Things to Do in Israel in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Israel
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildflower season in the Negev Desert - February brings the stunning desert bloom when red anemones and white crocuses carpet the southern regions, particularly around Mitzpe Ramon and the Arava Valley. This only happens for about 4-6 weeks annually and February is right in the sweet spot.
- Comfortable hiking weather across the country - temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) are ideal for tackling trails in Ein Gedi, Masada sunrise hikes, and the Jesus Trail in the Galilee without the punishing summer heat. You can actually hike midday without risking heat exhaustion.
- Significantly lower prices than high season - February falls in shoulder season, so you'll find hotel rates 30-40% cheaper than March-April or September-October. Flight prices from Europe and North America are also at their lowest outside of summer peaks.
- Purim celebrations bring street parties and costume parades - this Jewish holiday typically falls in late February or early March (March 14, 2026), and cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem transform with elaborate costumes, public parties, street performances, and a carnival-like atmosphere that tourists rarely experience.
Considerations
- Genuinely unpredictable weather patterns - February sits in Israel's rainy season, and you might get three sunny days followed by two days of steady rain. The 10 rainy days average means roughly one in three days sees precipitation, and you can't really plan around it more than 2-3 days out.
- Jerusalem and higher elevations can be surprisingly cold and occasionally see snow - while coastal areas stay mild, Jerusalem at 750 m (2,460 ft) elevation regularly drops to 6-8°C (43-46°F) at night, and every few years gets actual snowfall in February that shuts down the city for a day or two.
- Some beach activities and water sports are hit-or-miss - the Mediterranean averages 18°C (64°F) in February, which is cold for swimming unless you're particularly hardy. The Red Sea in Eilat is warmer at 21°C (70°F) but still requires a wetsuit for extended snorkeling or diving.
Best Activities in February
Negev Desert hiking and flower viewing expeditions
February is the only time to see the desert bloom phenomenon, when winter rains trigger wildflowers across the Negev. The moderate temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make this perfect hiking weather - you can comfortably walk the makhtesh craters and wadis from 9am to 4pm without the brutal summer heat. The combination of blooming flowers and comfortable conditions only happens for about six weeks annually, and February is peak season. You'll find significantly fewer tourists than the Passover holiday crowds in April.
Dead Sea wellness and floating experiences
February offers ideal conditions for the Dead Sea - air temperatures around 20-24°C (68-75°F) and water at 19°C (66°F) mean you can float comfortably without the oppressive summer heat that hits 40°C (104°F). The lower UV intensity compared to summer (though still index 8, so sunscreen is essential) makes extended time in the mineral-rich waters more pleasant. Crowds are noticeably thinner than March-April when European tourists flood in for spring break.
Jerusalem Old City walking tours and archaeological sites
February's cooler temperatures make exploring Jerusalem's stone streets and archaeological sites much more comfortable than summer months when heat radiates off the ancient stones. The 18°C (64°F) days are perfect for spending 4-5 hours walking the Old City quarters, Western Wall tunnels, and City of David excavations. Rain is possible on about one in three days, but the covered sections of markets and tunnels provide natural shelter. Winter light creates beautiful photography conditions in the golden stone architecture.
Tel Aviv food market tours and culinary experiences
February brings peak citrus season to Israel's markets - you'll find incredible blood oranges, pomelos, and clementines piled high at Carmel Market and Levinsky Market. The comfortable 20°C (68°F) weather makes market wandering pleasant, and the humidity level of 70% is actually lower than summer's oppressive conditions. Winter vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and artichokes are at their best, and you'll see locals shopping for Purim feast preparations in late February.
Galilee hiking and Christian pilgrimage site visits
The Galilee region is genuinely green in February after winter rains, creating a completely different landscape than the brown summer hills. Temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make hiking the Jesus Trail sections, Mount Arbel, and Banias Nature Reserve waterfalls ideal - the waterfalls are actually flowing with volume, unlike the trickles you see in summer. The Sea of Galilee is full and beautiful, though too cold for swimming at 16°C (61°F).
Eilat Red Sea snorkeling and diving activities
While the Red Sea at 21°C (70°F) requires a wetsuit in February, visibility is actually at its best - often reaching 20-30 m (65-100 ft) compared to summer's plankton blooms. The coral reefs at Coral Beach Nature Reserve are less crowded, and you'll see the same tropical fish and coral formations without the summer tourist masses. Air temperature around 21°C (70°F) makes surface intervals comfortable, and the lower UV compared to summer means less sunburn risk between dives.
February Events & Festivals
Purim celebrations and costume parades
Purim falls on March 14, 2026, but celebrations begin several days earlier with street parties, costume parades, and public festivities throughout Israeli cities. Tel Aviv's main parade along Rothschild Boulevard draws thousands in elaborate costumes, while Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market transforms into a massive street party. The holiday has a carnival atmosphere with public drinking, music performances, and traditional hamantaschen pastries sold everywhere. Worth experiencing even if you're not Jewish - it's like Halloween meets Mardi Gras with a Middle Eastern twist.
Darom Adom red anemone bloom festival
The southern region celebrates the desert bloom with organized viewing areas, guided nature walks, and photography workshops focused on the red anemones that carpet the Negev. Local communities near Ofakim and the Gaza border envelope set up viewing stations and offer traditional Bedouin hospitality with coffee and food. The exact timing shifts based on rainfall patterns, but mid-to-late February typically hits peak bloom. This is a grassroots event rather than a major tourist festival, giving you authentic local interaction.