Question 1

Which months are the wettest and driest in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

December is the wettest month in Jerusalem, while the summer months of June through August are the driest, reflecting the city's classic Mediterranean climate of wet winters and bone-dry summers.

In 2025, Jerusalem recorded its heaviest rainfall in December with 202.6 mm (8.0 inches) of precipitation, followed by February with 112.9 mm (4.4 inches) and November with 73.3 mm (2.9 inches). At the other extreme, June, July, and August saw virtually no rain at all, with June and August registering 0.0 mm and July just 0.1 mm.

The dry stretch in Jerusalem is remarkably long: five consecutive months from June to October each received less than 1 mm of rain in 2025. Across the full year, the city collected 475.2 mm (18.7 inches) of precipitation, and a striking 86.8% of that total fell in the wet-season months of November through February.

For visitors, this pattern has clear practical implications. The summer in Jerusalem is reliably rainless and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor exploration, though daytime highs can climb above 37°C (99°F). If you prefer cooler, greener conditions, the winter months bring the rain — December alone can deliver heavy downpours — so packing waterproof layers is wise. Spring and autumn offer a comfortable middle ground, with only light, occasional showers between the two extremes.

Question 2

What were the temperature extremes in Jerusalem in 2025?

Accepted Answer

In 2025, Jerusalem swung between a high of **38.7°C (101.7°F)** and a low of **-3.3°C (26.1°F)**, giving the city a wide annual temperature range of about 42°C (76°F).

The hottest day came surprisingly early, on **17 May 2025**, when the daytime maximum reached 38.7°C (101.7°F) during a late-spring heat spell. The coldest reading was recorded on **25 February 2025**, when the overnight low dropped to -3.3°C (26.1°F). Across the full year, Jerusalem's average temperature settled at a mild **17.4°C (63.3°F)**.

Hot spells were a recurring feature in 2025, with **78 days** climbing to 30°C (86°F) or above and **7 days** reaching at least 35°C (95°F). At the other end, the winter months brought genuine cold: there were **40 days** with lows of 5°C (41°F) or below, including **4 frost days** when temperatures fell to 0°C (32°F) or under.

These extremes reflect Jerusalem's elevated location at around 735m (2,411ft), which produces warm, dry summers and noticeably chilly winter nights. For visitors, this means packing for sharp day-to-night swings — light clothing for the intense midday heat of late spring and summer, but a warm layer for cold winter mornings, when frost is a real possibility in the Jerusalem hills.

Question 3

When is the sunniest time of year in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Jerusalem is the summer, with July 2025 being the single brightest month at 419.4 hours of sunshine — roughly 13.5 hours of sun per day.

Across the meteorological summer of 2025 (June 1 to August 31), Jerusalem recorded 1,209.9 hours of sunshine, averaging about 403 hours per month, or around 13.2 hours of sun each day. The sunshine builds steadily through late spring: May 2025 already delivered 394.8 hours, and the May–August stretch alone accounted for 1,604.7 hours. By contrast, the dimmest month was February 2025 with just 148.5 hours, reflecting the cloudier, wetter heart of winter.

Over the full year, Jerusalem soaked up 3,625.9 hours of sunshine in 2025, which works out to an average of 9.9 hours of sun per day. The brightest months also bring the warmth, with summer mean temperatures near 23–24°C (73–75°F), while December slipped to about 7.1 sunshine hours per day.

For travelers, this means the late-spring-to-summer window from May through August is the most reliable period for clear skies and outdoor sightseeing in Jerusalem. Just plan for intense midday sun and bring water and sun protection, since these are also the city's hottest, driest months.

Question 4

What is the weather like in Jerusalem in August?

Accepted Answer

Jerusalem in August is hot, dry, and exceptionally sunny, making it a classic high-summer month with virtually no rain. In August 2025, the city averaged a daily mean of **23.7°C (74.7°F)**, with daytime highs typically climbing to around **29.8°C (85.6°F)** and nights cooling to about **18.6°C (65.5°F)**.

The month was completely dry, recording **0 mm (0 in) of rainfall** across all 31 days. Sunshine was abundant, totaling **377 hours** — an average of roughly **12.2 hours of sunshine per day**. Average humidity sat at **68%**, and winds were light to moderate at about **15.7 km/h (9.7 mph)**.

August 2025 also delivered a notable heat spell: temperatures peaked at **37.5°C (99.5°F)** on August 12, and four days saw highs at or above **35°C (95°F)**. Outside that mid-month heatwave, conditions were milder, with the coolest night dropping to **15.4°C (59.7°F)**.

For visitors, this means Jerusalem in August offers reliably rain-free, sun-filled days ideal for sightseeing — but the midday heat calls for sun protection, hydration, and planning major outdoor activities for the cooler early mornings or evenings. Thanks to the city's elevation of about 735 m (2,411 ft), Jerusalem's nights stay noticeably more comfortable than in lower-lying coastal areas, giving relief after hot afternoons.

Question 5

What is the best time of year for hiking in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

The best times for hiking in Jerusalem are the shoulder seasons of **spring (April) and autumn (October)**, when 2025 weather data shows mild temperatures combined with very little rain.

In April 2025, Jerusalem averaged 16.6°C (61.9°F) with just 8.6mm of rainfall and around 247 hours of sunshine, making for comfortable, dry trail conditions. October 2025 was even drier, with a mean temperature of 19.0°C (66.2°F), only 0.3mm of rain, and 327 hours of sunshine. Both months avoid the extremes that make hiking difficult at other times of year.

Summer is generally too hot for strenuous hikes: across June–August 2025, Jerusalem averaged 23.4°C (74.1°F), and daytime highs climbed as far as 37.5°C (99.5°F). Winter brings the opposite problem, as December 2025 alone delivered 202.6mm of rain, leaving paths wet and slippery.

If you prefer slightly warmer evenings, autumn has the edge in Jerusalem, with October nights staying near 10.0°C (50.0°F) versus April's cooler 4.4°C (39.9°F). For long day hikes around Jerusalem, aim for April and October, start early to beat midday heat, and carry layers for cool mornings and evenings.

Giv‘ot Mordekhay

Jerusalem

FAQ

Which months are the wettest and driest in Jerusalem?

What were the temperature extremes in Jerusalem in 2025?

When is the sunniest time of year in Jerusalem?

What is the weather like in Jerusalem in August?

What is the best time of year for hiking in Jerusalem?