and risks in attempting to cross the border. Individuals permitted to enter Egypt will likely receive a 72-hour Egyptian visa; all those who cross should have a plan for onward travel from Egypt in this timeframe. U.S. citizens, LPRs and their immediate family members who successfully enter Egypt and require further consular assistance should contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cairo  via the  U.S. Citizens Services Navigator .  Individuals may apply for a U.S. visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate; U.S. immigration laws and regulations will apply.

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Israel In December: Walk Down The Pathways Of The Cities Of Israel This Winter

The holy land has much to offer its tourists. There are many museums, historical sites, natural wonders, and much more. Apart from having the city of Jerusalem where Jesus was born, there are so many fascinating places that date back to centuries. If you are visiting Israel in December , there are many things that you can do at this time of the year. There are many festivals and events that take place since Hanukkah and Christmas is celebrated. If you have the question in your mind, what season is it in Israel in December? Then you don’t have to wonder anymore. It is definitely winter at this time of the year. It will most certainly be cold but that also makes festivals like Christmas so much better.

The Weather In Israel In December

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The weather in Israel in December is usually quite cold with temperatures ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius. The weather continues to fluctuate and there is usually heavy rainfall. Temperatures can drop down to about 5 degrees Celsius in places like Jerusalem or Galilee Hills. If you don’t know what to wear in Israel in December, then worry not. You can wear jeans, jackets, sweaters, and gloves. The midday might end up being a little warmer, so you may not need it then.

The 10 Best Experiences To Have In Israel In December

The possibility of rain is always there, especially in the month of December but worry not, we have listed some of the best things you can do even if it is rainy out. If you are travelling to Israel in December then you should make sure to find out about the weather beforehand. If the weather is on your side then you should definitely experience these things:

1. Experience Hanukkah

Hanukkah or the festival of lights continues for about 8 days. If you want to experience the festivals in Israel in December, then you shouldn’t miss out on this. If you walk down the streets of Jerusalem’s old city or the neighborhood of Nachlaot, you will be able to see the menorahs which are lit and placed inside glass boxes and are kept on windowsills. You can also visit Mamilla Alrov Mall or the Western Wall for a public lighting event. There are special events that take place all around the country if you want to enjoy the lights.

Date: December 2nd to December 10th

Must Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Israel In 2022 For An Extended Tour Of The Holy Land

2. Go skiing at Mt. Hermon

There are some mountain peaks that get snowfall on some days during the year. Jerusalem is more than likely to experience snow as it gets cold. If there is enough snowfall then you can head to Mt. Hermon which lies at the tip of the North side of the country. The vertical drop from Mt. Hermon is just 1,552 feet which makes it ideal for beginners and children. You can also go sledding or tubing. This should definitely be a part of your bucket list if you are wondering what to do in Israel in December.

3. Experience the nightlife in Tel Aviv

If nightlife is what interests you, then you should definitely stop by the city of Tel Aviv. You can find anything you need for a good night out. You can find endless clubs, bars, theaters, museums, concert halls, and dance centers. If you have the time on your hands then the city can keep you up the entire night. This is one of the best things you can do if you are visiting Israel in December 2022. Spend the night meeting new people, getting VIP passes and enjoying drinks.

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Israel: The Beginning Of A Lifelong Romance

4. Enjoy Hamshushalayim

Hamshushalayim is a combination of the words Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Hebrew. This festival takes place every weekend of December at different institutions. There are special night tours, street theaters, and musical performances. There are many museums and galleries that are open to the public for free during this festival. Many restaurants and hotels even offer special deals at this time. You should have this on your bucket list if you are visiting Israel in December.

Best place to visit: The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Suggested Read: 15 Scenic Israel Beaches That You Ought To Visit In 2022!

5. Explore the mountain fortress in Masada

The fortress stands on an isolated rock plateau in the south of Israel and overlooks the Dead Sea. There is a tale about this place. It is said that about 1000 Jewish inhabitants committed suicide to escape their Roman enemies. You can take a cable car to the top or hike up and cross the snake path if you like. The best way to enjoy the fortress is if you visit during the time of a sunset. You will be able to watch the sun strike the Dead Sea. The scene is very picturesque as you can imagine. If you are visiting Israel in December, make sure to experience the beauty of this place.

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6. Party on New Year’s Eve

Israelis tend to call New Year ‘Sylvester’ because of the pope that died on the 31st of December. There is a feast that takes place at this time. The only thing that you can do during New Year’s Eve is to just head out for the parties that take place. Although most Kosher places won’t entertain such parties, a lot of clubs or restaurants will throw bigger celebration parties. Since the weather in Israel in December tends to be rather chilly it is important that you carry warm clothing.

Suggested Read: 12 Perfect Wedding Venues In Israel For Your Happily-Ever-After In 2022!

7. Dance away your blues

If you are traveling to Israel in December, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the parties. As most people will tell you, parties are quite popular in Israel. Tel Aviv usually has an annual festival called ‘Feelin’ Blues’. This is a great way to warm yourself up during the winters. There are usually stages where different dancers are grouped together by their level of expertise. You can get a chance to show off your moves and maybe even win a prize! However, you don’t need to be in it for the competition. You can just join in for the fun or observe from afar!

8. Check out the Hullegeb Israeli-Ethiopian festival

If you have wondered about what the Israeli Ethiopian community is like, well then wonder no more. Visit this festival to experience a fusion of dance, music, and shows. Ethiopian culture has actually become a large part of Israel and this festival proves it best. The traditions of Ethiopia have fused into contemporary art. The festival takes place every December and continues for a week. There are many famous singers who show up and if you visit Israel in December, you will be able to see them live!

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Israel: Know Why It’s On Every Wanderer’s Bucket List

9. Don’t miss out on the Christmas festivities

You don’t have to miss out on Christmas just because you are away from home. There are plenty of festivals that happen around the country and this is the time to be a part of it! If you want to really get into that Christmas mood, you can find a massive Christmas tree in Nazareth. If you want a proper Christmas banquet, make sure to reserve a place at Mike’s Place. Bethlehem is also a good place to visit if you are in Israel in December. The town is beautifully decorated and has plenty of concerts and delicious food.

10. Take a tour through the city of Jerusalem

If you are visiting Israel in December, you should definitely visit the city of Jerusalem. There are a lot of places that are religiously important such as the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If you feel like this is an important place to visit, surely you could spend a day here since there is plenty to see. You can write down a prayer and place it between the cracks of the Western Wall or you can visit the site where Jesus was crucified. If you have free time, you can browse the stalls of the Old City bazaar. You can find plenty of souvenirs to take back from your trip from here. Make sure to find out about the weather in Israel during December before you head out. You definitely don’t want the rains to spoil your tour of the city.

Further Read: 10 Hip And Historic Hostels In Israel Perfect For Exploring Its Cities

If you are interested in visiting Israel in December 2022, then allow us to help you book your upcoming vacation . All you have to do is sit back and get ready to make plenty of memories!

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Israelis grapple with how to celebrate Passover amid war and months-long hostage crisis

Weeklong observances are about freedom, but many remain captive after oct. 7.

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Every year, Alon Gat's mother led the family's Passover celebration of the liberation of the ancient Israelites from Egypt thousands of years ago. But this year, Gat is struggling with how to recognize a holiday commemorating freedom after his mother was slain and other family members abducted when Hamas attacked Israel.

Gat's sister, Carmel, and wife, Yarden Roman-Gat, were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attack. His wife was freed in November but his sister remains captive.

"We can't celebrate our freedom because we don't have this freedom. Our brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers are still in captivity and we need to release them," Gat said.

On Monday, Jews around the world will begin celebrating the weeklong Passover holiday, recounting the biblical story of their exodus from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery. But for many Israelis, it's hard to fathom a celebration of freedom when friends and family are not free.

The Hamas attack killed some 1,200 people, while about 250 others were taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. About half were released in a weeklong ceasefire in November, while the rest remain in Gaza, more than 30 of them believed to be dead.

• Israeli officials say 31 hostages dead as ceasefire negotiations continue

For many Jews, Passover is a time to reunite with family and recount the exodus from Egypt at a meal known as the Seder. Observant Jews avoid grains, known as chametz , a reminder of the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt quickly with no time for dough to rise.

But this year many families are torn about how — or even if — to celebrate.

Not all in the family could escape 

When Hamas attacked Kibbutz Be'eri, Gat, his wife, three-year-old daughter, parents and sister hid for hours in their rocket-proof safe room. But fighters entered the house and killed or abducted everyone inside, except for his father, who hid in the bathroom. His mother was dragged into the street and shot.

Gat, his arms and legs bound, was shoved into a car with his wife and daughter. During a brief stop, they managed to flee. Knowing he could run faster, Roman-Gat handed him their daughter. Gat escaped with her, hiding in a ditch for nearly nine hours. His wife was recaptured and held in Gaza for 54 days.

Passover this year will be more profound as freedom has taken on a new meaning, Roman-Gat told The Associated Press in a text message:

"To feel wind upon your face with your eyes closed. To shower. To go to the toilet without permission, and with the total privacy and privilege to take as long as I please with no one urging me, waiting for me at the other side to make sure I'm still theirs." 

Still, Passover will be overshadowed by deep sorrow and worry for her sister-in-law and the other hostages, she said. The family will mark the holiday with a low-key dinner in a restaurant, without celebration.

As hard as it is in times of pain, Jews have always sought to observe holidays during persecution, such as in concentration camps during the Holocaust, said Rabbi Martin Lockshin, professor emeritus at York University, who lives in Jerusalem.

"They couldn't celebrate freedom but they could celebrate the hope of freedom," he said.

The crisis affects more than the hostage families. The war, in which 260 soldiers have been killed, casts a shadow over a normally joyous holiday.

The government has also scaled back festivities for Independence Day in May in light of the mood and the fear of public protests.

Muslim Palestinians felt impact on Eid

Likewise, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, capped by the three-day Eid al-Fitr feast earlier in April, was a sad, low-key affair for Palestinians. More than 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced by the fighting, and Hamas health officials say nearly 34,000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive.

The scenes of suffering, devastation and hunger in Gaza have received little attention in Israel, where much of the public and national media remain heavily focused on the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack and ongoing war.

After several months of fits and starts, negotiations on a deal to release the remaining hostages appear to be at a standstill — making it unlikely they will be home for Passover.

The hostages' pain has reverberated around the world, with some in the Jewish diaspora asking rabbis for prayers specifically for the hostages and Israel to be said at this year's Seder.

