The climate of Bethlehem
Subject to Mediterranean climatological characteristics,
Bethlehem shares weather patterns common to the Csa Köppen climate classification. Geographically nestled in the
West Bank, this city experiences hot summers and mild, moist winters. Sunshine hours range from 6 hours per day in
January and
December, extending up to 13 hours during summer months (
June,
July). UV index expands proportionally to daylight, reaching its zenith (index 12) in June and July.
Temperature patterns express a clear demarcation between the colder season (from november to march) with highs peaking at 16°C (60.8°F) in
March and dropping to a minimum of 12°C (53.6°F) in January. Comparatively, warmer months, starting in
April and tapering off in
October, exhibit increasing warmth, ebbing at 30°C (86°F) in July and
August. Rainfall varies substantially throughout the year, it rains the most in January and then the least from June to
September, where rainfall is almost negligible.
Bethlehem also experiences snowfall, albeit infrequently, and barely extending beyond a day in January and December. Noticeable is a distinct shift from copious rain in the colder season, with around 12 rainy days in January, to a complete absence throughout the summer, before rains reappear in October, marking approximately 3 wet days.
The best time to visit Bethlehem
Choosing the perfect time to visit
Bethlehem hinges on individual weather preferences. However,
April through
June stand out as the most temperate and agreeable months. This period transitions Bethlehem from the cooler season into the hot summer and allows for ample daylight with approximately 13 to 14 hours. Temperatures stay pleasant, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Rainfall is next to non-existent, averaging between 27mm (1.06") to 3mm (0.12"), hence guaranteeing largely clear, balmy days. This ideal blend of warmth, lack of rain, and abundant sunshine makes this period most conducive for tourists.
The worst time to visit Bethlehem
While beauty is subjective, weather patterns indicate
January as a less favorable time to visit. It is the coldest month with a high of barely 12°C (53.6°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F). Additionally, it sees the highest rainfall of the year at 137mm (5.39"), evidenced by an average of 12 rainy days. The amount of sunshine drops to its lowest, with only about 6 hours of light per day. Therefore, if a prospect of persistent rain and reduced sunshine does not appeal, January would then form the least preferred period to visit
Bethlehem.
Spring weather in Bethlehem
Spring in
Bethlehem spans from
March to
May, stirring the city out of its relatively cold winter. Temperatures rise steadily, averaging from 16°C (60.8°F) in March to 26°C (78.8°F) in May. Rainfall diminishes drastically during this season, tapering to only 3mm (0.12") in May from 88mm (3.46") in March. It provides around 12 to 13 hours of sunlight each day, allowing visitors to experience the city under temperate conditions.
Summer weather in Bethlehem
Summer roars into
Bethlehem in
June, maintains its zenith across
July and
August, and withdraws by
September. During these months, the city experiences its hottest temperatures, soaring to 30°C (86°F) in both July and August. Rainfall is practically non-existent, and sunshine is plentiful with up to 14 hours of light per day in June and July. The intense UV index during summer necessitates sun protection for those venturing outdoors.
Autumn weather in Bethlehem
Autumn introduces a gentle decline in temperatures, with
October starting at an agreeable 26°C (78.8°F) and tapering to 20°C (68°F) by
November.
Bethlehem begins experiencing rainfall in October, gradually increasing to 60mm (2.36") by November. Sunshine hours shorten to 9 per day in November, marking a significant transition into the colder season.
Winter weather in Bethlehem
Winter in
Bethlehem officially kicks in by
December, extending through to
February. This period registers the coldest temperatures with highs of 14°C (57.2°F) in December, dropping further to 12°C (53.6°F) by
January. Simultaneously, rainfall peaks at 137mm (5.39") in January, contrasting the negligible rainfall experienced in the preceding months. Despite shorter daylight hours hovering around only 10 hours, Winter presents its own beauty, providing a uniquely tranquil atmosphere in Bethlehem.
Weather in January
Bethlehem,
West Bank greets the year with cold and humid conditions. The city encounters the lowest temperatures from 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (53.6°F) of the whole year, in contrast to the warming trends that follow. Rain is a frequent visitor with the most rainfall days, counting 12.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings slightly milder temperatures compared to the previous month yet remains colder than the upcoming
March. The city becomes more luminous as the sunshine hours increase from the
January count. Moreover, the rainfall decreases, marking a shift towards the drier months ahead.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in the onset of spring in
Bethlehem,
West Bank, marking warmer and drier weather. The UV index of 5 indicates the strengthening intensity of sunlight. A decrease in rainfall further pronounces this changing season. The city starts to bloom under the extended hours of daylight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April displays the characteristic spring weather of
Bethlehem as the city continues to warm up. Compared to
March, there are fewer rainy days with only 27mm (1.06") of annual rainfall occurring during this month. Longer daylight and increased sunshine hours enlighten the cityscape.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the transition from spring to summer in
Bethlehem with a glorious increase in sunshine hours. Temperatures rise starkly, reaching up to 26°C (78.8°F), a noticeable jump from the previous month's high of 22°C (71.6°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the peak of
Bethlehem's summer with warmer temperatures paired with the year's longest days. The increase in temperatures coincides with increased sunshine hours, reaching the maximum value of 13 hours. The absolute lack of rainfall is a characteristic feature of this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July mirrors the climatic patterns of
June, representing the heart of summer in
Bethlehem,
West Bank. Temperatures plateau at the summer maximum of between 19°C (66.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), extending the warm reign of June. Rainfall remains non-existent and the town basks in the sunlit days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of high summer temperatures and clear, sunny skies. A slight decrease in sunshine hours and a marginal drop in the UV index do not mar the heat. Zero rainfall adheres to the established dry spell of the summer months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks a visible shift in the weather patterns of
Bethlehem from dry summer to the mellow autumn. Signs of cooling become evident with the shrinking daylight hours and lowered temperatures. A single day of rainfall paves the path for the wetter months to follow.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bethlehem,
West Bank, fully embraces the fall season with a noticeable change in temperature. Sunshine hours drop, shedding light on the shorter autumn days. Rainfall picks up the pace with 19mm (0.75") precipitation, barely seen since
April.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November bears the brunt of the first clear signs of
Bethlehem's winter. Compared to
October, temperatures drop significantly, and rainfall doubles to 60mm (2.36"). A further decrease in sunshine and daylight hours amplifies the chill factor.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December reinforces the winter atmosphere in
Bethlehem, with temperatures continuing the
November downward trend. It generates a similar amount of rainfall as
February, signaling the return to a wetter period. The reappearance of snowfall adds to the winter narrative.
Weather in December »