The best time to visit Israel is in the spring in April and May, or autumn in the months of September and October, this is when temperatures are pleasant in many areas. November and March are similar however; they do see some rain, particularly in the coastal areas and up north. Winter generally lasts from the middle of November to mid-March and can be astonishingly cold, with heavy showers along the coastline and frost in the highlands. Summertime temperatures in the far south are intense. In Tel Aviv, the humidity will make you sweat standing in the shade. This is a wonderful time to visit Jerusalem or other highland areas that are less affected by coastal humidity. Summer is also the busiest season for tourists - hotel prices are at their highest and it can sometimes be tricky to find accommodation. You may also want to avoid visiting on major Jewish holidays, this is when accommodation prices go up and it is almost impossible to travel between cities.
HOLIDAYS
March - Purim Feast of Lots
March - Shushan Purim
April - Last Day of Pesach Passover1
May - Independence Day
June - Shavu'ot Giving of the Torah**
July - Tisha B'Av Fast of 9 Av*
September / October - Rosh Hashana New Year**
October - Yom Kippur Atonement Day**
October - Sukkot Feast of Tabernacles1
October - Shemini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah
The 1st and last days of Sukkot and Pesach are national holidays
*Most stores and restaurants close
**National holiday, everything closes
You should know:
All holidays are according to the Jewish calendar and consequently move relative to the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The Jewish day begins at sundown (6 p.m.) but the dates given here are for the day during which shops etc. will be closed. The feast itself begins at sundown on the day preceding the date shown and ends at sundown on the date shown.
Banks and most businesses are closed during all major Jewish holidays. There is no public transportation except for taxis.
Weekend – Saturday
