Springtime is the ideal time to visit Israel. Temperature is usually pleasant – around 25 degrees Celsius during the day. If you’re not coming on one of the Jewish holidays, it’s also less crowded. So, it’s a great time to come if you want to see Israel’s highlights or hike in nature. Everything is green and blossoming. Here’s the full guide to springtime in Israel.
When is spring in Israel?
Officially, springtime in Israel starts at the end of March and ends at the end of June. But I would say that weather-wise, springtime starts around the end of February and ends around the end of May.
Top things to do in springtime in Israel
Explore the Israeli desert
Springtime is ideal for exploring the desert regions of Israel – the Negev, the Arava, and the Judean Desert. Usually, the temperatures aren’t too high during the daytime, so you can walk around without feeling toasted. You only need to watch out for flash floods, which might happen after rainfall. There might be some rainy days in spring, so keep watch of the weather.
If there’s no rain, you can go ahead and explore the desert. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Stay at Mitzpe Ramon and explore Makhtesh Ramon – Mitzpe Ramon is a small town settled on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon, also known as the Ramon Crater. Makhtesh Ramon is a geological wonder, the largest of five erosion craters in Israel. Since it reveals geological layers from millions of years ago, there are a lot of colors and shapes all around the crater. Even if you don’t like hiking, you can see its beauty from afar. Learn more >> Read my full guide to Mitzpe Ramon.
- Visit a lone farm in the Negev – If you’re looking for unique places to stay in the desert, lone farms are at the top of my list. Today, there are over 20 lone farms in the Negev, owned by lone families that are not part of a specific settlement. Usually, they are engaged in some agricultural branch, like olive trees or grape vineyards, sheep breeding, or cheese making, so when visiting or staying there, you’ll have a chance to learn more about agriculture in the desert. I’ve visited several lone farms over the years, including HaDkalim Farm and Karmei Negev Farm and it was a great experience.
- Learn about agriculture in the desert – Many agricultural farms and greenhouses open their gates to visitors. In some places, you can even take part in the picking of the fruits and vegetables. If you want to learn in depth about agriculture in the desert, visit Vidor Center.
- Explore the desert around Eilat – Most people come to Eilat for the Red Sea, but if you’re coming in springtime, especially around February-March, it’s an ideal time to explore the desert that surrounds the city. There are many hiking trails in the colorful Eilat Mountains, and the famous Timna Park is only about half an hour away. Learn more >> Read my full guide to Eilat.
- Float in the Dead Sea – I put it at the back of the list because it really depends on when you’re coming in spring. If you’re coming in February or early March, it might still be a bit too chilly to enter the Dead Sea. But if you’re coming sometime between late March to May, it could be a great time to go. Temperature is usually much nicer then, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. Learn more >> Read my full guide to the Ein Bokek area.
Go sightseeing
As I’ve already mentioned, the weather is usually very pleasant in springtime, so it’s a great time to go sightseeing in Israel. Walk around Jerusalem’s old and new city, explore the vibrant modern city of Tel Aviv, and take a car or public transportation to the Galilee or the Negev to visit important archeological, historical, or natural sites. Since it’s usually not very hot, you can make the most of your day without taking long breaks in the afternoon.
Here are some travel guides to recommended places to visit on your trip to Israel in springtime:
- Jerusalem Travel Guide. In Jerusalem, make sure to visit the Old City, Mount of Olives, the Machane Yehuda Market, and if time permits, City of David or the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
- Tel Aviv Travel Guide. In Tel Aviv, make sure to visit Old Jaffa, Rothschild Boulevard, the Carmel Market, the Florentin neighborhood, and the seaside promenade.
- Haifa Travel Guide. In Haifa, make sure to visit the Bahai Gardens and the German Colony.
- Top Free Things to do in Akko (Acre). In Akko, other than the free things, make sure to visit the Knights’ Hall.
- Safed Travel Guide. In Safed, make sure to walk around the beautiful alleys, visit the Abuhav Synagogue, and, if possible, the Beit HaMeiri Museum.
Visit the Agamon Hula
Israel is one of the best places in the world to witness bird migration because it connects Africa to Europe. Millions of birds fly over Israel twice a year – in autumn and in spring. So, if you like birds, you’ll be able to witness this incredible sight in springtime. The springtime migration starts in January and goes on till early June, but the peak of the migration usually happens from March to mid-May.
One of the best places to experience the bird migration is the Agamon Hula. It’s a beautiful artificial lake in the middle of the Hula Valley in northern Israel. And it’s one of the most popular stops for birds on their way from Africa to Europe. So, when you walk around the lake, you can see a variety of birds. It’s also possible to rent a bike or golf cart at an extra cost. I rode my bike many times around the lake, and it was a beautiful experience. It takes about 2 hours.
It costs 35 shekels per adult.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 AM to 4 PM.
How to get there? The easiest way to get to the Agamon Hula is to use a car and drive north on road number 90 until you see the left-hand turn to the Agamon Hula. But you can also get there by public transportation. The route depends on your departure point, so it’s best to use Google Maps or Moovit to find the best way. The bus will leave you at the junction, so you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes to the park’s entrance.
Learn more on the official website of the Agamon Hula.
