Things to Do in Israel in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Israel
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer season means extended opening hours at major sites - most attractions stay open until 7-8pm versus 5pm in winter months, giving you flexibility to avoid midday heat and still see everything on your list
- Mediterranean beaches are actually swimmable in July with water temps around 27°C (81°F), and Tel Aviv's beach scene is at its absolute peak with beach bars, outdoor concerts, and that electric summer energy you won't find other times of year
- Surprisingly, hotel prices in Jerusalem can drop 20-30% compared to spring religious holidays despite being summer, as international pilgrimage groups thin out and you're left with more leisure travelers - though coastal cities like Tel Aviv do see premium pricing
- Long daylight hours mean sunset doesn't hit until around 8pm, so you can comfortably fit a full day of sightseeing, take a late afternoon break during peak heat, and still have evening hours for exploring neighborhoods or catching golden hour at viewpoints
Considerations
- The heat is genuinely intense, particularly in Jerusalem and the Dead Sea where temperatures regularly push 38-40°C (100-104°F) by midday - this isn't the dry comfortable heat travel brochures promise, and outdoor historical site visits between 11am-4pm can be physically draining
- July sits right in the middle of Israeli summer vacation when local families are off work and school, meaning domestic tourism peaks hard - expect crowded beaches, fully booked accommodations in popular spots, and longer wait times at restaurants, particularly on weekends
- The desert regions including Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Negev become borderline dangerous for hiking during midday hours with temperatures exceeding 43°C (110°F), severely limiting when you can actually explore these incredible landscapes to early morning slots only
Best Activities in July
Dead Sea floating and mineral spa experiences
July is actually ideal for the Dead Sea despite the heat, because you'll be in the water anyway. The 427 m (1,401 ft) below sea level location means sunrise comes early and you can hit the beaches by 6:30am when it's still a comfortable 26°C (79°F). The mineral-rich mud treatments feel particularly good when you're hot, and the bizarre experience of floating effortlessly in 33°C (91°F) water while mountains shimmer in the heat haze is something you can't replicate in cooler months. Most visitors make the mistake of arriving midday - come at dawn or after 5pm.
Tel Aviv beach culture and waterfront activities
July is when Tel Aviv's beaches transform into the city's social center. The water is warm enough for extended swimming, beach volleyball games run until sunset, and the entire 14 km (8.7 mile) promenade comes alive with pop-up bars, outdoor yoga at sunrise, and that distinctive Mediterranean energy. The humidity that makes inland sightseeing uncomfortable actually feels fine with sea breezes. Locals hit the beaches between 4-8pm to avoid midday sun, and many beach bars stay open until 2am with DJ sets and surprisingly good food.
Jerusalem Old City evening walking tours
The key to Jerusalem in July is timing - the ancient stone walls and narrow alleyways of the Old City actually retain heat during the day but become magical after 5pm when temperatures drop to 28°C (82°F) and golden light hits the limestone. The extended summer hours mean you can explore the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and various quarters in relative comfort while still having good visibility. The evening call to prayer echoing through the Muslim Quarter as the sun sets is worth planning your day around.
Galilee region wine tasting and countryside drives
The Galilee wine region around Tsfat and the Golan Heights offers a cooler alternative to southern Israel, with temperatures typically 5-7°C (9-13°F) lower than Jerusalem. July is harvest preparation season, so while you won't see actual picking, the vineyards are lush and wineries are fully operational with extended summer hours. The rolling hills and mountain scenery provide excellent air-conditioned driving routes, and many wineries have shaded tasting patios with views. This is what locals do when they need a break from the coast crowds.
Underwater Observatory and Red Sea snorkeling in Eilat
Eilat in July is hot, there's no sugarcoating it - but the Red Sea coral reefs are at their most vibrant, water visibility reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft), and the marine life is incredibly active. The key is doing all water activities before 11am or after 4pm. The Underwater Observatory lets you experience reef life without getting wet, which matters when air temperature hits 40°C (104°F). Many operators offer sunset snorkeling trips that time perfectly with cooler evening temperatures while still having excellent underwater visibility.
Haifa Bahai Gardens and German Colony evening exploration
Haifa's terraced Bahai Gardens are genuinely spectacular in July when the flowers are in full bloom and the Mediterranean backdrop is crystal clear. The gardens are only open for limited guided tours, but the viewpoints above and below are accessible all day. The real move is spending late afternoon and evening in the German Colony neighborhood below the gardens - tree-lined streets, restored Templar buildings with cafes and restaurants, and that coastal breeze that makes 30°C (86°F) feel manageable. The gardens are illuminated until 11pm in summer, creating photo opportunities you won't get in winter months.
July Events & Festivals
Tel Aviv Pride Week
One of the world's largest Pride celebrations typically happens in early June, but related events and the general LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere continue into July. Tel Aviv's beach parties, club nights, and inclusive culture are at peak energy during summer months. The city genuinely embraces this identity year-round, but summer is when it's most visible and celebrated.
Jerusalem Film Festival
Usually running late July into early August, this is one of Israel's premier cultural events showcasing international and Israeli cinema. Screenings happen in air-conditioned venues across Jerusalem, making it an excellent heat-escape activity. The festival brings a different energy to the city with outdoor evening screenings in the Sultan's Pool amphitheater near the Old City walls.
Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat
Typically held in late August, but worth mentioning as Eilat's summer concert season runs through July with various performances at outdoor venues and hotels. The desert setting and Red Sea backdrop create a unique atmosphere for evening music events when temperatures finally drop to comfortable levels after sunset.