Revised Haggadah urges people not to hate

Jewish studies scholar Noam Zion has authored a new Haggadah, the book read during the Seder, to reflect the current reality. He has donated 6,000 copies to families impacted by the war.

"The Seder is supposed to help us to relive past slavery and liberation from Egypt and to learn its lessons, but in 2024, it must also ask contemporary questions about the confusing and traumatic present, and most important, generate hope for the future," said Zion, emeritus member of the faculty of Jewish studies at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

The revised Haggadah includes excerpts from hostage families urging people not to hate despite their pain. It offers a guide for navigating mixed feelings during the holiday, while posing existential questions about Jews and the state of Israel.

'Added urgency' for Israel to bring hostages home alive after 'horrific accident,' says father of hostage

Some families say it's too painful to celebrate at all.

The girlfriend of Nirit Lavie Alon's son was abducted from the Nova music festival. Two months later, the family was informed by Israel's military that Inbar Haiman, a 27-year-old graffiti artist, was dead, her body still in Gaza.

• At site of musical festival massacre by Hamas, signs of death and panic are everywhere

"It's impossible to celebrate a freedom holiday," said Alon. Instead of being with family this year, she's going to spend a few days in the desert. There will be no closure until all of the hostages are back, including the remains of those who were killed, she said.

Ahead of Passover, some families are still holding out hope their relatives will be freed in time.

Shlomi Berger's 19-year-old daughter, Agam, was abducted two days after the start of her army service along the border with Gaza.

Videos of her bloodied face emerged shortly after the Hamas attack, one showing an armed man pushing her into a truck, another showing her inside the vehicle with other hostages. The only proof of life he's had since was a call from a released hostage, wishing him happy birthday from Agam, who she'd been with in the tunnels, he said.

Still, he refuses to give up hope.

"The Passover story says we come from slaves to free people, so this is a parallel story," Berger said. "This is the only thing I believe that will happen. That Agam will get out from darkness to light. She and all of the other hostages."

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Americans who have traveled internationally stand out in their views and knowledge of foreign affairs

Do people who travel think differently about the world? A new Pew Research Center survey suggests they do.

Americans who have traveled internationally are more interested in and knowledgeable about foreign affairs, feel closer to others around the world, and favor a more active foreign policy, according to the survey of 3,576 U.S. adults conducted in spring 2023. We also surveyed people in 23 other countries about their international travel habits.

This analysis examines international travel with a focus on Americans’ travel, including which Americans travel abroad and how their interest in the world and views of international affairs differ from others.

For this analysis, we surveyed 3,576 U.S. adults from March 20 to March 26, 2023; 3,581 U.S. adults from March 21 to March 27, 2022; and 10,606 U.S. adults from June 14 to June 27, 2021. Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

For non-U.S. data, this report draws on nationally representative surveys of 27,285 adults conducted from Feb. 20 to May 22, 2023. All surveys were conducted over the phone with adults in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Hungary, Poland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. In Australia, we used a mixed-mode probability-based online panel.

Here are the June 2021 survey questions and responses used in this analysis. Those for the March 2022 survey may be found here , as well as those for the March 2023 survey .

How many Americans have traveled internationally?

Roughly three-quarters of Americans (76%) have visited at least one other country, including 26% who have been to five or more. About a quarter (23%) have not traveled internationally, though most in this group say they would if they had the opportunity.

Related:  How experience with international travel varies across 24 countries

To analyze how Americans’ travel experiences relate to their attitudes on other questions, we placed people into three categories:

• Globe-trotters have traveled to at least five other countries. About a quarter of the U.S. public (26%) falls into this category.
• Casual travelers have traveled to between one and four other countries. Half of Americans fall into this category.
• Nontravelers have never left the United States. This category includes 23% of Americans.

Compared with Americans, people in many European nations are more likely to have traveled to five or more other countries. For instance, 88% of Swedes have done so.

However, international travel is much less common in many middle-income nations. It is strongly correlated with a nation’s gross domestic product per capita. (For more on international travel and views about global engagement, read “Attitudes on an Interconnected World.” )

Who travels internationally?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people are more likely than younger people to have traveled internationally. Americans ages 65 and older are more than twice as likely as adults under 30 to fall into our globe-trotter category (37% vs. 17%).

Income is even more strongly related to travel than age. Two-thirds of upper-income Americans have traveled to at least five countries, compared with 9% of Americans with lower incomes.

Similarly, Americans with a postgraduate degree are far more likely to be globe-trotters than those with a high school education or less (59% vs. 10%).

Residents of suburban and urban areas generally have more international travel experience than people who live in rural areas.

There are no significant partisan differences when it comes to international travel: 26% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents qualify as globe-trotters, as do 28% of Republicans and GOP leaners.

Do travelers know more about the world?

Globe-trotters are especially likely to say they are interested in foreign affairs and follow international news. Casual travelers, in turn, are more likely than nontravelers to do so.

Globe-trotters are also the most knowledgeable about international affairs. In 2022, we conducted an international affairs quiz , asking Americans 12 questions related to international news. On average, globe-trotters got 8.2 of the 12 questions correct, compared with 6.4 for casual travelers and 4.2 for nontravelers.

Is international travel related to views of global engagement?

International travel experience is also linked to Americans’ views about international affairs and their feelings of connection to other people around the world.

