Best time to visit Israel

If you want to experience Jewish festivals, such as Sukkot, Simhat Torah, and Shemeni Atzeret, as well as big events such as Independence Day and Memorial Day then May, September and October are great times to visit Israel. February is wonderful for hiking, as long as you don’t mind a bit of rain from time to time. The wildflowers are starting to come out, the hills are green and the sites are tourist free. On designated flower trails around Galilee you’ll see carpets of trembling cyclamen. Later, dark Gilboa iris and little bee orchids will appear, too. The Jewish festival of Purim in March has a Mardi Gras feel to it with street parties in all the major cities. It’s a festival that everyone, religious or not, can enjoy. It brings family fun to cities across the country, and delicious food, too (look out for distinctive triangular hamantash pastries). Check out the Caesarea Jazz Festival for ultimate summer cool in June. The Mediterranean coast is hottest in July, topping 34°. January brings the coldest weather on the coast. It’s the lowest place on earth, so the Dead Sea also gets very hot, over 40°. So, the cooler months, October to April are the best times to visit. Be prepared for big climate differences. It could be a pleasant 20° on the Red Sea in the winter months of November or December, but half that in Jerusalem. So, come prepared. Cruise ship season is June to September, with highest numbers of passengers joining the already busy summer crowds in July and August. So keep clear, if you want the place to yourself. September is another good time to visit Israel, as it is cooling down, heat wise and crowds wise. Yom Kippur, in September or October, is a total shutdown in Israel though, as it is the holiest day of the year. For non religious practitioners, it’s a great time to go ride your bike though, as there are no cars on the roads. And join lots of local people doing the same.Many Christians descend on Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem in December for Christmas, to celebrate this special time of year at source in the Holy Land.