AVERAGE TEMPERATURES ??
The weather is as unpredictable here as it is anywhere else, but generally speaking the May to October months are hot and there is no rainfall. The coastal areas are humid, and hilly regions are dry. November to March tend to be cold and rainy, especially in the hilly areas, with perhaps even some hight snow fall; while the valleys and low-lying areas are somewhat warmer.
| SUMMER July | WINTER January | |
| Jerusalem | Celcius: 18.7 – 28.6 Fahrenheit: 65.7 – 83.5 | Celcius: 6.0 – 11.1 Fahrenheit: 42.8 – 53.0 |
| Tiberias | Celcius: 22.8 – 36.6 Fahrenheit: 73.0 – 97.9 | Celcius: 8.9 – 18.3 Fahrenheit: 48.0 – 64.9 |
| Tel Aviv | Celcius: 21.0 – 30.2 Fahrenheit: 69.8 – 86.4 | Celcius: 9.4 – 18.3 Fahrenheit: 48.9 – 64.9 |
| Eilat | Celcius: 25.3 – 39.6 Fahrenheit: 77.5 -103.3 | Celcius: 9.6 – 21.3 Fahrenheit: 49.3 – 70.3 |
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR ??
In summer (May to October), drip dry light cottons and sportswear, sandals, good light walking shoes, bathing suit, sun glasses, hat, and a light jacket or pullover for hilly areas and evenings.
In winter (November to April), woollen clothes, pullovers, warm jacket, rain coat, walking shoes, umbrella, (+ sun glasses and bathing suit for swimming in the Dead Sea, or Eilat).
At all times of the year MODEST clothing is required at ALL religious sites. NO shorts or sleeveless tops are permitted inside churches, mosques and synagogues.
TIME DIFFERENCE ??
The Eastern Mediterranean region is 2 hours ahead of U.T.C., and 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. There will be some differences when summertime is in effect.
ELECTRICITY ??
Like most countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the electricity current in Israel is 220 volts AC (220V – 240V), single phase, 50Hz. So, most visitors coming from these areas shouldn’t have any problem using their electrical appliances. Wall sockets are 2 or 3 pronged, so depending on the country you are coming from, you might need an adapter plug so that your appliances can be plugged into an Israeli type outlet. Israel uses what is called a “H” type plug. This plug, which is unique to Israel, has two flat prongs that form a V-shape and a flat vertical grounding prong at the bottom. They are rated at 16A. Type H outlets (sockets) are so shaped as to accommodate type C plugs as well.
CAMERAS ?? VIDEO CAMERAS ??
There are no problems in bringing cameras or videos, although the latter should be declared immediately on arrival. Please note that there are some places and sites where NO photography of any kind is permitted, and visitors must observe this.
CURRENCY ??
All major international currencies, particularly the U.S. Dollar, are accepted throughout. Cash and Traveller Cheques are preferred to Credit Cards for personal shopping. The latter are accepted at most hotels and large stores.
HOW TO GET HERE ??
There are many Points of entry and exit. They can be combined depending on the particular tour:
Ben Gurion Airport where international carriers and charters have daily or frequent services.
Rafah Border for overland arrivals from and departures to Egypt.
Taba Border for overland arrivals from and departures to Sinai (and Egypt).
Allenby Bridge (King Hussein): crossing point from and to Jordan.
Haifa Port where some Mediterranean Cruise vessels and regular ferry services stop.
Eilat & Ovdah Airports for some chartered flight arrivals
DOCUMENTS ?? VISAS ?? VACCINATIONS ??
Passports must be valid. Visitor Visas for bona fide tourists are issued for a maximum stay of 3 months, and may, according to nationality, be obtained on the spot or in advance; free of charge or on payment of a fee. Please check with us or a nearby Israel Consular Mission for exact requirements for your clients.
No vaccinations are required unless arrivals are from epidemic areas.
WHEN TO COME ??
Groups and individuals visit throughout the year, but there are certain times of the year, naturally, such as holiday periods, when visitors come more frequently. At these times hotel and bus prices are more expensive than during the remaining periods,
The PEAK PERIODS and therefore peak prices, are roughly MID MARCH to the END OF MAY, SEPTEMBER to MID NOVEMBER, CHRISTMAS and JEWISH HOLIDAYS. In addition, the summer resort areas: Sea of Galilee area, Mediterranean coast and Eilat charge JULY and AUGUST supplements. Due to the many holidays, and the varying dates from year to year, it is therefore not possible to be precise about the exact high season dates.
LOW SEASON, when lower rates are available, is generally considered to be JUNE, and MID NOVEMBER to the END OF FEBRUARY, except for the Christmas period.