When someone thinks of Israel, I assume they think of hot and humid desert weather. While this is true for five months out of twelve, it does not reflect the reality of Israel’s weather. So, I have compiled a list of what to bring to Israel, divided into three seasons:
- Summer (May-September)
- Spring/Fall (October, November, March, April)
- Winter (December, January, February)
What to bring on a trip to Israel in the summer:
Summer weather begins in May, and in mid-June, the crazy humidity begins. This weather, which I find unbearable, but some people like, lasts until the end of September. If you plan to visit Israel at this time or when your Masa program begins, be prepared to sweat constantly and drink water constantly.
Therefore, I recommend the following list of items:
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops
- Sandals
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Tank tops and T-shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Linen clothing is highly recommended
- Hair clips/elastic bands for people with long hair
- Beach towel
- Cap/hat
- Sunscreen!
- Hiking shoes, if you decide to go hiking in such heat…
- Smart clothing for holy sites
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable coffee mug
What to bring on a trip to Israel in winter:
Winter in Israel is rainy and sometimes surprisingly windy. It starts in early December and lasts until about mid-March. When I first moved here, I was shocked by how strong some of the storms were. The whole country seems to come to a standstill when it rains because the irrigation system also breaks down… or is simply not well equipped. Apartments can also be very cold, and people don’t heat their homes as much as they do in Europe and America. Sometimes it’s warmer outside than inside.
Therefore, the wardrobe that is definitely worth having during these winter months is as follows:
- Warm socks
- Sweaters
- Winter jacket
- Long pants
- Boots
- Good, sturdy sneakers
- Scarf
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Hiking clothes (this time of year, when there is no rain, is a great opportunity to explore the country. Depending on the amount of rainfall, the area around the Dead Sea also becomes greener).
- Umbrella
- Raincoat
- Rubber boots
- Formal clothing for holy sites
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable coffee mug
What to bring on a trip to Israel in spring and fall:
I would describe this season as transitional – warm during the day and cool in the evening. This season begins in early October and lasts until late November, and also includes the second half of March until late April. During these months, you will need more summer clothes during the day and more autumn and spring clothes in the evening. Especially in Jerusalem, it can get quite cold in the evenings during these months, while in Tel Aviv it is always a few degrees warmer. A combination of the two previous packing lists is very suitable for these months. During the day, you can wear long pants with a short-sleeved shirt. and sandals during the day, and in the evening it is better to add another layer of clothing.
Don’t forget to pack these essentials before flying to Israel!
And, of course, don’t forget your passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months after your trip. Also, pack any necessary toiletries.
Ready for your stay in Israel?
In general, Israel is much warmer than most countries throughout the year. However, depending on when you arrive in Israel and where you are staying, you need to make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the season. This Israeli packing list includes everything you might need.