Israel Weather in February: Cool, Best Places to Visit

February marks the end of harshly cold weather conditions in Israel. Although weather conditions will depend on which part of the country you're in, as a general rule of thumb, it's helpful to keep in mind that the first part of February will remain comfortably cool whereas the second half of the month will see a gradual increase in temperatures. While the rains do show signs of easing, the occasional rain shower can still be expected.

This slight unpredictability in weather conditions during February leads to smaller overall crowds visiting Israel during this time of year. As a result, visits to the country's renowned museums and pristine beaches can be completed without the presence of too many people around.

It is, however, important to plan for pretty much all weather conditions: warm, wet, and cold. Beachwear for drier cities like Ein Bokek and Eilat, raincoats and umbrellas for Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, and winter wear for the ski resorts of the extreme north, should all be included in your must-pack items for February in Israel.

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• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Weather by Region
• 3. Best Places to See
• 4. Crowds and Costs
• 5. What to Wear
• 6. February Events

Israel Weather in February: Overview

• Average temperature range: 10°C-18°C (50°F-64°F)
• Wet Season: Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem
• Dry Season: Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea
• Rainfall: 110 mm (4 inches) in Tel Aviv, 10 mm (0.4 inches) in the Dead Sea
• Rainy days: 13 in Tel Aviv, 4 in the Dead Sea

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February Weather in Israel by Region

Israel has four separate climate regions, and weather conditions in February can range from moderately wet to warm and dry, based on which of these regions you're traveling to.

Northern Hills and Tiberias: 10°C-19°C (50°F-66°F)

February sees the continuation of the mildly damp period of the year in Tiberias and the Northern Hills. The average maximum temperature during this month in Tiberias is 17°C (63°F) while the average minimum temperatures recorded at nighttime fall around the 11°C (52°F) mark.

February is wet in this region of the country. Rainfall averages at about 90 mm (4 inches). The sun will appear every now and again but you can expect it to be raining for more than a third of the month.

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Tel Aviv and Haifa: 10°C-18°C (50°F-64°F)

Both Tel Aviv and Haifa experience average temperature highs of around 17°C (63°F) and lows of around 10°C (50°F).

What is important to keep in mind is that it is particularly wet and muggy during February in both Tel Aviv and Haifa, with it raining for almost half the month in both cities.

The sun will show itself regularly but with rainfall averaging in at 110 mm (4 inches) during February and humidity reaching the 70% mark, slightly uncomfortable days can be considered part and parcel of life in both Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Jerusalem and Central Israel: 6°C-13°C (43°F-55°F)

The weather in Jerusalem during the month of February is moderately cool and very comfortable. The average maximum temperature hovers around the 13°C (55°F) mark, whereas the average minimum is closer to the 7°C (45°F) mark. It is much cooler in Jerusalem than it is in most other parts of Israel during February.

Rainfall during the month of February in Jerusalem averages in at 120 mm (5 inches) with it raining for about a third of the month. That might seem like a decent amount of rainfall but February is actually a terrific time to visit Jerusalem – the sun is shining and the skies are a beautiful blue!

The Southern Desert and the Dead Sea: 14°C-22°C (57°F-72°F)

If you're seeking clear skies, sunny weather, and minimal rainfall, the Southern Desert and the Dead Sea region, including Ein Bokek, are must-visits. The average maximum temperature is around 22°C (72°F) while the average minimum is 14°C (57°F).

It doesn't rain much in these regions during the month of February either, with less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) of precipitation over 4 days. A 38% humidity reading also means it's exceptionally pleasant and comfortable in Ein Bokek and the surrounding areas during this time.

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Best Places to See in Israel in February

1. Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea

Ein Bokek and its drop-dead gorgeous beaches will serve as the easy-access starting point if you wish to visit the Dead Sea (a must-visit, if you ask us!). The weather conditions in Ein Bokek and the surrounding regions of the Dead Sea and Southern Desert are perfect during the month of February, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain expected day after day. The water isn't cold either, and you can spend hours on end swimming and enjoying your time in the Dead Sea.

2. Golan Heights

If you don't mind a little walking and getting a little wet, you should certainly explore the hills of Golan Heights. The weather is cool during this time of year and these hills are covered in all colors of wildflowers and grass, making the surrounding scenery – and the Israeli-Syrian border in the distance – an unforgettable visual treat.

These hills served as sites of strategic interest during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and trenches and bunkers from then are still around for you to walk amidst.

3. Jerusalem

Although it is slightly cooler in Jerusalem during the month of February, the benefit of visiting the ancient city during this time is that you can visit all the historic sites it is home to in the absence of huge crowds and tour groups. The National Museum, the Western Wall, the Tower of David, and the Carmel Food Market are all must-stops during your time in the capital.

February Crowds and Costs

The differences in weather conditions throughout Israel during February means that you're likely to not run into large crowds or tour groups during your visit to the country at that time. This is especially true of cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem that experience a bit of rainfall and cooler weather conditions during February. Fewer crowds do mean prices are likely to be favorable and much reduced if you visit these areas during the early months of the year.

Other places such as Ein Bokek in the Dead Sea, though, attract more tourists during February as they experience pleasant weather conditions during this time of the year. It's still the off season in February, so prices aren't hiked up by much.

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What to Wear in Israel in February

Expect cool yet rainy weather in the central and northern regions of Israel during the month of February. This means carrying some warm clothing such as sweaters and fleece jackets are a must, in addition to rain jackets, long pants and umbrellas.

The Dead Sea and the Southern Desert regions experience much warmer temperatures without much, if any, rainfall during February. It'll be warm and sunny in these areas during this time, so prepare to pack your swimwear for the time you want to spend in the Dead Sea. Evenings are slightly chilly, so it wouldn't hurt to bring a light jacket with you for the journey either!

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February Events in Israel

Eilat Chamber Music Festival: This annual winter music festival hosted in the southern city of Eilat is growing in popularity among both domestic and international enthusiasts of classical music in recent years. Eilat Chamber Music Festival attracts world-renowned musicians and ensembles who focus on performing opera and classical Romani music, among other genres. The festival also offers master classes led by famous Israeli artists. While dates do differ depending on the year, the festival is typically organized to take place during the second week of February.

Monthly Weather in Israel

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