The climate of Haifa
Identified by the Köppen climate classification as Csa,
Haifa is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. Situated on the northern coast of
Israel, its geographical position contributes significantly to its defined seasonal changes. The premier attraction of this climate model is the distinct contrast between the dry summers and wet winters, a trait commonly associated with Mediterranean climates.
The weather in Haifa varies throughout the year. High temperatures range from 17°C (62.6°F) in the cooler months to a peak of 31.4°C (88.5°F) in the height of summer. Moreover, low temperatures, fluctuating between 8.7°C (47.7°F) and 23.6°C (74.5°F), add further depth to the annual climate transition. Conversely, relative humidity remains fairly consistent all year, averaging between 59% and 82%. Exceptionally, rainfall exhibits a striking shift between the wet and dry seasons. The transition is quite dramatic, with rainfall swelling from 0mm (0") rainfall in summer months to a peak of 136mm (5.35") in the winter month of
December.
In the spectrum of sunshine, Haifa receives between six hours per day in the cooler months and a maximum of 12 hours per day during summer. Paralleling this pattern, the UV index moves between moderate (3) in winter to extreme (11) by mid-summer. Haifa's daylight variation is also notable, ranging between 10 to 14.3 hours per day.
The best time to visit Haifa
The ideal time to consider visiting
Haifa is typically during spring or autumn. During these periods, the weather tends to be cooler and more comfortable, with high temperatures lying between 23.9°C (75°F) and 29.9°C (85.8°F). Furthermore, these seasons avoid the peak UV index of the summer months, allowing visitors to explore the city in relative comfort. The daylight duration, around 12-13 hours, presents an ideal opportunity for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Haifa
The less favorable period to visit
Haifa falls between
June and
August. This period is associated with high temperatures of around 31°C (87.8°F) coupled with a high humidity average of 78%. In addition, the extreme UV index during this period of the year makes outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. The minimal rainfall during these months does little to alleviate the relentless summer heat.
Spring weather in Haifa
Spring in
Haifa is generally marked by mild and comfortable weather. Average temperatures range from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F) from
March to
May. Rainfall during this season drops significantly, from 95mm (3.74") in March to just 3mm (0.12") in May. As for daylight, it averages around 12 hours a day, providing ample light for outdoor activities. Correspondingly, the UV index moderately climbs from 4 in March to a high of 10 in May, indicating the need for suitable sun protection during this time.
Summer weather in Haifa
Typifying the Mediterranean climate,
Haifa's summer is hot and dry. High temperatures consistently top 29°C (84.2°F), maxing out at 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
August. Humidity remains high throughout the summer, averaging between 74% and 82%. Remarkably, the city sees almost negligible rainfall from
June to August, with record lows of 0mm (0") recorded in
July and August. Heavy sun exposure marks the season, resulting in a UV index that occasionally reaches extreme levels of 11, dictating the importance of sufficient skin protection.
Autumn weather in Haifa
During autumn,
Haifa witnesses a subtle drop in temperatures, with highs decreasing from 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
September to 24°C (75.2°F) by
November. Correspondingly, sea temperatures also mark a gradual retreat from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) between these months. Noticeably, rainfall begins to accumulate in November, averaging at 78mm (3.07"). Meanwhile, daylight hours diminish from 12.4 hours in September to 10.5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Haifa
Winter in
Haifa is predominantly marked by colder temperatures and increased rainfall. High temperatures fall between 17°C (62.6°F) and 19.2°C (66.6°F), while lows range from 8.9°C (48°F) to 10.9°C (51.6°F). Rainfall is significantly heightened during this season, peaking at 136mm (5.35") in
December, paralleled with an increase in the number of rainfall days from 13.9 in
January to 11.8 in December. Meanwhile, daylight shortens to reach an annual low of 10 hours a day in December and January.
Weather in January
January in
Haifa,
Israel ushers in the New Year with chilly conditions, though the weather remains relatively mild by winter standards. With temperatures fluctuating from a maximum of 17°C (62.6°F) to a minimum of 8.9°C (48°F), the city gets a baptism of precipitation with 125mm (4.92") of rain spread across 13.9 days; the highest for any month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February marks a subtle shift in
Haifa's climate as it treads towards springtime. Temperatures hover comfortably from a high of 17.5°C (63.5°F) to a low of 8.7°C (47.7°F). There's a noticeable decrease in rainfall to 95mm (3.74") across 11.7 days compared to
January's downpours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
By
March,
Haifa starts to feel the presence of spring more evidently. Climatic conditions become pleasanter with the high temperature reaching 19.6°C (67.3°F) and the low at 10.5°C (50.9°F). Rainfall plummets to 53mm (2.09") across 8.6 days, a significant drop from the wetter
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Haifa ushers in a delightful spring season, with weather conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Dissecting the data, the temperature escalates to 23.9°C (75°F) on the higher end and falls to 13.6°C (56.5°F) on the lower.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees
Haifa transitioning into full-blown summer. Climatic conditions become progressively warmer with temperatures oscillating between a peak of 26.2°C (79.2°F) and trough of 17.2°C (63°F). Rainfall becomes a rare occurrence with just 3mm (0.12") of precipitation over 1.4 days, a continuation of the descending trend since
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer in
Haifa, characterized by hot days and warm nights. The rising trend continues with the mercury level soaring to 29.3°C (84.7°F) at maximum and settling at a minimum of 20.6°C (69.1°F). The month stays almost rain-free with rainfall amounting to just 0mm (0") occurring over 0.1 days, the lowest for the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the height of the scorching summer season in
Haifa. The sweltering heat sends the maximum temperature to a yearly high of 31.1°C (88°F) while the minimum temperature steeply rises to 23°C (73.4°F). There's absolutely no rainfall, marking it as the driest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Haifa continues to mimic
July's weather conditions, keeping the summer going full swing. Maximum and minimum temperatures reach 31.4°C (88.5°F) and 23.6°C (74.5°F), respectively, maintaining the peak summer weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Sepember signals a minor shift in
Haifa's weather towards the mellower autumn temperatures. The month observes cooling temperatures, from a high of 29.9°C (85.8°F) to a relatively lower 21.7°C (71.1°F). Rainfall remains negligible with a meager 1mm (0.04") making
September almost as dry as the summer months of
July and
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings palpable changes to
Haifa's climate as autumn takes hold. Thermometers reflect a significant drop, marking the onset of cooler days, with temperatures dwindling down to a peak of 28°C (82.4°F) and a minimum of 18.5°C (65.3°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Haifa marks an evident transition from autumn to winter. Weather conditions grow colder, as explained by the temperature dip to a peak of 24°C (75.2°F) and a minimum of 14.1°C (57.4°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 78mm (3.07") across 8 days, hinting at the impending winter showers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December heralds the advent of winter in
Haifa with colder conditions reinstating. The temperature average sees a marked reduction from 19.2°C (66.6°F) at its peak to a low of 10.9°C (51.6°F). It becomes the second wettest month of the year receiving 136mm (5.35") of rainfall across 11.8 days.
Weather in December »