Israel in February: Weather, Tips and Outdoor Adventures
Holidaying in Israel in February means spending less money and avoiding tourist crowds. The only downside is the winter weather, which comes with a fair bit of rain. Of course, you could avoid work around the bad weather by planning a flexible itinerary. On rainy days, you could visit museums, galleries, and other indoor attractions. February is also a great time to enjoy snow sports like skiing and snowboarding in Israel’s only ski resort situated in the beautiful Golan Heights. And if you prefer warmer climes, you could always head to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, which offers lots of activities for tourists, from bird watching to camel tours to scuba diving.
- Ron
Israel Weather in February
February is the last month of the winter season in Israel. Weather conditions are markedly better than the preceding months, with fewer rainy days. The average temperature in Israel in February ranges between 9°C and 19°C. Snowfall is also common in the northern part of the country, and sometimes even in Jerusalem. If you wish to avoid rain and cold weather in Israel in February, heading towards the southern port city of Eilat is a good idea.
For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Israel.
Weather in Israel in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 17 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 9 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 63 | 65 | 68 | 77 | 81 | 85 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 83 | 76 | 65 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 47 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 63 | 54 | 49 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 110 | 110 | 60 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 70 | 80 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 17 | 18 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 63 | 65 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 47 | 50 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 110 | 110 | 60 |
Why Visit Israel in Feburary
Winter in Israel comes with its own perks and charms. Here are some of the reasons to visit Israel in February:
- Winter fiesta: During February, religiously significant cities like Bethlehem, Jaffa, Nazareth, and parts of Jerusalem transform into winter wonderlands, providing plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season with wine and local delicacies. Israel celebrates the Tu Bishvat festival which is “New Year of the Trees”. The day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration. The annual Darom Adom Festival, the Dead Sea marathon, the Tel Aviv marathon, and the Chamber Music Festival in Eilat also occur in February.
- Outdoor adventures: Israel in February can be a hiker's paradise — that is if you do not mind the rain. This is a great time to go hiking in the hills of Judea, Galilee, and the Golan Heights. There is something special about walking among the rain-washed verdant landscape and vivid wildflowers. Galilee is also a great spot to go bird-watching during this time. A large number of migrating Steppe Eagles could be spotted in the area between December and January. February is also an excellent time to go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding in Mount Hermon Ski Resort.
- Low season advantage: Israel experiences a decline in tourist numbers between December and February. This allows you to see the country’s attractions without having to contend with large tourist crowds. Another advantage of traveling during the low season is the discounted rates on tours and accommodations.
Where to Go and What to Do
February is an exceptional month to explore and enjoy some of the best places in Israel, such as Tel Aviv, Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea. Head to Tel Aviv, savor the delicious local street food, the country’s economic center, and visit its bustling markets. Cross the Jordan River and travel through the stunning scenery of northern Israel before climbing the highlands of the Golan Heights, which are covered with woods, farms, and vineyards. Pass the Hamat Gader hot springs and take in the view from the renowned Shalom Observatory across the Sea of Galilee. The excavated Talmudic village at Katzrin, the Golan Antiquities Museum, and Mount Bental are some other must-see attractions in the region. If you have a day to spare, tour the beautiful coastal cities of Caesarea, Acre, and Rosh Hanikra.
Explore Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, from the rugged Mount Scopus, and on your way to the Old City, drop by the Gethsemane Garden, Church of All Nations, and Kidron Valley. Explore the Jewish Quarter, view the Western Wall and the Byzantine Cardo, and then follow Jesus' path along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and meander through the bazaar before departing the city. Take the Masada cable car to the top, then drive via Qumran and the Ein Gedi oasis to unwind on one of the nicest Dead Sea beaches.
With historical monuments, buildings of religious importance, unique culture, winter adventures, Israel in February offers visitors an endless list of things to see and do. Save for a few rainy days, Israel’s weather is generally pleasant in February. In fact, this is one of the best times to visit the Dead Sea and Eilat, which could get exceptionally hot during the summer. With a flexible travel plan, a few bad weather days should not hinder your holiday in Israel in February.
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