Travel time: Year-round
Jerusalem sits at an elevation of approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) atop the Judean Hills. This altitude is the primary driver of its weather, creating a significant departure from the humid heat found in coastal cities like Tel Aviv. The climate is defined by two sharp seasons: a long, bone-dry summer and a short, cool, and rainy winter.
The city’s weather follows a predictable daily cycle. Even on the hottest summer days, the lack of humidity allows for a rapid temperature drop once the sun sets. Locals refer to the "Jerusalem breeze" that arrives in the late afternoon, often necessitating an extra layer for evening strolls. In the winter, the clear mountain air can make temperatures feel much colder than the thermometer suggests, especially when the wind whips through the narrow stone alleys of the Old City.
Summers are characterized by relentless sunshine and zero rainfall. Daytime highs typically range from 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F). However, the air remains crisp and dry. August is the peak of the heat, yet the low humidity prevents the "sticky" feeling common in Mediterranean coastal destinations.
The transition into autumn is subtle. Temperatures begin to dip mid-October, and the first rains (known in Hebrew as the Yoreh) are celebrated by locals. This is a season of high variability; you may experience a late-season heatwave followed immediately by the season’s first thunderstorm.
Winter is the city's rainy season. Temperatures average between 6°C and 15°C (43°F to 59°F). While most days are clear or partly cloudy, winter storms can bring heavy downpours. Historically, Jerusalem experiences a significant snowfall once every few years. When the mountains go white, the city often grinds to a halt as locals head outside to experience the rare "Winter Wonderland" in the Holy City.
Spring is fleeting but spectacular. The Judean Hills turn vibrant green, and wildflowers bloom across the region. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it the most comfortable time for outdoor exploration. By late May, the landscape begins to brown as the dry summer pattern re-establishes itself.
One of the most distinct weather events in Jerusalem is the Hamsin (or Sharav). These are hot, dry winds blowing in from the Arabian Desert. They typically occur in the spring and autumn, characterized by a sudden spike in temperature, a drop in humidity, and a yellowish haze caused by fine desert dust suspended in the air. A Hamsin can last from a few hours to several days and often ends with a sharp temperature drop and shifting winds.
Due to the dramatic topography, microclimates are common. The western slopes of the Jerusalem hills receive significantly more rainfall than the eastern slopes, which transition rapidly into the rain shadow of the Judean Desert. Just a 20-minute drive east toward the Dead Sea can result in a temperature increase of 10°C (18°F) and a complete shift from mountain cool to desert heat.
Jerusalemites are highly attuned to the evening drop in temperature. You will often see locals carrying a sweater even when the midday sun is intense. Because the city is built primarily of Jerusalem stone—a local limestone—buildings have high thermal mass. This keeps interiors naturally cool in the summer but can make them feel damp and chilly in the winter, leading to a heavy reliance on space heaters and air conditioning units with heating functions during the colder months.