Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and reduced flight and accommodation prices make December a great time to visit. And if you time your trip around the holidays, you can experience Hanukkah's traditions and ring in the New Year in style. Plus, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit), December is the perfect time to explore the country's national parks and famous biblical sites.

Weather

December is winter in Israel, but unlike most of the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures are mild, and snow is rare. Eilat, in southern Israel, is the warmest, with daytime highs hitting 70ºF (21ºC) and lows around 50ºF (10ºC), while Jerusalem is the coldest city, with temperatures hovering between 47ºF (9ºC) and 57ºF (14ºC). Mount Hermon, at the northern tip of Israel, sees a more steady snow dusting, and precipitation increases throughout the country. Pack rain gear and plenty of layers, and you'll find December a very pleasant time to visit Israel.

Crowds & Costs

Even though December is packed with exciting festivals, events, and religious holidays, it's still considered off-season in Israel. Flights, accommodation, and food prices will be significantly reduced compared to the summer months, and once-packed streets and museums will be yours to explore in peace. On the other hand, schools close for a portion of Hanukkah, meaning you'll find families traveling and some shops and businesses closed.

Where to Go

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make December one of the best times to explore the country's unique landscapes and historical sites. Jerusalem's Old City especially puts on the charm during Hanukkah and Christmas, with menorahs lighting up windows and special public lighting events taking place around the city. Nazareth, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, also lights up the town with a massive Christmas tree, and nearby villages are decorated beautifully.

If you're interested in learning more about Israel's history, base yourself in Tiberias and embark on day trips to the village of Cana to visit the Church of the Wedding Miracle and Tabgha to tour the Church of the Multiplication. Then, continue your way north to watch thousands of cranes arrive at Hula Lake Park on their annual migration and ponder no man's land between Israel and Syria from the Kuneitra Lookout.

Alternatively, spend time in Tel Aviv and participate in the city's vibrant nightlife, exploring Rabin Square and enjoying the quirky atmosphere of Sheinkin. From Tel Aviv, make day trips to Caesarea National Park, home to an ancient Roman Amphitheater, and Acre, a UNESCO-listed marketplace. Haifa is just north of Tel Aviv, home to the famous Garden Terraces of Bahá'í (considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World).

December is also a great time to relax in the beach resort town of Eilat and discover the fascinating underwater world of the nearby Red Sea. And if you have two weeks, opt for a two-week Israel and Jordan adventure, where you can explore the archaeological wonders and massive monuments in Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

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What to Do

If you're interested in participating in or watching religious traditions, December is an excellent time to visit Israel. Using Jerusalem as a base, you can head to Mount of Olives and wander between 2,000-year-old olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. With plentiful decorations, December is a special time to spend a full day roaming Jerusalem's ancient Old City, including walking in the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

When the weather plays up, spend an afternoon learning about Israel's past in the Museum Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center). Then, head to the Israel Museum, and enter the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Tel Aviv also has its fair share of museums, including the Beit Hatfutsot (the Museum of the Jewish People) and the Tel Aviv Art Museum.

Alternatively, if nature and adventure are calling, pack some layers and head to Ein Gedi Nature Park in search of waterfalls, then warm up in the salty waters of the Dead Sea at Ein Bokek Beach. Meanwhile, sun-seekers will love a trip down to Eilat to spend long days between Princess Beach, Dolphin Reef, and the sea life-filled waters of the Red Sea in Coral Beach National Park. 

Events in December

Hanukkah, nationwide. Also referred to as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is Israel's most famous holiday. Throughout the country, menorahs are lit and displayed, and families come together for festive meals of fried foods.

Christmas, nationwide. While Christmas is not a public holiday in Israel, cities and villages still celebrate the holiday with concerts, markets, and special services in Christian Churches. 

New Year's Eve, nationwide. More commonly referred to as "Sylvester" in Israel, New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks and parties across the country. Similar to Christmas, it's not considered a public holiday.

Traveling to Israel in December? Check out these great itineraries

Family Adventure in Israel - 12 Days. Perfect for families, this adventure explores Israel's famous biblical sites of Jerusalem and Tiberias, and the unique landscapes surrounding the Dead Sea. It finishes up with time at the beach in Eilat and Tel Aviv.

Essential Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Tiberias - 9 Days. Take a deep dive into Israel's rich history and culture as you wander the religious sites of Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee, then round off your trip in the vibrant town of Tel Aviv.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit Israel
How Many Days to Spend in Israel