Travel time: Year-round
Tel Aviv is defined by a classic subtropical Mediterranean climate (Csa), characterized by long, hot, and humid summers and mild, wet winters. Located on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, the city’s weather is a constant dialogue between the cooling influence of the sea and the warming presence of the nearby Judean Mountains and the desert beyond.
Summers in Tel Aviv are consistent, stable, and intense. Highs typically reach 86°F–90°F (30°C–32°C), but it is the humidity that defines the experience. Coastal humidity levels often hover between 60% and 85%, making the air feel significantly hotter and heavier than the thermometer suggests. Rainfall is virtually non-existent during this period, and clear blue skies are the norm. The sea is at its warmest, reaching up to 86°F (30°C) by August.
This is a short transition period where the oppressive humidity of summer begins to break. Early autumn remains warm and suitable for swimming, but by November, the first significant rains usually arrive. Temperatures begin to dip into the 70s°F (21°C–25°C), and a refreshing breeze often sweeps through the city in the evenings.
Winters are mild and never experience frost. Daytime temperatures usually range from 63°F to 66°F (17°C–19°C), though they can drop to 50°F (10°C) on colder nights. This is the wettest time of year, with January typically seeing the most rain. Rainfall often comes in short, heavy bursts rather than persistent gray drizzle, often accompanied by strong sea winds and occasional thunderstorms.
Spring is widely considered the most pleasant time in Tel Aviv. As the winter rains fade, temperatures rise comfortably into the 70s°F (20s°C). The city is lush and green before the summer heat arrives. However, spring is also the peak season for the Sharav or Khamsin—hot, dry desert winds.
Tel Aviv is a city that lives outdoors. During the peak of summer, locals adapt by shifting social life to the "blue-hour" and late night; the promenade (Tayelet) and cafes remain packed long after midnight when the air is slightly more bearable. Historically, snow is nearly unheard of; the last significant snowfall with accumulation occurred in 1950.
Modern local life is heavily reliant on air conditioning, which is ubiquitous in homes, taxis, and public buildings. In the winter, because the weather is usually mild, many internal spaces lack central heating, making residents more sensitive to the few truly cold, rainy weeks of the year.