Things to Do in Israel in August

August Weather in Israel

35°C (95°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect swimming weather - Mediterranean Sea averages 27°C (81°F), warmest of the year for comfortable all-day beach activities
Extended daylight hours with sunrise at 5:45am and sunset at 7:15pm, giving you 13+ hours to explore without rushing
Grape harvest season in the Galilee and Judean Hills - wineries offer special harvest tours and fresh juice tastings unavailable other months
Ideal conditions for floating in the Dead Sea - minimal wind and maximum salt concentration make this the most buoyant time of year

Considerations

Extreme heat 11am-4pm with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F) - outdoor sightseeing becomes genuinely uncomfortable without proper planning
Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions, especially in Jerusalem's Old City and Tel Aviv beaches
Desert excursions to Masada or Ein Gedi require 5am starts - afternoon temperatures can reach 42°C (108°F) in the Judean Desert

Best Activities in August

Dead Sea Floating and Spa Treatments

August offers perfect conditions for Dead Sea experiences - minimal wind, maximum salt density, and scorching heat that makes the mineral-rich waters feel refreshing rather than warm. The extreme dryness actually enhances the therapeutic benefits of the mud treatments. Best visited early morning (6-9am) when temperatures are manageable.

Booking Tip: Book spa packages 2-3 weeks ahead as August is peak season. Day trips typically cost ₪200-350 ($60-105) from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Look for packages including Ein Bokek beach access and mud treatments. See current options in the booking section below.

Mediterranean Coastal Activities

August brings the warmest, calmest Mediterranean waters of the year at 27°C (81°F). Perfect for snorkeling at Rosh Hanikra grottos, sailing from Tel Aviv marina, or exploring Caesarea's underwater archaeological park. Sea breezes provide natural cooling during the hottest part of the day.

Booking Tip: Book water activities for afternoon slots (2-6pm) when land temperatures peak but sea conditions are ideal. Snorkeling tours typically cost ₪180-280 ($55-85). Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Check current tours in the booking widget below.

Galilee Wine Harvest Experiences

August marks grape harvest season in the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee wineries. Participate in actual grape picking at dawn (5-8am), witness traditional pressing techniques, and taste fresh grape juice. Many wineries offer harvest festivals with live music and traditional foods unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Harvest experiences run early August through early September. Book directly with wineries or through tour operators 3-4 weeks ahead. Full-day tours including multiple wineries cost ₪300-450 ($90-135). Transportation from Tel Aviv/Jerusalem adds ₪100-150 ($30-45).

Underground Cave Exploration

August heat makes underground attractions like Rosh Hanikra grottos, Beit Guvrin caves, and Jerusalem's Western Wall tunnels particularly appealing. Cave temperatures remain constant 18-20°C (64-68°F) year-round, providing natural air conditioning during peak heat hours.

Booking Tip: Book cave tours for midday slots (11am-3pm) when surface temperatures peak. Western Wall tunnel tours cost ₪35 ($11) and must be booked weeks ahead. Rosh Hanikra cable car and grotto tours cost ₪65 ($20). See current availability in booking section below.

Early Morning Desert Hiking

August requires pre-dawn starts for desert hikes, but rewards you with spectacular sunrise views and wildlife activity. Masada sunrise hikes, Ein Gedi waterfall trails, and Ramon Crater rim walks are most comfortable 5-8am before temperatures soar. Desert wildflowers bloom after rare August rains.

Booking Tip: All desert hikes must start by 6am latest in August. Masada sunrise tours cost ₪120-180 ($35-55) including cable car. Book 5-7 days ahead. Bring 3L (0.8 gallons) water minimum per person. Check current early morning tours in booking widget below.

Nighttime Cultural Experiences

August evenings come alive with outdoor concerts, night markets, and rooftop dining as locals escape daytime heat. Tel Aviv's night markets, Jerusalem's First Station evening events, and Haifa's German Colony outdoor dining create vibrant after-dark scenes unique to summer months.

Booking Tip: Evening cultural events typically start 8-9pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F). Many events are free or cost ₪50-150 ($15-45). Food market tours run 7-10pm and cost ₪180-250 ($55-75). Book through local operators or see current options below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival

World-class classical musicians perform in intimate venues throughout Jerusalem, including outdoor concerts in the Sultan's Pool amphitheater. Evening performances are perfectly timed to escape August heat while enjoying world-renowned acoustics.

Mid to Late August

Red Sea Jazz Festival

Eilat's premier music event features international jazz artists performing on outdoor stages with the Red Sea as backdrop. Evening concerts capitalize on August's warm nights and calm waters, creating a unique desert-meets-sea atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 8+ UV index and frequent Mediterranean breezes that blow off regular caps

SPF 50+ sunscreen (waterproof) - reapply every 90 minutes in 35°C+ (95°F+) heat, bring 200ml (6.8oz) minimum for week-long trips

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - better protection than tank tops during 11am-4pm peak heat hours

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - Jerusalem's Old City involves 5-8km (3.1-5 miles) daily walking on uneven stones

3L (0.8 gallon) water bottle or hydration pack - August dehydration happens rapidly, especially in desert areas below sea level

Electrolyte powder packets - crucial for Dead Sea visits and desert excursions where you lose salt rapidly

Modest clothing for religious sites - knees and shoulders must be covered, bring lightweight pants and cardigans for air-conditioned indoor spaces

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential in 35°C+ (95°F+) heat, batteries drain faster in extreme temperatures

After-sun aloe gel - even with sunscreen, reflection from white limestone buildings intensifies UV exposure

Light rain jacket or poncho - August brings 10 rainy days averaging 20-30 minutes each, usually late afternoon

Insider Knowledge

Flip your schedule: major sightseeing 6-10am and 5-8pm, spend 11am-4pm in air-conditioned museums, malls, or underground attractions like Western Wall tunnels

Book accommodations with pools or near beaches - August heat makes water access essential, not luxury. Even Jerusalem hotels increasingly offer pools.

Shop at local supermarkets for frozen water bottles - Israeli trick for desert hikes and beach days, costs ₪3-5 ($1-1.50) versus ₪15 ($4.50) at tourist sites

Use Jerusalem Light Rail and Tel Aviv public transport during peak heat - all stations and trains have powerful AC, and it's faster than walking in extreme temperatures

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling Masada or other desert sites after 9am - temperatures become dangerous by 10am, cable car lines extend 60+ minutes

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics - absorbs heat and traps moisture in 70% humidity, making heat exhaustion more likely

Underestimating water needs - August dehydration happens within 30-45 minutes of outdoor activity, bring double what you think you need