When to Go to Jerusalem

When to Go to Jerusalem

There is no bad time to visit in terms of weather. Jerusalem has low humidity year-round. There are seldom any rainy days at all from May through September, but some travelers prefer to risk rain and come in the cooler, less expensive season of November through March. In winter, snow falls occasionally in the northern and central hills. In April, May, September, and October, the weather is generally sunny but not uncomfortably hot. March and April have the added attraction of a lush countryside painted with vivid wildflowers.

During school holidays, particularly in July and August, Israelis themselves take vacations; accommodations and attractions get very crowded, and surcharges are often added to hotel rates. Hotel prices also jump during the Passover and Sukkoth holiday periods (early April and late September-early October, respectively), and services and commerce are sharply curtailed; many Israelis simply go away for Passover. Reservations for this busy week should be booked at least four months in advance, and plane reservations six months to a year in advance. Some hotels require full board -- paying for all meals as part of the room price -- for the week of Passover.