Israel Weather in October: Warm–Hot, Dry; Places to Go

For those looking to visit Israel in October, you can expect the weather to be perfect for both sightseeing and the beach. In October we recommended heading over to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and Tiberias for a mix of urban sightseeing and ancient religious historical sites.

Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and travel tips for October.

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Israel Weather in October: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 21–29°C (69–84°F)
• Rainfall: 2 cm (1 inches)
• Rainy days: 3
• Sunshine hours/day: 9
• Sea temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Humidity: 33-62% (comfortable in Tiberias, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, and more humid in Tel Aviv)

October is a great month to visit Israel, because temperatures are not as high as they are in the peak of summer, but you can still expect pleasantly warm temperatures and mostly dry weather.

October sees barely any rainfall in Israel, although Tel Aviv does see the occasional shower, particularly through the end of the month, heading into wetter winter weather. In terms of humidity, most of the country is comfortable to dry, with humidity levels just passing the 60% mark in Tel Aviv, where you'll be able to feel the slightly higher humidity levels.

Weather of Israel's Major Cities in October

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The Best Places to Visit in Israel in October

Given that Israel's weather is warm to hot in October, and that there is minimal rainfall, this is the best time of the year to visit some of the top sights in Israel. From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to Tiberias and the Dead Sea, Israel is great to visit in October for those that want to see it all, including even the beaches!

Read on to find out more about which places in Israel we recommend in October in particular.

1. Learn about Jerusalem's Role in Religion Globally

Jerusalem is an absolute must-see for anybody visiting Israel, given its important role in the main Abrahamic religions and the frequency of it being at the center of historical conquests.

To learn about what we recommend for you to see in Jerusalem in October, check out our page Jerusalem in August.

For an example to see how you would combine Jerusalem with Tel Aviv on a trip, read more about our popular itinerary here: Explore the Country of Faiths — 5-Day Israel Tour: Tel-Aviv – Mount Carmel – Jerusalem – Bethlehem – Tel-Aviv

2. Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of the best-known geographic locations in the world, due to its unique salt-to-water ratio which allows people to float on the surface of its cobalt-blue waters. You can do this at Sin Gedi Beach, or at Ein Bokek Resort.

While temperatures are still a little on the high side at the Dead Sea in October, we do recommend visiting as it is a once in a lifetime experience. Visiting at sunset when most of the day's heat has already passed is also a good idea.

In order to prepare to submerge yourself, we recommend taking off your jewelry (which may tarnish in the brine), not wearing your favorite swimsuit, and covering cuts with waterproof plasters where possible, as the salt may sting a little.

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3. Visit Tel Aviv's Art Restaurants

Tel Aviv is one of the foodie capitals of the world, with endless choices of Israeli and regional dining. We recommend visiting Tel Aviv if you are planning to go to Israel in October, because this is when the weather allows you to enjoy the sightseeing, the food and beverage options, and the beaches. Warm temperatures mean it's all possible.

In the daytime, relax on Banana Beach, or get your adrenaline pumping by taking part in some of the beach water sports, and in the evenings venture out to the restaurants and bars to learn more about Israeli cuisine.

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4. Explore Religious Sites around Tiberias

October is a great time of year to head over to Tiberias and explore the many Christian sites in the region, including Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. For more information about what to do while you are around Tiberias, check out our piece on Israel Weather in September.

Global Highlights can also take you to these incredible sights as part of our Israel Insights tour, which visits all the top spots listed here, and more. Israel Insights — 10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour: Tel-Aviv – The Dead Sea – Bethlehem – Jerusalem – Sea of Galilee – Golan Heights – Nazareth – Tel-Aviv

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Low Season: Fewer Crowds and Lower Cost

October is the low season in Israel. We recommend booking ahead, but in general lower demand for travel and accommodation means that prices to visit Israel in October are lower when compared to the summer months.

Do also bear in mind that every Friday evening through to Saturday marks the Sabbath in Israel. This is an important day of religious observance and abstinence from work, meaning businesses are closed Saturdays.

Israel Festivals in October: Sukkot, Simchat Torah

October sees the celebration of Sukkot (also known as the Feast of Tabernacles) between October 6  and 23 in 2024. On October 6, all Jewish-owned businesses will close as a result, which is something to bear in mind if you're planning on visiting Israel during this time of year. In 2024, Sukkot falls between October 6 and 13.

The celebration of Sukkot commemorates the camping of the Israelites in the wilderness, and is a Torah-commanded holiday. The celebration lasts a total of seven days, as this is when the Israelites were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.

In October, Israel also celebrates Simchat Torah (or 'Rejoicing with the Torah') between the evening of October 23 and 24 in 2024 (and the evening of October 14 and 15 in 2025), during which time businesses might be closed. It's worth calling ahead to ensure that where you are planning to go is still operating.

Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual reading of a particular section of the holy book, the Torah, and is often accompanied by dancing or singing.

In 2024, Rosh Ha'Shanah (October 2 and 4, 2024) and Yom Kippur (October 11 and 12, 2024) fall in October too. To learn more about these celebrations, and what this might mean for you as a visitor to Israel, check out our piece about visiting Israel in September.

What to Wear in October

As a result of the weather still being warm to hot in October, we recommend dressing for warmer weather. This includes light-colored natural fabrics, or loose-fitting clothing that will keep you cool. Linen shirts or cotton trousers, or maxi dresses and skirts are a good idea to keep from overheating.

Depending on what you are planning to see in Israel in October, we recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat or cap, as well as sunglasses. For those planning to explore and do lots of walking, we recommend supportive footwear.

If you are planning on visiting the religious sites around Tiberias, or even within Jerusalem, we recommend that, women, you bring a headscarf to cover your head for modesty. While it is usually possible to borrow a cover-up or buy one nearby, bringing your own is easier.

Monthly Weather in Israel

Recommended Tours for Israel in October

Visiting Israel in October leaves so many options possible, meaning it can be hard to put together your itinerary, especially if it is your first time in Israel. Read on for some of our more popular itineraries in Israel, whether you're looking to stay for 5 days or 18, Global Highlights has you covered:

• Explore the Country of Faiths — 5-Day Israel Tour: Tel-Aviv – Mount Carmel – Jerusalem – Bethlehem – Tel-Aviv
• Epic Middle East — 18-Day Egypt, Israel, and Jordan Tour
• Israel Insights — 10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour: Tel-Aviv – The Dead Sea – Bethlehem – Jerusalem – Sea of Galilee – Golan Heights – Nazareth – Tel-Aviv

It is also possible for our experts to put together your dream trip from your thoughts. All you have to do is get in touch with your ideas, and we can make sure you have the best experience while you are there. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.