When asked which comes closest to their view, 57% of globe-trotters say the U.S. should be active in world affairs, while 43% say the U.S. should pay less attention to problems in other countries and concentrate on problems at home. In contrast, most casual travelers and nontravelers say the U.S. should focus on problems at home.

In all three groups, at least half of respondents say that when the U.S. is making foreign policy, it should take other countries’ interests into account – even if that means making compromises. But globe-trotters are especially likely to hold that view.

Globe-trotters are also particularly likely to say they feel close to people around the world, with 42% saying so. By comparison, 34% of casual travelers and 30% of nontravelers say this.

• International Affairs

Richard Wike is director of global attitudes research at Pew Research Center

Janell Fetterolf is a senior researcher focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center

A growing share of Americans have little or no confidence in Netanyahu

Fewer americans view the united nations favorably than in 2023, what are americans’ top foreign policy priorities, rising numbers of americans say jews and muslims face a lot of discrimination, younger americans stand out in their views of the israel-hamas war, most popular.

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Middle East Crisis Israel Appears to Soften Stance in Cease-Fire Talks

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• Destroyed buildings in Rafah on Monday. Associated Press
• Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages protest in Tel Aviv on Monday. Ohad Zwigenberg/Associated Press
• Palestinians flee after a strike in Nuseirat in central Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Mourning relatives killed overnight in Rafah. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Looking at a damaged building in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday. Hatem Khaled/Reuters
• Posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• A Palm Sunday service at a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Children at a makeshift movie theater set up among the tents in Rafah on Sunday. Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Israeli soldiers resting outside the border with southern Gaza. Amir Cohen/Reuters

Israel is open to a truce involving an initial release of 33 hostages, officials say.

Israel’s latest offer would accept fewer hostages to be freed during the first phase of a new truce in Gaza, according to three Israeli officials, offering a hint of hope for cease-fire negotiations that could restart as soon as Tuesday.

For months, Israel had demanded that Hamas release at least 40 hostages — women, older people and those who are seriously ill — in order to secure a new truce. Now the Israeli government is prepared to settle for only 33, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the sensitive matter.

The change was prompted partly by the fact that Israel now believes that some of the 40 have died in captivity , according to one of the officials.

Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, said at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday that Israel had made an “extraordinarily generous” offer and that Hamas alone stood in the way of a deal. David Cameron, the British foreign minister, said at the same conference that the offer included a sustained 40-day cease-fire and the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages.

Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s foreign minister, said at the conference that he was “hopeful” about the latest cease-fire proposal, but did not say what it involved or who had proposed it.

“The proposal has taken into account the positions of both sides,” Mr. Shoukry said, adding that “we are waiting to have a final decision.”

The shift has raised expectations that Hamas and Israel might be edging closer to sealing their first truce since a weeklong cease-fire in November, when Hamas released 105 captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, said on social media on Monday that Hamas was studying a new Israeli proposal, but did not say what the proposal was.

Hamas and its allies captured roughly 240 Israelis and foreigners in their attack on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza. More than 130 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, but some are thought to have died.

Negotiations over a new pause, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have stalled for months over disagreements about the number of hostages and prisoners who should be exchanged in a future deal. Another obstacle has been whether Israel would allow civilians from northern Gaza who fled the Israeli invasion to return to their homes, and how many would be permitted to do so.

The length of a cease-fire has also been a key stumbling block. Hamas wants it to be permanent, while Israel wants another temporary pause so that it could still send troops into Rafah, the last major Gazan city under Hamas control, though one where more than a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter. Far-right members of Israel’s governing coalition have threatened to bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if the war ends without Hamas’s total defeat.

A mid-ranking Israeli delegation is planning to fly to Cairo on Tuesday to restart talks mediated by Egypt, but only if Hamas also agrees to attend, according to two of the Israeli officials. A senior Hamas official said that a delegation was already in Cairo on Monday.

At the economic forum in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Cameron, the British foreign secretary, said something else must happen for the conflict to end: “The people responsible for Oct. 7, the Hamas leadership, would have to leave Gaza.”

Vivian Nereim and Edward Wong contributed reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

— Patrick Kingsley and Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

Biden speaks to the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to press for Hamas’s agreement on a new cease-fire.

President Biden spoke on Monday with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar as he sought to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a deal that would result in a temporary cease-fire in the war in Gaza and the release of some of the hostages held there.

According to a statement from the office of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, he and Mr. Biden discussed the negotiations and Egypt’s efforts to broker a cease-fire. They also reiterated their support for a two-state solution, discussed the importance of containing the conflict to the region and emphasized their opposition to a military escalation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, which Israel seems poised to invade.

Mr. Biden also spoke on Monday with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the emir of Qatar. According to the White House, Mr. Biden urged the Qatari leader “to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” saying that “this is now the only obstacle” to an immediate cease-fire.

Mr. al-Sisi and Mr. al-Thani have been prime intermediaries with Hamas through months of fitful negotiations to reach a deal to halt the hostilities, and Mr. Biden hopes they will prod the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, to accept the U.S.-brokered proposal on the table. On Sunday, Mr. Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, expressed a hopeful view of the prospects for an agreement. “In recent days, there has been progress in talks,” she told reporters at the White House.

Like other American officials, Ms. Jean-Pierre said that Hamas, not Israel, was the obstacle to an agreement.

“The onus is indeed on Hamas,” she said. “There is a deal on the table, and they need to take it.”

— Peter Baker reporting from Washington

Blinken meets with Arab officials to discuss Gaza and postwar plans.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Arab officials on Monday in Saudi Arabia about the war between Israel and Hamas and the difficult issues it has created, from humanitarian aid to hostages. Mr. Blinken plans to travel to Jordan and Israel on Tuesday.

After landing in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, shortly after dawn, Mr. Blinken met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and then with foreign ministers and a top foreign policy adviser from five other Arab nations in the Persian Gulf that, along with Saudi Arabia, form the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prince Faisal was also part of that second meeting. On Monday night Mr. Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

The State Department listed the cease-fire and hostage issues first in the summary it released of Mr. Blinken’s one-on-one meeting with the prince. The two “discussed ongoing efforts to reach an immediate cease-fire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” the department said.

The two diplomats also talked about greater regional integration and “a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel,” the summary said. That was a reference to negotiations over a broad deal that would involve the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestinian representatives agreeing to terms that would result in the creation of a Palestinian state and greater diplomatic recognition for Israel in the region.

Mr. Blinken planned to meet with Arab and European officials in a group later on Monday to talk about plans for rebuilding Gaza, even though Israel is still carrying out its war there and has not stepped back from its difficult — and perhaps impossible — goal of fully eradicating Hamas.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day meeting of the World Economic Forum, and top Arab officials, including Mr. Blinken’s diplomatic counterparts, are attending the event in Riyadh. The gathering includes senior ministers from Qatar and Egypt, the two Arab mediators in multiple rounds of talks over a potential cease-fire between Israel and Hamas .

“The quickest way to bring this to an end is to get to a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” Mr. Blinken said in an onstage talk with Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. “Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel. And at the moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas.”

“I’m hopeful they will make the right decision and we can have a fundamental change in the dynamic,” he added.

Mr. Blinken and other top aides of President Biden have also been trying to push for a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is where the broader deal comes in. In a call meant to pave the way for Mr. Blinken’s trip, his seventh to the region since the war began, Mr. Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke by phone on Sunday afternoon for nearly an hour.

The two leaders discussed “increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” according to a White House statement released after the call, and Mr. Biden repeated his warning against an Israeli ground assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. He also reviewed with Mr. Netanyahu the negotiations over a hostage release.

In their best-case scenario, the Biden administration envisions Saudi Arabia and perhaps a few other Arab nations agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty , from the United States and a commitment for U.S. cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to a concrete pathway to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

“I think it’s clear that in the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself,” Mr. Blinken said at the public talk on Monday.

Prince Faisal said Sunday that Saudi officials hoped to discuss concrete steps toward creating a Palestinian state during Mr. Blinken’s visit to Riyadh. Calling the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza “a complete failing of the existing political system,” he told a news conference that the kingdom’s government believes that the only solution is “a credible, irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

Before the war started last October, U.S. and Saudi officials were in intense discussions to reach an agreement on the terms of such a proposal. For those negotiators, a big question at the time was what Israel would agree to. Since the war began, the Americans and the Saudis have publicly insisted that Israel must agree to the existence of a Palestinian state.

But Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens have become even more resistant to that idea since the Oct. 7 attacks, in which the Israeli authorities say that Hamas and allied gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took about 240 people as hostages. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, including thousands of children, say officials from the Gaza health ministry.

Vivian Nereim and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.

— Edward Wong traveling with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

Deadly Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Rafah, Palestinian news media say.

Deadly Israeli airstrikes flattened concrete buildings overnight in the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to news agencies, which published video on Monday of rows of body bags containing what Palestinian officials said were victims of the strikes.

The Reuters news agency said the strikes in Rafah, which Israel seems poised to invade , killed 20 people. The Palestinian news media said the death toll was at least 24. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 34 people were killed in the Gaza Strip during the previous 24 hours, but it did not specify how many of them were killed by the strikes in Rafah.

Asked for comment on the strikes, the Israeli military issued a statement on Monday saying that its “fighter jets struck terror targets where terrorists were operating within a civilian area in southern Gaza.”

More than one million Gazans have been crowding into shelters and tents in Rafah to seek safety from almost seven months of Israel’s military offensive. Israeli officials have said they will soon send ground troops into Rafah, the last Gazan city Israel has not invaded, in order to eliminate Hamas battalions there, an operation that the Biden administration has warned against because of the risk to civilians.

Palestine TV — a channel backed by the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank — said the strikes had hit residential buildings in Rafah. One survivor, carrying a baby she said had been pulled from the rubble, spoke to a Reuters video journalist.

“The entire world is seeing what’s happening to us,” the woman, Umm Fayez Abu Taha, said. She said the child appeared to be uninjured, but that her parents had been killed.

“Look at us with some compassion, with some humanity,” Ms. Abu Taha continued. “This is all we ask for, we’re not asking for much just end the war, nothing more.”

— Liam Stack reporting from Jerusalem

Hamas fires a barrage of rockets into Israel from Lebanon.

Hamas’s military wing said on Monday that it had launched a salvo of rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, an apparent attempt by the group to signal that it is still capable of striking within Israel’s borders even as it studies the latest proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, said in a statement that it had targeted an Israeli military position in Kiryat Shmona, the largest city in Israel’s far north, with a “concentrated rocket barrage” from southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said in a statement that most of the roughly 20 launches that crossed the border had been intercepted, and that it had responded by striking the source of fire. There were no injuries or damage, the military said.

