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When and where should I trek in Israel? When is the best time to hike in the north? The desert in the south? Is trekking in the heat of the summer even possible in Israel? Does it snow in Israel? This post is all about the wonderful changing seasons of Israel.
Israel is located on the northern hemisphere and has 4 different seasons. Each season has its own characteristics, and they may differ, depending on where you are in the country. There are two main long seasons in Israel - winter and summer - and two transitional and short seasons. The transitional seasons in Israel are short, abrupt and are just that- transitional- meaning that during these seasons the weather will change from day to day. During the transitional seasons one day can feel like summer and the next can feel like the middle of winter. I will call these seasons spring and autumn, for conveniency reasons, but keep in mind that spring and autumn in Israel are transitional and short seasons. In this post I will write a little bit about the seasons and what you can expect to feel in nature during each season.
Israel's 4 Seasons
Autumn - Beginning of September to late October. Autumn in Israel is a very short and is a controversial season. By this time in the year most of the vegetation is very dry, it is still pretty warm during the day, but the nights start getting cooler. Autumn, like the spring, can bring very unstable weather. It can bring forth the toughest rain storms- abrupt, short and fierce. It also hands us the greatest heat waves (much tougher than the summer heatwaves).
Where to trek during Autumn:
Autumn is the perfect time to explore the northern parts of Israel- trees and vegetation that offer shade, springs that offer relief from the heat, but also cool evenings that give you the feel that the long summer is ending.
It is possible to hike in the desert during autumn but most of the springs and pools are dry and the days can still be scorching. If you do try venturing out into the desert during autumn, just make sure to check that you're not trekking during a heatwave and take into account a long nap in the shade during noontime. Take a lot of water with you and plan short days.
Winter - Early November to late February. Winter for Israelis is a tough season- we’re used to sun, long beach days, heatwaves. Give us rain and we run for shelter. But the truth needs to be said- winter in Israel can be pretty easygoing. Every place north of Be’er Sheva enjoys between 200 and 1000 m”m of rain during the winter. Usually the rule is that the higher you get in altitude (Jerusalem, the Golan heights, the Upper Galilee) the colder and rainier it gets. Keep in mind that rain in Israel is cold, there is no such thing as summer hot rain in Israel. The only place to enjoy actual snow is the Hermon mountain. During good years the peaks hold snow up until April. Jerusalem, the Upper Galilea, the Golan Heights and sometimes even the high region of the Negev, enjoy some snow (which usually holds for a day).
Anywhere south of Be'er Sheva recieves less than 200 m"m of rain yearly, and the more south you venture into the less rain you're likely to enjoy. Eilat is the most southern tip of Israel, and the area recieves 30-50 m"m a year (an average, some years the number is 0). Most winter days in the desert are very comfortable, weatherwise. When it does rain (heavy rain), the desert comes to life with extreme flashfloods.
Where to trek during winter:
You can trek in the north of Israel during winter, but you should be aware of these few notes:
The rivers can be flooded and impossible to cross
When it finally does rain in Israel, it's usually heavy rain that come in small but tough bursts.
The trails can get incredibly muddy and slippery, especially the riverbeds.
If you're planning on trekking in the north during the winter season make sure to check the weather forecast, take a tent with you and a set of rainproof clothes, good hiking boots and a backpack rain cover.
If you’re looking for a rainy trek, or a snow trek- head north.
The ideal area for trekking during the winter would definitely be the desert. The nights can be freezing, and flashfloods can occur, but most days are usually sunny and clear. Sometimes, while trekking the desert in Israel, you'll forget its winter. Make sure to check the weather forecast for flashflood warning before venturing out to the desert.
Spring - Late February to late April. By far the best season for hiking and trekking in Israel. From the north to the southern tip of Israel, everywhere you look is in bloom and green. Some of the streams still flow, the springs and pools everywhere are overflowing with fresh water. Rare wild flowers peek out from the bush and Israel is at its best. The season can be pretty long, sometimes flowing into May. The weather, like in the autumn, can be unstable. Surprise and abrupt last rainstorms of the season can happen (especially in the desert- beware of flashfloods!), but heatwaves can also visit the area. But mostly, the days are ideal for trekking - long days, good clear weather, warm nights. In general, it is the perfect season for hiking, but the weather forecast must be taken into account, like always.
Where to trek during spring:
Absolutely everywhere. You cannot go wrong in this season.
Summer - Late April to mid-September. Summers in Israel are hot, long and dry. Summer is also very stable- it’s almost always sunny and hot, with the worst heat waves happening in the transition seasons, but usually not in the middle of summer. Rain is basically out of the question during this season (some surprise rain can visit until late June at the very most). The desert (unless you’re in the high regions of the Negev and hiking only by early mornings and late afternoons) is mostly out of bounds for trekking. The desert can give refuge from the humidity of the north but the temperatures rise to at least 38 degrees most days. That leaves us the north part of Israel, which usually gives us plenty of shade and some refreshing springs. The higher the altitude is, the better the relief from the heat, which is why the tall mountains surrounding Jerusalem are also an option.
Still, it's important to keep in mind that usually the temperatures in summer are around 30-40 degrees. Always check the weather forecast in the summer (for unusually hot days), take a lot of water with you, and take a few days before the trek to get used to Israel's summer heat.
Where to trek during Summer:
The Upper Galilea, The Jerusalem mountains, Hermon mountain and the northern Golan heights are the best places to hike during the long summer months.
I hope this post was helpful and informative about seasons in Israel! I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments! Contact me here. Or comment below.
*Disclaimer*
It is the responsibility of the users of this website to be prepared for all possible conditions while trekking in Israel. Beware that conditions of trails may change day to day and season to season. All users of this website and its information assume full responsibility for their actions and judgments while trekking. The owner and authors of this site disclaims all liability including that of accident, loss, injury, or any other damage that may be sustained by anyone using the information contained on this website.