Things to Do in Israel in December

December Weather in Israel

20°C (69°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings 11°C (51°F) and pleasant afternoons 20°C (69°F) - ideal for the Jesus Trail, Masada sunrise climbs, and desert trekking without summer's brutal heat
Hanukkah celebrations throughout the month bring unique cultural experiences, with Jerusalem's Old City particularly magical and special lighting ceremonies at the Western Wall
Low tourist season means 40-50% cheaper accommodation rates, shorter lines at major sites like Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum, and more authentic local interactions
Excellent visibility for Dead Sea floating and Red Sea diving - winter storms clear the air, offering crystal-clear views of Jordan's mountains across the salt lake

Considerations

Jerusalem and northern regions can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night, requiring warm clothing that many visitors don't expect in the Middle East
10 rainy days mean outdoor plans need flexibility - December storms can be intense but brief, lasting 2-3 hours and potentially flooding desert wadis
Shorter daylight hours (10 hours) limit sightseeing time, with sunset around 4:45 PM making early dinner reservations essential

Best Activities in December

Masada Sunrise Hiking

December's cool temperatures make the Snake Path climb bearable - start at 4 AM when it's 8°C (46°F) instead of summer's unbearable heat. The desert air is crystal clear after winter rains, offering spectacular views over the Dead Sea. Crowds are minimal compared to spring/fall peak seasons.

Booking Tip: Book cable car backup tickets online 2-3 days ahead (₪65-85 range) in case weather prevents hiking. Most visitors combine with Ein Gedi nature reserve. Check current sunrise tour options in the booking section below.

Jerusalem Winter Walking Tours

Cool December weather is perfect for extensive Old City exploration - summer heat makes the stone streets unbearable by noon. Hanukkah decorations add special atmosphere, and shorter tourist crowds mean better access to holy sites. Morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 5-7 days ahead (₪120-180 range). Licensed guides offer better historical context than audio tours. Many operators offer indoor museum alternatives for rainy days.

Dead Sea Floating and Spa Treatments

December's mild temperatures 18-20°C (64-68°F) make Dead Sea visits comfortable - summer heat reaches dangerous levels. The mineral-rich mud treatments feel luxurious in cool weather, and fewer crowds mean better access to prime floating spots. Clear winter air offers stunning mountain views.

Booking Tip: Book spa packages 7-10 days ahead (₪200-400 range) as December is popular with locals. Transport packages typically include Ein Bokek hotel access. Check current Dead Sea tour combinations in booking section.

Eilat Red Sea Diving

Water temperature stays warm at 22°C (72°F) while air temperatures are perfect at 24°C (75°F) - much more comfortable than summer's 40°C+ heat. December offers the best visibility of the year after autumn storms settle. Coral reef activity is high with cooler surface temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages 10-14 days ahead (₪300-500 for 2-dive packages). PADI-certified operators are essential. Many combine snorkeling and diving options for mixed-ability groups.

Galilee Region Hiking and Biblical Sites

Cool December temperatures make multi-hour hikes around the Sea of Galilee comfortable. The Jesus Trail sections are particularly pleasant with 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temps. Winter rains bring lush greenery unusual in this climate, and Christian pilgrimage crowds are lighter.

Booking Tip: Book guided biblical tours 7-10 days ahead (₪150-250 range). Many operators combine hiking with historical sites like Capernaum. Check weather forecasts as northern regions get more rain.

Tel Aviv Food and Market Tours

December's pleasant 20°C (68°F) temperatures make outdoor market browsing comfortable. Carmel Market and Sarona Market are less crowded, offering better interaction with vendors. Cool weather means fresh produce is at its peak, and outdoor café dining is perfect for long meals.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 5-7 days ahead (₪180-280 range). Evening food tours work better in December with earlier sunset. Many operators focus on seasonal winter dishes and Hanukkah specialties.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Hanukkah Festival of Lights

Eight-day Jewish festival typically falling in mid-to-late December, featuring public menorah lightings in major cities. Jerusalem's Western Wall ceremonies are particularly moving, with thousands gathering each evening. Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square hosts large celebrations with live music and traditional foods.

December 24-25

Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem and Nazareth

Major Christian celebrations in biblical towns with midnight masses, processions, and special religious services. Bethlehem's Manger Square draws international visitors for Christmas Eve celebrations. Advanced booking essential for religious services.

Late December

Winter Red Sea Jazz Festival

Annual jazz festival in Eilat featuring international artists, taking advantage of December's perfect weather for outdoor concerts. Multiple venues across the resort town with both free and ticketed performances along the waterfront.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 11°C (51°F) but afternoons reach 20°C (69°F), requiring easy-to-remove layers

Waterproof jacket with hood - December's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours lasting 2-3 hours with limited shelter

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots - essential for Masada, Jerusalem's uneven stone streets, and potentially muddy trails after rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is deceiving in cool weather, especially dangerous with Dead Sea salt reflection

Warm sleepwear - Jerusalem and northern regions drop to 5°C (41°F) at night, and many accommodations lack central heating

Quick-dry swimwear - for Dead Sea floating and potential Red Sea activities, easier to manage in cooler temperatures

Portable umbrella - more practical than bulky rain gear for brief but intense Mediterranean downpours

Warm hat and light gloves - essential for early morning Masada climbs and evening Jerusalem exploration

Moisturizing lotion - 70% humidity plus winter air and Dead Sea minerals create unexpected dry skin conditions

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster during long outdoor sightseeing days

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - while December is low season for international tourists, Israeli families take winter vacations, driving up prices in Eilat and Dead Sea resorts after December 15th

Carry cash in small denominations - many Old City vendors and market stalls don't accept cards, and December's slower pace means longer conversations and better bargaining opportunities

Download offline maps before visiting - December rain can disrupt cellular service in Jerusalem's stone-walled areas, and GPS is essential for navigating the Old City's maze-like streets

Pack prescription medications with extra supply - December weather changes can trigger unexpected health issues, and Israeli pharmacies require local prescriptions for many common medications

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold Jerusalem gets - many visitors pack for 'Middle Eastern warmth' but northern Israel requires genuine winter clothing for comfort

Planning too many outdoor activities without weather backup plans - December's 10 rainy days can disrupt hiking, archaeological site visits, and outdoor market browsing

Booking Eilat accommodation too late in December - while most of Israel sees low tourism, Eilat becomes a domestic holiday destination, with prices jumping 60-80% after mid-month