Though Hamas is based in Gaza, many of its leaders are exiled in Lebanon , where the group has a sizable presence and operates largely out of Palestinian refugee camps. Since the Hamas-led terror attack on Oct. 7 prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza, Hamas has occasionally launched rocket attacks into northern Israel from within Lebanon’s borders, though its ally Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has launched far more. Both groups are backed by Iran. Israel has also targeted Hamas figures in Lebanon in deadly strikes.

Walid al Kilani, Hamas’s spokesman in Lebanon, said the attack was “the minimum duty” given Israel’s continued attacks in Gaza. “We know that Hezbollah is doing its duty and more, but the battlefield requires everyone to participate,” Mr. Kilani said.

The launches on Monday, although muted in their impact, highlighted Hamas’s continuing ability to threaten Israel with rocket fire despite more than 200 days of a devastating Israeli air and ground offensive that has decimated the group’s military capabilities in Gaza.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a Beirut-based fellow with the Carnegie Middle East Center, said the attack was likely an attempt by Hamas to signal that it was “still part of the fight.” While it was largely symbolic, it could also be a means to apply pressure amid the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, he said.

Data compiled by the online website Rocket Alert — which tracks warnings of rocket launches using Israeli military figures — shows that there were just 37 alerts in April in response to detected rocket fire from Gaza, compared to around 7,300 in October at the onset of the war. More than six months into the conflict, the data shows a significant drop-off in the number of warnings of rockets from Gaza.

Alerts indicating rocket fire from Lebanon, however, have remained largely steady, the data shows. Most of those are launched by Hezbollah, but Hamas continues to launch attacks from Lebanon with Hezbollah’s blessing.

Amin Hoteit, a military analyst and former brigadier general in the Lebanese army, said the latest attack was a sign of the “integrated front of operations” among Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups in the region .

Hwaida Saad and Jonathan Rosen contributed reporting.

— Euan Ward reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

Israeli officials believe the International Criminal Court is preparing arrest warrants over the war.

Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on charges related to the conflict with Hamas, according to five Israeli and foreign officials.

The Israeli and foreign officials also believe the court is weighing arrest warrants for leaders from Hamas.

If the court proceeds, the Israeli officials could potentially be accused of preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and pursuing an excessively harsh response to the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, according to two of the five officials, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

The Israeli officials, who are worried about the potential fallout from such a case, said they believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is among those who might be named in a warrant. It is not clear who might be charged from Hamas or what crimes would be cited.

The Israeli officials did not disclose the nature of the information that led them to be concerned about potential I.C.C. action, and the court did not comment on the matter.

Arrest warrants from the court would probably be seen in much of the world as a humbling moral rebuke, particularly to Israel, which for months has faced international backlash over its conduct in Gaza, including from President Biden , who called it “over the top.”

It could also affect Israel’s policies as the country presses its military campaign against Hamas. One of the Israeli officials said that the possibility of the court issuing arrest warrants had informed Israeli decision-making in recent weeks.

The Israeli and foreign officials said they didn’t know what stage the process was in. Any warrants would require approval from a panel of judges and would not necessarily result in a trial or even the targets’ immediate arrest.

Karim Khan, the court’s chief prosecutor, has previously confirmed that his team is investigating incidents during the war, but his office declined to comment for this article, saying that it does not “respond to speculation in media reports.”

Mr. Netanyahu’s office also would not comment, but on Friday the prime minister said on social media that any intervention by the I.C.C. “would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression.”

Mr. Netanyahu did not explain what prompted his statement, though he may have been responding to speculation about the arrest warrants in the Israeli press.

He also said: “Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East’s only democracy and the world’s only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it.”

Based in The Hague, the I.C.C. is the world’s only permanent international court with the power to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. The court has no police force of its own. Instead, it relies on its 124 members , which include most European countries but not Israel or the United States, to arrest those named in warrants. It cannot try defendants in absentia .

But warrants from the court can pose obstacles to travel for officials named in them.

The Hamas-led raid last October led to the killing of roughly 1,200 people in Israel and the abductions of some 250 others, according to Israeli officials. The subsequent war in Gaza, including heavy Israeli bombardment, has killed more than 34,000 people, according to Gazan officials, caused widespread damage to housing and infrastructure, and brought the territory to the brink of famine.

The Israeli assault in Gaza has led the International Court of Justice, a separate court in The Hague, to hear accusations of genocide against the Israeli state and has spurred a wave of protests on college campuses in the United States.

If the I.C.C. does issue arrest warrants, they would come with deep stigmatization, placing those named in them in the same category as foreign leaders like Omar al-Bashir, the deposed president of Sudan, and Vladimir V. Putin, the Russian president, who was the subject of a warrant last year tied to his war against Ukraine.

The I.C.C.’s focus on individuals rather than states differentiates it from the International Court of Justice, which settles disputes between states.

The I.C.C. judges have ruled that the court has jurisdiction over Gaza and the West Bank because the Palestinians have joined the court as the State of Palestine.

Mr. Khan has said that his team will be investigating incidents that have occurred since Oct. 7 and that he will be “impartially looking at the evidence and vindicating the rights of victims whether they are in Israel or Palestine.”

