Things to Do in Israel in July

July Weather in Israel

35°C (95°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Zero rainfall means guaranteed sunny days for outdoor exploration - you won't lose a single day to weather
Longest daylight hours of the year (14+ hours) maximize sightseeing time from 5:30am sunrise to 7:45pm sunset
Mediterranean beaches are at perfect temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F) with minimal crowds before European summer holidays peak
Air conditioning everywhere makes indoor attractions like museums and religious sites comfortable during midday heat

Considerations

Extreme heat 35°C+ (95°F+) from 11am-4pm makes outdoor sightseeing potentially dangerous without proper precautions
Hotel prices increase 40-60% as international summer tourism begins, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
Popular sites like Masada and Ein Gedi become uncomfortably hot by 9am - severely limiting hiking opportunities

Best Activities in July

Dead Sea floating and spa treatments

July's dry heat makes the Dead Sea perfect - no humidity means quick evaporation of salt water from skin. Early morning (6-9am) temperatures are ideal for floating. The mineral-rich mud treatments feel refreshing in the heat. Water temperature reaches optimal 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Book spa packages 2-3 weeks ahead as summer demand increases. Expect to pay 200-400 NIS for day access with treatments. Look for hotels offering day passes with pool access. Check current options in the booking section below.

Underground Jerusalem exploration

July heat drives locals underground to the Western Wall Tunnels, City of David tunnels, and Hezekiah's Tunnel. These maintain cool 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures year-round. The contrast from surface heat makes these experiences more memorable and comfortable.

Booking Tip: Western Wall Tunnels require advance booking - often full 2-3 weeks ahead in July. Tours cost 35-45 NIS. Morning slots fill first. Hezekiah's Tunnel involves wading through knee-deep water - perfect cooling activity for hot days.

Tel Aviv beach culture and nightlife

July transforms Tel Aviv beaches into 24-hour social hubs. Beach bars stay open until 2am with perfect evening temperatures 25-28°C (77-82°F). Dawn swimming at 6am before heat builds is a local tradition. Beach volleyball and matkot (paddle ball) peak in July.

Booking Tip: Beach club day beds cost 80-150 NIS but include shade and service during peak heat hours. Book evening beach restaurants by 4pm for sunset tables. Night tours of Carmel Market and Rothschild Boulevard capitalize on comfortable evening temperatures.

Galilee lake activities and wineries

Sea of Galilee reaches perfect swimming temperature 27°C (81°F) in July. Morning boat tours (6-9am) offer cool breezes and glass-like water. Galilee wineries schedule special summer tastings in air-conditioned caves and offer evening vineyard tours when temperatures drop.

Booking Tip: Lake cruises cost 45-70 NIS and should be booked for sunrise slots. Winery tours run 150-300 NIS with transportation. Many offer pick-up from Tiberias hotels. Evening tours starting after 5pm are most comfortable in July heat.

Eilat Red Sea diving and marine parks

July offers perfect diving conditions with 24-26°C (75-79°F) water temperature and 30m+ (98ft+) visibility. Coral Beach Nature Reserve provides easy shore diving. Morning dives avoid afternoon surface heat while underwater temperatures remain constant and comfortable.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range 200-400 NIS for two-tank dives. Book morning slots 5-7 days ahead. Snorkeling gear rental costs 40-60 NIS/day. Many operators offer hotel pickup from Eilat center. Shore diving available 24/7 at Coral Beach for certified divers.

Desert sunrise experiences and Bedouin encounters

July's early 5:30am sunrise makes desert tours feasible - temperatures start at cool 22°C (72°F) before heat builds. Negev Desert stargazing tours capitalize on clear, dry July skies. Bedouin tent experiences offer traditional cooling methods and shade structures.

Booking Tip: Desert tours cost 300-600 NIS including transportation from main cities. Book sunrise tours that finish by 10am before dangerous heat. Overnight desert camping includes all meals and typically costs 500-800 NIS. Look for operators with air-conditioned vehicles.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Jerusalem Film Festival

Israel's premier film festival showcases international and Israeli cinema across multiple air-conditioned venues. Perfect indoor activity during peak heat hours with evening outdoor screenings in cooler temperatures.

Mid July

Karmiel Dance Festival

International folk dance festival in northern Israel featuring performances from dozens of countries. Most events occur in evening hours to avoid July heat, with traditional costumes and cultural exchanges.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for nose/lips - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses - essential for any outdoor time between 10am-4pm when shade temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F)

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - better sun protection than tank tops and required for religious site visits

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - avoid leather or synthetic materials that trap heat on hot pavement

Insulated water bottle holding 1 liter+ - you'll need 3-4 liters daily in July heat, refill stations available at most attractions

Electrolyte supplements or powder - crucial for replacing salts lost through excessive sweating in dry heat

Light cotton scarf or shawl - required covering for religious sites and provides neck sun protection

Portable shade umbrella or parasol - transforms outdoor waiting times at attractions and bus stops

After-sun aloe gel - even with sunscreen, July's intensity causes skin sensitivity

Quick-dry swimwear and beach towel - essential for multiple daily cooling sessions in pools or sea

Insider Knowledge

Israelis start their day at 5:30am in July to avoid heat - join them for empty attractions and perfect lighting for photos before 9am

Free air conditioning refuge available in every shopping mall, bank, and government building - plan routes connecting these cooling stops

Many restaurants offer 'siesta pricing' with 30-50% discounts on cold dishes between 2-5pm when outdoor seating becomes unusable

Public transportation runs frequent schedules but buses get overcrowded as people avoid walking - consider ride-sharing during peak heat hours 11am-4pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting outdoor sightseeing between 11am-4pm without shade breaks every 20 minutes - leads to dangerous overheating even for experienced hot-weather travelers

Underestimating water needs and relying on small bottles - July requires 3-4 liters per person daily, more during Dead Sea visits due to extreme dehydration

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics that absorb heat and prevent cooling - choose light-colored natural fibers that reflect sun and allow sweat evaporation