Here’s a video showing the Agamon Hula Park by Discovering Israel:
Go hiking
If you like hiking and enjoying nature, springtime is ideal for hiking in Israel. The country is covered hundreds of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging – in the desert, in the Galilee, and even a short drive from the main cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
If you don’t have much time, you can easily find a fun and beautiful day hike. I’ve listed some of my favorite day hikes in Israel here.
If you have more time and want to try out one of Israel’s longer trails, here are some of my recommendations:
- The Israel National Trail: This is the longest trail in Israel, spreading over 1,000 kilometers from the north to the south. On the way, it passes through the Galilee, by the Sea of Galilee, next to the Mediterranean Sea, and through the desert. You’ll enjoy many beautiful landscapes, interesting archeological sites, and amazing people. The entire trail takes about two months to complete, but you can do only part of it if you’re short on time. Springtime is the perfect season to begin the trail from the south. Learn more >> Read my full guide to the Israel National Trail.
- The Golan Trail: Another beautiful hike is the Golan Trail, which crosses the Golan Heights from the north to the south. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful regions in Israel. And there’s also lots to see in terms of archeology and modern history. This trail takes about 7 days to complete. In springtime, it’s all green and blossoming. Learn more >> Read my full guide to the Golan Trail.
- The Sea to Sea Trail: This trail is one of the most popular long trails in Israel, especially in springtime. It connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee and passes by many streams and water springs. On the way, you’ll also have the chance to hike up Mount Meron, the second-highest mountain in Israel. It takes about 5 days to complete. Learn more >> Read my full guide to the Sea to Sea Trail.
Main springtime events in Israel
- The Darom Adom Festival: “Darom Adom” means “Red South.” In February, we celebrate the blossom of the red anemone flowers in the Western Negev. Hundreds of families come to walk around the beautiful carpets of red flowers, and there are also special activities, like guided tours in the nature parks and historical sites in the area, open-air markets, and music shows. Usually, the festival takes place throughout February. Check out the official website of Darom Adom.
- Red Sea Jazz Festival: This jazz music festival is weekend full of music right next to the beautiful and fun Red Sea in Eilat. It’s one of the biggest music events in Israel. Usually, it takes place in February. Check out more info and buy tickets on the official website of the Red Sea Jazz Festival.
- The Tel Aviv Marathon: One of the largest sports events in Israel, that takes place in Tel Aviv. Streets will be closed, and you can participate or come to cheer the runners. Usually, it takes place in February. Check out the official website of the Tel Aviv Marathon.
- The Jerusalem Marathon: Another large sports event, that takes place in Jerusalem. Streets will be closed, and you can participate or come to cheer the runners. Usually, it takes place in March. Check out the official website of the Jerusalem Marathon.
Here’s a video of the KKL about the Darom Adom Festival:
Jewish holidays in the spring
- Purim: The first Jewish holiday that opens springtime in Israel is Purim, the holiday of costumes. On Purim, we celebrate the survival of the Jews who were marked to death by the evil Haman, a high-rank official in the ancient Persian empire. The story can be found in the Book of Esther in the Bible. Usually, Purim takes place in March. Learn more >> 5 Ways to Celebrate Purim in Israel.
- Passover: Passover is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in Israel. On Passover, we celebrate the time when GOD freed the Israelites from Egypt. On the first day of the holiday, we gather with our families for the Passover feast. Then, we need to keep eating matzot for seven days. Since the holiday usually falls in April, many families take the opportunity to travel around Israel and walk on the nature trails to enjoy the beautiful blossom of the flowers. Learn more >> 5 Ways to Celebrate Passover in Israel.
- Lag BaOmer: This is a holiday not mentioned in the Bible, but very popular amongst children and young people. On Lag BaOmer, we light bonfires in memory of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the greatest Jewish sages of all times, who traditionally passed away on the Hebrew date of Lag BaOmer. Traditionally, he was the author of the Zohar, one of the most important books in mystical Judaism. Usually, Lag BaOmer falls in May.
- Shavuot: Shavuot is at the very end of spring. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals, celebrating the end of the Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot. On this holiday, we celebrate the time when GOD gave us the Torah on Mount Sinai. We eat dairy products, and some people read from the Torah all night. Usually, Shavuot falls at the end of May. Learn more >> 5 Ways to Celebrate Shavuot in Israel.
What to pack for spring in Israel?
Spring is a tricky season in terms of weather because you can’t know if it’s going to rain or not. Check the weather forecast a few days before you leave to see if you should expect rain during your trip.
In any case, here are some essential things you should pack for spring in Israel:
- Layers of clothes: Springtime is a pleasant season, but the temperature might be chilly in the evening or early morning. So, it’s best to pack layers of clothes that you can take off if you feel warm enough.
- Sunscreen: Although the weather is usually pleasant, it doesn’t mean there’s no sun. Make sure to pack sunscreen or anything else that might protect you from the sun’s rays.
- Good walking shoes: Most likely, you’ll be doing lots of walking on your trip to Israel. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Rain jacket and umbrella (just in case): There might be some rain showers during your trip in spring, so make sure to bring something that will protect you from the rain.
Read more >> My Ultimate Packing List for Israel, Season by Season.
Conclusion
Springtime is a perfect season to travel to Israel. The weather is usually pleasant, and everything is green and blossoming. You can walk around and enjoy Israel’s sites without getting too hot during the afternoon. And if you like to hike, it’s probably the best season to come.
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Yours,
Lior