The climate of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the capital city of
Israel, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, referred to as a Csa climate according to the Köppen climate classification. The weather, strongly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the desert on the other, exhibits quite a gamut in temperature variations across the year alongside fluctuating humidity levels and precipitation patterns.
Temperatures throughout the year can range from lows of 9.2°C (48.6°F) to highs of 33.4°C (92.1°F), presenting differing conditions with each changing season. Relative humidity in Jerusalem generally hovers around the mid-50s, with slight peaks and troughs across the year. Rainfall, predominantly falling between
November and
March, ranges from 13mm (0.51") to 20mm (0.79"). However, rainfall becomes almost negligible from
June to
September as the summer months sets in. During these months, the city witnesses a dramatic drop in rainfall days as well.
Days in Jerusalem are longest during the summer months, with up to 14.2 hours of daylight in June and
July. Closely mirroring this pattern are the sunshine hours, reaching 12.3 hours in July. The wind speed also varies, from 8.5km/h (5.3mph) to 11.6km/h (7.2mph), with the city witnessing wind gust up to 16.3km/h (10.1mph).
The best time to visit Jerusalem
Pleasant weather conditions prevail in
Jerusalem during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. During these periods, the city exhibits moderate temperatures and lower humidity levels, making it ideal for exploration and outdoor activities. In the months of
April and
October, for example, average temperatures range from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F), offering a comfortable climate in which to enjoy this enchanting city.
The worst time to visit Jerusalem
Tourists might want to avoid the peak summer months, from
June to
August, and the winter month of
December when planning a trip to
Jerusalem. The summer months are often accompanied by high temperatures, which can reach up to 33.4°C (92.1°F). Conversely, December sees the minimum temperature falling to 11.1°C (52°F) and is also the period with significant rainfall levels reaching 19mm (0.75").
Spring weather in Jerusalem
In the spring months,
Jerusalem experiences mild weather.
March experiences a temperature range from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), while by
May the temperature has warmed, ranging from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F). Wind speeds during these months vary from 10.3km/h (6.4mph) to 11.2km/h (7mph), while daylight hours noticeably increase to 13.8 hours by the end of May. Humidity levels are relatively lower during this period compared to the rest of the year.
Summer weather in Jerusalem
The summer in
Jerusalem is typically hot, with temperatures ranging from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F), reaching their peak in the months of
July and
August. Despite being the hottest period, Jerusalem's summers are characterized by low rainfall and high humidity of about 54%. These are also the months with the longest daylight hours, thereby more sunshine hours, reaching up to 14.2 hours and 12.3 hours respectively.
Autumn weather in Jerusalem
Autumn in
Jerusalem sees a drop in temperatures, with
September having highs of 31.7°C (89.1°F) and
November seeing temperatures drop to a high of 23.1°C (73.6°F). Rainfall begins to increase from 1mm (0.04") in September to 13mm (0.51") in November. The humidity begins to rise in this period, reaching around 58% in September. While daylight hours decrease from 12.4 hours to 10.6 hours, the sunshine hours drop to 7.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Jerusalem
Winter months in
Jerusalem experience the lowest temperatures across the year, falling to 11.1°C (52°F) in
December and hovering around 9.2°C (48.6°F). Humidity increases to 62% in
January coupled with rainfall reaching its peak with 20mm (0.79") in
March. Despite the falling temperatures, Jerusalem witnesses up to 10.3 hours of daylight in December. The wind gust also peaks during winter, reaching its maximum of 16.3km/h (10.1mph).
Weather in January
Cool temperatures in the region of
Jerusalem,
Israel define the climate in
January. The gentle kiss of the winter sun is felt most hours of the day, making the season pleasant. Comparatively chiller than
December, the calming winds of January maintain a day-night temperature fluctuation, ranging from 9.2°C (48.6°F) at night to 16.4°C (61.5°F) during daytime.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The effect of winter starts to wane in
February, making way for the spring season in
Jerusalem. With marginally elevated temperatures, the touch of moderate heat is more pronounced. Tempering the cool winter air, February encompasses a wider temperature gradient, spanning from 10.1°C (50.2°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
In light of the spring season,
March presents a moderate and agreeable climate in
Jerusalem. Locals and tourists alike are greeted with promising visibility that encourages sightseeing and exploration around the city. While the structured change in weather conditions carries forward, a significant increase of up to 21.1°C (70°F) in temperatures is noticed, comparing to
February's highs of 18.2°C (64.8°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Graduating from the mildness of
March,
April in
Jerusalem,
Israel warms up to more pronounced spring temperatures. Longer daylight hours extend the window for outdoor fun and leisure activities. A clear transition from the cool of March, the spiking temperatures in April go up to 24.8°C (76.6°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
With the advent of
May, summer's footsteps become audible in
Jerusalem. The city bathes in an abundance of sunlight, making it the ideal period for a beach escapade. A sharp increase from
April's pleasant 24.8°C (76.6°F), May's intense high of 29.1°C (84.4°F) stages the city's transformation into a hot summer paradise.
Weather in May »Weather in June
A backdrop of clear skies and brilliant sunshine sets the stage for the summer season in
June.
Jerusalem,
Israel becomes much hotter, with temperatures soaring higher. Gravity of the monthly temperature progression from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in
May to 31.4°C (88.5°F) in June underlines the influence of summertime.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July wears the crown of being the hottest month in
Jerusalem, making it the epitome of summer in the city. In the absence of rain, the dry climate couples with the intense heat. Marking a noticeable rise from
June's milder 31.4°C (88.5°F), July's peak temperatures touch down at an overwhelming 33.2°C (91.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
While still simmering under the summer heat,
August observes a marginal retreat in temperature in
Jerusalem,
Israel. Balmy nights pave the way for satisfying strolls along the beach under the moonlit sky. Residing at the tail end of summer, a faint dip in temperature to 33.4°C (92.1°F) from it's predecessor
July's intense 33.2°C (91.8°F) is observed.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September serves as a gateway to autumn in
Jerusalem, with the city bidding farewell to the summer warmth. A notable reduction of temperatures, from the highs of the sweltering summer to the mildness of the starting autumn, takes place.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the full bloom of the autumn season in
Jerusalem. With summer taking a back seat, the weather becomes much more agreeable. As noted, October's high temperatures reach a more moderate 28.4°C (83.1°F) as opposed to
September's slightly higher 31.7°C (89.1°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November graces the city of
Jerusalem, a perceptible shift towards the winter season takes place. Light drizzles and foggy mornings are a common sight, adding character to the city's aesthetics. A significant decrease in temperature, nose-diving to 23.1°C (73.6°F) from the
October high of 28.4°C (83.1°F), is observed, pointing towards the onset of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Jerusalem,
Israel, sits in the lap of the winter season in
December. The slight chill in the air during the day, coupled with colder nights, signifies the culmination of the year. December witnesses a further dip in temperature down to a chilly 18.1°C (64.6°F), from
November's modest 23.1°C (73.6°F), signaling the peak in winter conditions.
Weather in December »