Climate
The Holy Land enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November- March), with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern Negev. Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast, dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions, hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley, and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev.
April-May Pilgrimages:
April: 10° – 21° C. (Similar to May or September in SW Ontario)
May: 13° – 25° C. (Similar to June or August in SW Ontario)
June: 16° – 28° C. (Similar to July in SW Ontario)
October-November Pilgrimages:
In many ways fall climate is similar to spring. Bring a light jacket -- it can rain in November (on average about 7 days a month.) Of course, days are shorter in the Fall and Winter.
Jerusalem Daily Average High and Lows:
October: 14° – 24° C. (Similar to June or August in SW Ontario)
November 10° – 19° C. (Similar to May or September in SW Ontario)
The Holy Land enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November- March), with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern Negev. Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast, dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions, hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley, and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev.
April-May Pilgrimages:
April: 10° – 21° C. (Similar to May or September in SW Ontario)
May: 13° – 25° C. (Similar to June or August in SW Ontario)
June: 16° – 28° C. (Similar to July in SW Ontario)
October-November Pilgrimages:
In many ways fall climate is similar to spring. Bring a light jacket -- it can rain in November (on average about 7 days a month.) Of course, days are shorter in the Fall and Winter.
Jerusalem Daily Average High and Lows:
October: 14° – 24° C. (Similar to June or August in SW Ontario)
November 10° – 19° C. (Similar to May or September in SW Ontario)
What to Pack:
It will be summer weather during May in Israel – it almost never rains at that time of year. We can expect hot days and cooler evenings. Plan to dress in layers – remembering that modest dress is expected at Holy Sites. (Sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts are really frowned on at Churches, Mosques and Synagogues.) While shorts are fine in some settings, long pants are expected in Churches – for both men and women. Good walking shoes, a small day-pack, and a water bottle are indispensable for our day tours. Summer evenings in many areas are cool enough to need a sweater. Don’t forget a change of shoes, sun hat, sun-screen, sunglasses. My essentials list includes:
A note about Hotels in the Middle East
It will be summer weather during May in Israel – it almost never rains at that time of year. We can expect hot days and cooler evenings. Plan to dress in layers – remembering that modest dress is expected at Holy Sites. (Sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts are really frowned on at Churches, Mosques and Synagogues.) While shorts are fine in some settings, long pants are expected in Churches – for both men and women. Good walking shoes, a small day-pack, and a water bottle are indispensable for our day tours. Summer evenings in many areas are cool enough to need a sweater. Don’t forget a change of shoes, sun hat, sun-screen, sunglasses. My essentials list includes:
- A small day-pack
- A telescoping walking stick can be helpful.
- Re-fillable Water bottle. Usually 1 litre water bottles are sold by the Bus Driver for US$1
- Sun Hat is essential
- Two pair of comfortable shoes for walking.
- Extra pair of socks in your day-pack.
- Light clothing - dress in layers
- Wash and wear clothing is a good idea although hotels do offer laundry service.
- Bathing Suit for our 'float' on the Dead Sea.
- Modest dress for both men and women is required for all religious sites.
- Sleeveless tops and shorts are frowned upon at most religious sites.. (Capris are ok).
- Electrical adapter.... click here for details.
- We recommend you try to pack your belongings in a carry-on bag and one other bag - a 3/4 size suitcase if possible. There are times, such as the land crossing from Jordan to Israel where you may need to drag your own suitcase a distance. Small is better!
A note about Hotels in the Middle East
- Hotels in the Middle East generally don't provide washcloths. So bring a couple of your own if this matters to you.
- The same goes for top-sheets on beds. Often the mattress has a duvet in a cover. If you are more comfortable with a sheet, bring one from home.
- Finally, our hotels supply hair blow-dryers. Irons are available upon request from front desk.