Mr. Khan’s office has also been investigating allegations of war crimes committed during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas; one of the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity believes the new arrest warrants would be an extension of that investigation.

Hamas and the Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment. The office of Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defense minister, declined to comment.

In general, Israeli officials say that they fight according to the laws of war and that they take significant steps to protect civilians, accusing Hamas of hiding inside civilian areas and forcing Israel to pursue them there. Hamas has denied committing atrocities on Oct. 7, saying — despite video evidence to the contrary — that its fighters tried to avoid harming civilians.

Marlise Simons , Gabby Sobelman and Myra Noveck contributed reporting.

— Ronen Bergman and Patrick Kingsley The reporters spoke to Israeli and foreign officials.

World Central Kitchen plans to resume working in Gaza.

World Central Kitchen said on Sunday that it would resume operations in Gaza with a local team of Palestinian aid workers, nearly a month after the Israeli military killed seven of the organization’s workers in targeted drone strikes on their convoy.

Israeli military officials have said the attack was a “grave mistake” and cited a series of failures , including a breakdown in communication and violations of the military’s operating procedures.

The Washington-based aid group said that it was still calling for an independent, international investigation into the April 1 attack and that it had received “no concrete assurances” that the Israeli military’s operational procedures had changed. But the “humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire,” the aid group’s chief operating officer, Erin Gore, said in a statement .

“We are restarting our operation with the same energy, dignity, and focus on feeding as many people as possible,” she said.

The aid group said it had distributed more than 43 million meals in Gaza so far and that it had trucks carrying the equivalent of nearly eight million meals waiting to enter the enclave through the Rafah crossing in the south. World Central Kitchen said it was also planning to send trucks to Gaza through Jordan and that it would open a kitchen in Al-Mawasi, a small seaside village that the Israeli military has designated as a “humanitarian zone” safe for civilians, though attacks there have continued.

Six of the seven workers killed on April 1 were from Western nations — three from Britain, one from Australia, one from Poland and one with dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. The seventh was Palestinian. They were killed in back-to-back Israeli drone strikes on their vehicles as they traveled toward Rafah after unloading food aid that had arrived by sea.

The attack prompted World Central Kitchen to immediately suspend its operations in Gaza and elicited outrage from some of Israel’s closest allies.

The World Central Kitchen convoy’s movements had been coordinated in advance with the Israeli military, but some officers had not reviewed the coordination documentation detailing which cars were part of the convoy, the military said.

Some 200 aid workers, most of them Palestinians, were killed in Gaza between Oct. 7 and the attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy, according to the United Nations. A visual investigation by The New York Times showed that, well before the World Central Kitchen attack, six aid groups in Gaza had come under Israeli fire despite sharing their locations with the Israeli military.

The episode forced World Central Kitchen to decide between ending its efforts in Gaza or continuing, “knowing that aid, aid workers and civilians are being intimidated and killed,” Ms. Gore said in the statement.

“Ultimately, we decided that we must keep feeding, continuing our mission of showing up to provide food to people during the toughest of times,” she said.

At a memorial in Washington for the World Central Kitchen workers on Thursday, the group’s founder, the celebrity chef José Andrés, said that there were “many unanswered questions about what happened and why,” and that the aid group was still demanding an independent investigation into the Israeli military’s actions.

The seven aid workers had “risked everything to feed people they did not know and will never meet,” Mr. Andrés said. “They were the best of humanity.”

— Anushka Patil

Arab ministers suggest ways to ‘force peace’ amid Israel’s refusal to recognize a Palestinian state.

At a conference in Saudi Arabia’s capital on Monday, senior diplomats from around the world appeared to agree on one thing: The pathway to a durable peace between Israel and the Palestinians is the creation of a Palestinian state.

But with Israel’s refusal to recognize a Palestinian state, three Arab foreign ministers posited how best to proceed, with Ayman Safadi of Jordan presenting the bluntest proposal among them. The international community, he said, should find a way to “force peace” against the will of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

“If we come up with the best plan ever, and all of us in the international community agree that this is the plan to go forward, and then Netanyahu and his government say no, what happens then?” Mr. Safadi said during a World Economic Forum panel discussion in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. “Will he face consequences?”

He added, “The party that is responsible for denying Palestinians, Israelis and the whole region peace must be held accountable.”

Israel’s foreign ministry declined to comment, and the prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Both before and during this war in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, Mr. Netanyahu has rebuffed calls for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Analysts say that the attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and about 240 people taken captive, according to the Israeli authorities, has made it even more unlikely that the Israeli government would agree to such a path. Israeli officials have said that they are trying to eradicate Hamas.

“There is a contrary move, an attempt to force, ram down our throats, a Palestinian state, which will be another terror haven,” Mr. Netanyahu said this month.

Polling shows that a majority of Israelis oppose creating a Palestinian state.

In the Biden administration’s plan for resolving the underlying conflict — and end a war in which Israel’s military has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to officials from the Gazan Health Ministry — it envisions Saudi Arabia agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel.

In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty from the United States and U.S. commitment for cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

“In the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself,” Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, said on Monday during the conference in Riyadh.

On Sunday at the same event, the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said that the only solution was “a credible, irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

He added, “We need to move from talk to action, to concrete steps, and it can’t be left up to the warring parties.”

Prince Faisal implied that diplomats could maneuver around an Israeli refusal, referring to “mechanisms within the toolbox of the international community that can overcome the resistance of any party.”

