Jerusalem's packing problem is the dress code. The holiest sites expect covered shoulders and knees, while summer highs reach 31°C (88°F), so you need light clothes that cover. The Old City's worn stone streets and the 754 m hilltop setting mean good shoes and a warm layer for winter nights.
Jerusalem weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 12°C54°F | 13°C55°F | 15°C59°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F | 27°C81°F | 20°C68°F | 15°C59°F |
| Low | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F |
| Rain days | 9 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCool and the wettest time of year. Highs are 15°C (59°F) in December, 12°C (54°F) in January and 13°C (55°F) in February, with lows of 4–6°C (39–43°F). Around 9 to 11 rain days a month. Pack a warm jacket, a sweater, a rain layer and shoes that handle wet stone.
Spring
March–MayWarming fast and drying out. March has a 15°C (59°F) high and around 7 rain days, April 21°C (70°F) and around 4, and May 26°C (79°F) and around 2. Nights stay cool at 6–14°C (43–57°F). Pack layers and a light jacket for evenings.
Summer
June–AugustHot, sunny and dry. Highs reach 29°C (84°F) in June, 30°C (86°F) in July and 31°C (88°F) in August, with 0 rain days. Nights cool to 16–19°C (61–66°F) thanks to the altitude. Bring sun protection and light, covering clothes for the holy sites.
Autumn
September–NovemberWarm, then cooling. September has a 29°C (84°F) high and October 27°C (81°F), each with around 2 rain days. November drops to 20°C (68°F) with a 10°C (50°F) low and around 8 rain days. Add a sweater and a rain layer late in the season.
What to bring to Jerusalem
0 of 26 packedIsrael uses Type H sockets, so US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter for their chargers.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wrap covers shoulders fast at the Western Wall or the Holy Sepulchre and warms you on 5°C (41°F) winter nights.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light sneakers with grip for the Old City's steps and polished stone, all day.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light sneakers with grip for the Old City's steps and polished stone, all day.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
An insulated bottle keeps water cold on 30–31°C (86–88°F) summer days walking between sites with little shade.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
An anti-theft crossbody is a smart way to carry your phone and passport through crowded Old City lanes.
A rain jacket for winter, when Jerusalem sees around 9 to 11 rain days a month.
A rain jacket for winter, when Jerusalem sees around 9 to 11 rain days a month.
Clothing
- Long lightweight pants or long skirts · 3Holy sites expect covered knees
- Breathable tops that cover shoulders · 4Summer highs reach 31°C
- Sweater or fleece · 1Winter lows of 4–6°C
- Warm jacket · 1Dec–Feb, the wettest and coolest months
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairPolished stone gets slick in wet winter weather
- Sandals · 1 pairSummer, when June–August averages 0 rain days
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1Around 9 to 11 rain days a month in winter
- Reusable snack bagStock up before Shabbat closures on Friday
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Lip balm · 1
- Hand sanitizer · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Credit card and some shekels
Tech
- Phone and charger
- Power bank · 1
What shoes should you pack for Jerusalem?
Comfortable sneakers with grip. The Old City is all steps, slopes and polished stone that gets slippery, especially in wet winter weather. Leave heels at home and bring shoes you can walk in all day.
What do people wear in Jerusalem?
It depends on the neighborhood, but at holy sites dress modestly. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif expect shoulders and knees covered. Elsewhere in West Jerusalem, casual clothes are normal. Carry a scarf or wrap to cover up quickly.
How does Shabbat affect a trip to Jerusalem?
Plan and pack ahead for it. From Friday sunset to Saturday, many shops, restaurants and public transport services close in much of the city. Stock up on snacks and water on Friday and plan walking routes for Saturday.
What plugs does Jerusalem use?
Israel uses Type H sockets at 230V. Type C plugs, the two-pin European kind, also work in them. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Jerusalem
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Jerusalem.
What should you leave at home for Jerusalem?
Short shorts, tank tops and anything you couldn't wear into a church or to the Western Wall. Leave heels and slick-soled shoes, and skip rain gear in summer, when June to August averages 0 rain days.
Around Jerusalem
Packing for Jerusalem: questions people ask
What should I wear in Jerusalem in summer?
Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees. August averages a 31°C (88°F) high, a 19°C (66°F) low and 0 rain days.
Is Jerusalem cold in winter?
Cooler than people expect. January averages a 12°C (54°F) high and a 5°C (41°F) low, so bring a warm jacket.
What is the dress code at the Western Wall?
Modest dress. Cover shoulders and knees. The same applies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif.
Do I need an adapter in Israel?
Usually yes. Israel uses Type H sockets at 230V. European Type C plugs fit, but US, UK and Australian plugs don't.
Does it rain in Jerusalem in November?
Sometimes. November averages around 8 rain days, with a 20°C (68°F) high and a 10°C (50°F) low.
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