October is a great time to visit Israel to take advantage of the pleasant temperatures, lower accommodation prices, and less busy historical wonders. Once-packed museums and churches will be yours to explore at your own pace, while the waters of the Mediterranean will be perfect for spending long days at the beach. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot also usually falls in October, and you can join in on the festivities celebrating the year's harvest.

Weather

With cool mornings and evenings and warm days, the weather in Israel in October is near perfect. Eilat, in southern Israel, sees highs reaching 90ºF (32ºC), while in Jerusalem, maximum daytime temperatures hang around 76ºF (25ºC). You'll want a warmer layer for the mornings and evenings, as temperatures fall to around 62ºF (17ºC) in Jerusalem and 66ºF (19ºC) in Tel Aviv.

Water temperatures also begin to cool off, with the Dead Sea sitting at a warm-bath-like temperature of 91ºF (33ºC), while the Mediterranean Sea hovers around 80ºF (27ºC) near Tel Aviv. You can also expect dry, sunny days, with less than 2 inches (50 mm) of precipitation expected throughout the month.

Crowds & Costs

As October is considered shoulder season in Israel, you can look forward to cheaper flights and accommodations and less crowded tourist attractions. Once-packed museums will be yours to wander in solitude, and with fewer religious festivals throughout the month, Israel's famous biblical sites will be much quieter. You'll also notice select shops in smaller villages closed until spring, and bars and beach clubs, particularly in Tel Aviv, are quieter. However, the exception to the rule is in Eilat, where visitor numbers increase thanks to the more tolerable weather.

Where to Go

Thanks to its pleasant temperatures, October is one of the best times to explore the many famous biblical sites throughout the country. While overflowing with tourists in the summer, Jerusalem will be yours to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the ancient Old City, taking in the Pool of Bethesda and the Monastery of the Flagellation, then continue to Mount Zion, home to King David's Tomb. October is also a great time to visit the Mount of Olives for beautiful views across Jerusalem.

Next, take advantage of the cooler mornings with a swim in the salty Dead Sea and a tour of the hilltop fortress of Masada before spending a few days in Tiberias. From Tiberias, embark on day trips to Nazareth, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and to Tabgha, which is home to the Church of the Multiplication and the Church of the Primacy. Farther north, you'll reach Safed, home to the Joseph Caro and the Ha'Ari Synagogues and the perfect place to learn about Jewish Mysticism.

Nature lovers will want to head to Ein Gedi Nature Park and take in its many waterfalls and natural springs or Hula Valley to enjoy its plentiful birdlife. Beachgoers and sun seekers shouldn't miss a stay in Tel Aviv, whose warm Mediterranean waters will be perfect for afternoon swims. Or, opt for a trip down to Eilat to spend your days discovering the underwater world of the Red Sea.

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What to Do

Whether coming to Israel to explore its storied past and religious wonders or soak up the warm sun and beautiful landscapes, you'll be spoiled for options in October. Beachgoers will especially enjoy October's pleasant temperatures in Tel Aviv, where you can enjoy the still bustling atmosphere of Gordon Beach or head to the quieter beaches of Maravi and Ajami to swim, snorkel, and surf. Eilat is another famous beach town on the Red Sea, and although temperatures hang in the 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit), the underwater world of Coral Beach National Park is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

If you prefer to stay dry, pack plenty of water and head out to explore the Garden Terraces of Baháʼí, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and Caesarea National Park, which is home to a magnificent Roman amphitheater that continues to put on shows to this day. Or, opt for a day trip to the rolling hills of the Golan Heights, stopping by the Kuneitra Lookout, known as the no man's land between Israel and Syria. 

October is also a great time to tick off a history and religion-focused itinerary, where you can walk along in the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit the famous Museum Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center), and tour the ancient settlement of Megiddo, with relics dating back to the Bronze Age (1500-1200 BCE). It's also worth taking a day to explore Tel Aviv's museums, including the Beit Hatfutsot (the Museum of the Jewish People), the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Eretz Israel Museum.

Events in October

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), nationwide. Over seven days, the Jewish community celebrates the year's harvest while acknowledging how Moses and the children of Israel stayed in sukkot (small huts) when they left Egypt. Families gather for feasts, and Sabbath-like restrictions are observed.

Simchat Torah Festival, nationwide. After Sukkot, the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings is celebrated, and the new yearly cycle is welcomed with an evening of dancing and singing outside synagogues.

Traveling to Israel in October? Check out these great itineraries

Tel Aviv & Jerusalem - 8 Days. Divide your time between modern Tel Aviv and ancient Jerusalem. You'll tour the cities' cultural landmarks and historic highlights before embarking on fascinating day trips into the surrounding landscapes.

Essential Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Tiberias - 12 Days. Perfect for first-time travelers to Israel, this well-rounded itinerary checks off the most important cultural and historical sites of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Tiberias.

More Helpful Information

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