“If we make that decision, the pathway will unfold before us, even if there are those that will try to stop it,” he said. “There are levers clear, there are levers hidden, that can push us in that direction.”

Mr. Safadi, the Jordanian foreign minister, said that the challenge Arab states had faced while trying to resolve the conflict was that “we don’t have a partner in Israel now.”

“Do we allow Netanyahu to doom the future of the region to more conflict, war and destruction — or do we do what it takes to force peace?” he said.

Speaking on the same panel, Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s foreign minister, said that if the international community made a “categorical” commitment to creating a Palestinian state, there were “points of leverage that can fulfill that requirement.”

“We have the mechanisms, but is there the political will to utilize it?” he asked.

— Vivian Nereim reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Middle East: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as tension escalates?

Are you going to Turkey, Egypt or Israel on holiday? The Foreign Office has warned travellers to several countries to monitor advice after an Iranian attack on Israel pushed tension in the Middle East up another notch.

Thursday 18 April 2024 08:13, UK

Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

Related Topics

• Israel-Hamas war
• Middle East

Blinken to travel to Saudi Arabia amid renewed push for a hostage deal

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia this week for meetings with regional partners, including Palestinian, Egyptian and Qatari leaders, to discuss efforts for securing the release of Israeli hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza, the State Department said in a statement . After participating in meetings of the World Economic Forum and Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, he will continue on to Jordan and Israel later in the week.

The foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France are also expected at the WEF meeting, alongside the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, WEF President Borge Brende said at a news conference . “There is some new momentum now in the talks around the hostages and also for a possible way out of the impasse that we are faced in Gaza,” he said.

Blinken traveled to the country in March to discuss a U.S. plan to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but leaders in Riyadh have said any such deal would require a pathway to a Palestinian state — a scenario rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On this visit, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “pushing for this temporary cease-fire” would be “right at the top of the list for Secretary Blinken.” Kirby told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that Blinken will “also be talking to the Israelis about their intentions and their thinking on Rafah military operations and where they are in the planning stages for that.” U.S. officials have repeatedly voiced opposition to a major military operation in Rafah, in southern Gaza, which Israel says is home to Hamas ’s last intact battalions but is also a refuge for more than a million displaced civilians.

Egyptian officials, who visited Israel on Friday for talks on a proposed cease-fire deal, are optimistic about the prospects of a truce being reached, according to a former Egyptian official with knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject. The former official said Israeli cabinet members accepted “for the first time” the idea of a long-lasting halt to the fighting and expressed willingness to hold off on attacking Rafah if a deal can be reached. The proposal is now with Hamas, he said.

On Sunday, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security” in a call with Netanyahu. In a statement, Biden demanded that Hamas release its remaining hostages to “secure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza.” The two leaders also discussed “increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week.”

In Israel, concern is increasing about the possibility of arrest warrants being issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

Netanyahu appeared to address the reports Friday, writing on social media that “Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense.” Israel and the United States do not accept the jurisdiction of the ICC, but member states would be obliged to carry out arrests of anyone in their jurisdiction who faced a warrant. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed all Israeli embassies worldwide “to prepare immediately for a wave of severe antisemitism,” should the ICC issue warrants for senior Israeli officials.

Here’s what else to know

Blinken’s visit comes amid a renewed push for a deal with Hamas , which released videos of three hostages last week, including two Israeli Americans. The latest video, released Saturday, shows U.S.-born Keith Siegel, 64, and Omri Miran, 47, who were taken hostage on Oct. 7. The footage has added to pressure on Israel to negotiate a deal for their release.

Aid group World Central Kitchen said Sunday it would resume its operations in Gaza, following the deaths of seven staff members this month by an Israeli military strike. The D.C.-based nonprofit led by celebrity chef José Andrés said in a statement that a Palestinian team would begin delivering food Monday, including in the north of the enclave, where the hunger crisis is most acute. The group said it had 276 trucks with the equivalent of almost 8 million meals ready to enter through the Rafah crossing and will also send trucks into Gaza from Jordan.

Pro-Palestinian protests unfolded outside the White House correspondents’ dinner on Saturday night , with demonstrators posing as slain Gazan journalists outside the Washington Hilton. They laid out press vests to honor media workers who have been killed in the enclave and unfurled a Palestinian flag out of a window at the venue.

France’s foreign minister arrived in Lebanon on Sunday, in a bid to “pursue the objective of peace and stability in the region,” Stéphane Séjourné tweeted . Séjourné praised the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon as he inspected troops. Reuters has reported that France is trying to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have escalated their tit-for-tat border attacks in recent weeks.

At least 34,454 people have been killed and 77,575 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, and says 261 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.

Claire Parker, Lior Soroka, Hannah Allam and Steve Hendrix contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

• Six months of the Israel-Gaza war: A timeline of key moments April 7, 2024 Six months of the Israel-Gaza war: A timeline of key moments April 7, 2024
• Homes burned, animals killed: Palestinians describe Israeli settler rampage April 16, 2024 Homes burned, animals killed: Palestinians describe Israeli settler rampage April 16, 2024
• Blinken calls proposed Israeli cease-fire deal ‘extraordinarily generous’ Earlier today Blinken calls proposed Israeli cease-fire deal ‘extraordinarily generous’ Earlier today