Things to Do in Israel in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Israel
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak beach season on both Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts - water temperatures hit 28°C (82°F) making swimming genuinely comfortable, and beaches like Hilton Beach in Tel Aviv become social hubs with volleyball games running until sunset around 7:30pm
- Significantly fewer international tourists compared to April-May pilgrimage season means shorter lines at major sites - you'll actually walk straight into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre most mornings instead of waiting 45+ minutes like spring crowds face
- Extended daylight hours with sunrise around 5:50am and sunset near 7:30pm gives you roughly 13.5 hours to explore, making it realistic to hit both Jerusalem's Old City morning markets and catch sunset at Masada in a single day
- Local summer festivals are in full swing including Jerusalem Film Festival and Tel Aviv's beach concert series, giving you access to cultural events that simply don't exist during other months
Considerations
- Intense heat in desert regions makes midday exploration genuinely uncomfortable - Masada and Ein Gedi regularly hit 40°C (104°F) by noon, and you'll see even experienced hikers turning back on trails they'd normally complete
- Peak domestic vacation period means Israeli families are traveling during their school break, driving up accommodation prices by 30-40% in coastal cities and creating weekend bottlenecks at popular nature reserves
- Minimal rainfall and high UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection planning - that Mediterranean sun is relentless, and you'll burn faster than you expect even with cloud cover
Best Activities in August
Red Sea Snorkeling and Diving Expeditions
August delivers the warmest Red Sea water temperatures of the year at 27-28°C (81-82°F), making it ideal for extended snorkeling sessions without wetsuit discomfort. Visibility typically reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft) with minimal plankton bloom. The coral reefs near Eilat's Coral Beach Nature Reserve are accessible right from shore, and you'll spot parrotfish, lionfish, and occasionally sea turtles. Morning sessions between 7am-10am offer the calmest conditions before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm.
Dead Sea Float and Mineral Spa Experiences
The extreme August heat actually works in your favor at the Dead Sea - early morning visits between 6am-9am let you experience the famous float in comfortable temperatures around 30°C (86°F) before the midday intensity. The mineral-rich mud is at its most therapeutic consistency in summer heat. Water level is 430 m (1,410 ft) below sea level, creating unique atmospheric pressure that reduces UV exposure slightly despite the intense sun. Most visitors spend 90 minutes total including mud application and multiple float sessions.
Tel Aviv Food Market Tours and Culinary Walks
August brings peak season for Israeli summer produce - you'll find the best melons, figs, and stone fruits at Carmel Market and Levinsky Market. Evening food tours starting around 6pm avoid the midday heat while catching markets in their most vibrant state. The humidity actually enhances the experience of indoor spice shops and covered market stalls. Tel Aviv's restaurant scene shifts to rooftop dining and beach cafes during August, with many offering special summer menus featuring cold soups, ceviche-style fish, and seasonal salads.
Jerusalem Old City Early Morning Walking Routes
August mornings in Jerusalem are actually pleasant - temperatures around 22-24°C (72-75°F) from 6am-9am make this the ideal window for exploring the Old City's four quarters without heat exhaustion. The golden limestone walls look spectacular in early light, and you'll have the Western Wall plaza relatively quiet before 8am. Most major sites open by 8am or earlier, giving you 3-4 hours of comfortable exploration before temperatures climb. The covered souks in the Muslim Quarter stay cooler throughout the day.
Northern Galilee Nature Hikes and Golan Heights Exploration
The Galilee region stays 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than Jerusalem in August, making it the best destination for midday outdoor activities. Hiking trails around Banias Nature Reserve and Tel Dan offer shaded forest paths alongside spring-fed streams with actual flowing water year-round. The Golan Heights wine region conducts harvest preparations in August, and some wineries offer early harvest tours. Mount Hermon reaches elevations where temperatures stay around 25°C (77°F) even in peak afternoon.
Mediterranean Coast Sunset Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Late afternoon water sports along the Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Caesarea coastlines take advantage of August's warm sea temperatures and extended daylight. The Mediterranean reaches 28°C (82°F) in August, making wetsuit-free paddling comfortable. Sunset sessions starting around 6pm offer cooler air temperatures and dramatic lighting. The ancient Caesarea harbor and aqueduct provide stunning backdrops for coastal paddling. Most sessions run 90 minutes to 2 hours.
August Events & Festivals
Jerusalem Film Festival
One of Israel's most prestigious cultural events, screening 150+ international and Israeli films across multiple venues in Jerusalem. Mix of outdoor screenings in Sultan's Pool amphitheater and indoor theater presentations. Evening screenings work perfectly with August's heat patterns, starting after 8pm when temperatures drop. Attracts film industry professionals and offers English subtitles for Hebrew films.
Tel Aviv White Night Festival
All-night cultural celebration with free concerts, museum openings, street performances, and beach parties running from sunset to sunrise. Museums and galleries stay open until dawn with free admission. Perfectly timed for August when outdoor evening events are most comfortable. Draws 200,000+ participants annually, concentrated along Rothschild Boulevard and the beachfront promenade.