BEST TIME TO VISIT PALESTINE
On Easter Saturday, Christian Palestinians celebrate with a flame being passed from one village and town to another, Olympian style.![]()
Not just religiously symbolic, these Easter traditions are now also processions for peace. The best time to visit Palestine, especially if hiking, is outside the hottest months, June-Sep. So when autumn leaves start turning at home, turn your thoughts to wild and wonderful walking in Palestine. Spring is perfect, as cyclamen, iris and anemones are in bloom. Autumn rains fall during Oct-Nov, but never too severe. Christmas in Bethlehem is, of course, extraordinary for Christians, with Midnight Mass held at St. Catherine’s and Manger Square packed with pilgrims. Tickets are released for the service 1 September, and sell out quickly.
Palestine Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
5
13
137
FEB
5
15
111
MAR
7
17
88
APR
10
22
27
MAY
13
26
3
JUN
16
29
0
JUL
18
30
0
AUG
18
30
0
SEP
17
29
1
OCT
14
26
19
NOV
10
20
60
DEC
6
15
111
PALESTINE TRAVEL ADVICE
Understanding Palestine
Marc Leaderman, from our partner, Wild Frontiers, shares his Palestine travel advice:
“Having led tours in over 50 countries over the last 15 years, my recent trip to Palestine was amongst the most rewarding and insightful I’ve ever had, offering not only an incredible diversity of scenery and historical wonders over such a small area, but more importantly a window into the rich cultural heritage of a people whose voice is all too often associated with conflict and suffering rather than warmth and hospitality. Come with an open mind and you’ll be sure never to view the Middle East the same way again.”
“I would certainly suggest reading up on the Israeli-Palestinian situation (ideally from both sides) although it can be quite challenging to find balanced sources. Some good films include ‘The Lemon Tree’ and ‘Five Broken Cameras.”
“Having led tours in over 50 countries over the last 15 years, my recent trip to Palestine was amongst the most rewarding and insightful I’ve ever had, offering not only an incredible diversity of scenery and historical wonders over such a small area, but more importantly a window into the rich cultural heritage of a people whose voice is all too often associated with conflict and suffering rather than warmth and hospitality. Come with an open mind and you’ll be sure never to view the Middle East the same way again.”
“I would certainly suggest reading up on the Israeli-Palestinian situation (ideally from both sides) although it can be quite challenging to find balanced sources. Some good films include ‘The Lemon Tree’ and ‘Five Broken Cameras.”
Itinerary tips
Andrew Appleyard is an archaeologist at our partner, Exodus. He shares his tips on where to go in Palestine:
“My favourite place is actually Jericho. Probably because it is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the entire world, dating back to about 5000 BC. And it is an amazing old site. It is also one of the places where Israelis and Palestinians get on incredibly well and no one interferes with any of them. But Jericho is a fab town, and there are great restaurants there too. It really is an amazing place.”
“My favourite place is actually Jericho. Probably because it is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the entire world, dating back to about 5000 BC. And it is an amazing old site. It is also one of the places where Israelis and Palestinians get on incredibly well and no one interferes with any of them. But Jericho is a fab town, and there are great restaurants there too. It really is an amazing place.”
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Marc Leaderman:
“Absolute musts would include Jerusalem, Nablus, Wadi el-Qult and at least one homestay. When it comes to packing it’s worth noting that it can get very hot by the Dead Sea but surprisingly cold in the more elevated zones, such as Jerusalem. English is fairly widely spoken but learning a few words of Arabic would go a long way, especially at the homestays.”
“Absolute musts would include Jerusalem, Nablus, Wadi el-Qult and at least one homestay. When it comes to packing it’s worth noting that it can get very hot by the Dead Sea but surprisingly cold in the more elevated zones, such as Jerusalem. English is fairly widely spoken but learning a few words of Arabic would go a long way, especially at the homestays.”
Tips when to go
Marc Leaderman:
“I would say that although it can be visited year round, spring and autumn are definitely the best times to visit to avoid the extremes of summer and winter.”
“I would say that although it can be visited year round, spring and autumn are definitely the best times to visit to avoid the extremes of summer and winter.”
Andrew Appleyard:
“If you can go to Midnight Mass in Bethlehem at Christmas – that is an incredible time to be there."
“If you can go to Midnight Mass in Bethlehem at Christmas – that is an incredible time to be there."
More Palestine articles
A place that has to be visited to be understood. Meet the people, stay in their homes, and walk their ancient trails.
You can visit both these states at once as part of a small group holiday.
