Thinking of visiting Israel in the winter?
The winter months are December, January, and February. Besides Winter Break, when everyone is traveling, things are relatively quiet in Israel making this a good time to come if you can.
Advantages
Quiet
Winter is generally the lull in tourism. Winter Break is short, only 2-3 weeks long, and most travel in the winter takes place in the last 2 weeks of December and the first week of January.
Other than that, it’s quiet. This is the calmest time to visit Israel, as there are the least tourists around.
The first two weeks of December are “dead time” here in Israel with respect to tourism, so it’s a fantastic time to come if you can to avoid the crowds! Most of January and February are very quiet as well, so if you want to avoid the crowds, this is definitely the season to come to Israel. Just avoid the winter break timespan and you’re set!
Weather
There are a lot of people that like the cold, or that don’t even find Israeli winters to be cold at all. If you’re one of these people, this is the perfect time to come!
Flowers
There are a lot of plants and flowers that begin to bloom in the winter. You’ll see them everywhere, even on the sides of the streets and highways. If you’re going hiking, look into where flowers have started blooming so you know what you’ll be seeing!
Disadvantages
Winter Weather
Meaning rain. And even snow. Winter is the rainy season here in Israel so make sure you come prepared for that. Winter 2018/2019 and Winter 2019/2020 were VERY rainy. The winters before that though…not so much.
You’ll still be able to do everything you’d intended, you just might get wet while doing it!
Make sure to bring a poncho! Umbrellas are slightly less useful here. The wind has a tendency to flip them inside out.
Sunset
The sun sets EARLY during the winter. Around 4:00-4:30PM. You’ll finish your touring and get back to the hotel in the dark. Though, depending on your hotel facilities, maybe this is an advantage if you’ve got a jacuzzi waiting for you in your room!
Conclusions
Visiting Israel in the winter is one of the best seasons to come to Israel. During winter break it will be more crowded, but the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages.