Does it snow in Jerusalem? Yes, it does, but not every year, and when it does, the snow usually lasts only a day or two. Most snow days happen between December and February, and many winters pass with no snow at all, just cold nights, rain and bright, chilly days.
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We run Jerusalem tours every week of the year, including in the middle of winter storms. This guide explains how often snow really falls, what a normal Jerusalem winter feels like, what happens to the city on a snow day, and how to plan your trip so the weather works for you instead of against you.
Does it snow in Jerusalem? At a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jerusalem sits in the Judean Mountains, about 800 meters (around 2,600 feet) above sea level, which is why it is colder than the coast |
| How often it snows | Some winters, not every winter. Many years see only a light dusting or none at all |
| When snow is most likely | December to February, during strong cold storms |
| How long snow lasts | Usually a day or two before it melts |
| How long to spend in Jerusalem | At least one full day, ideally two or three |
| How to get there | Train or bus from Tel Aviv, bus or domestic flight plus transfer from Eilat, or a guided tour with hotel pickup |
| What it costs | Many Old City holy sites are free to enter. See our tour prices below |
| Booking tip | Our day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time, so you can book and still watch the forecast |
How often does it snow in Jerusalem?
Snow in Jerusalem is a real but rare event. Some winters bring one snowfall, some bring two, and plenty bring none. When people in Israel hear a snow forecast for Jerusalem, it is big news on every channel.
The reason it snows at all is height. Tel Aviv is on the Mediterranean coast and almost never sees snow. Jerusalem is up in the hills, so a cold storm that brings rain to the coast can bring sleet or snow to the city.
Most snowfalls are light. You might wake up to a white Old City, see families building snowmen in the parks by lunchtime, and find mostly slush by the next afternoon. A few storms have been much heavier. The December 2013 storm dropped deep snow and shut the city for days, and locals still talk about it. A snowfall in January 2022 also covered the Old City and made headlines around the world.
So the honest answer is this: you should not plan a trip expecting snow. If you see it, treat it as a lucky bonus.
When does it snow in Jerusalem? The best months to watch
If snow does come, it almost always falls between December and February. January and February are the most common months. Snow in November or March is very unusual.
Snow usually arrives with a strong storm from the north or west. Israeli forecasters often warn several days ahead, so you will hear about it. For the most reliable local forecast, check the Israel Meteorological Service, which is the official national weather service.
One local tip: snow forecasts for Jerusalem often change at the last minute. A forecast of snow can turn into cold rain, and a light dusting can be all you get. Keep your plans flexible for the two or three days around a storm.
What Jerusalem winter weather is really like
Even without snow, Jerusalem winters surprise many visitors. People picture Israel as hot and sunny, then arrive in January without a coat. Days are cool, nights are cold, and rain can be heavy.
Here is what our guides see on a typical winter tour:
- Cool days: Sunny winter days can be pleasant for walking, but you will want a warm jacket in the morning and evening.
- Cold nights: Nights can drop close to freezing, especially during a storm.
- Rain: Most of the year's rain falls in winter. Some days bring a few showers, others bring a full day of rain.
- Wind: High points like Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives can feel much colder than the streets below.
- Clear views: After rain, the air is often very clear. On those days the views over the Old City are some of the best of the year.
Jerusalem stone also gets slippery when wet. The Old City streets are polished smooth by centuries of feet, and some lanes are steep with steps. Good shoes with grip matter more than any jacket.
What happens in the city when it snows in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is not built for snow. A few centimeters can change the whole day, so it helps to know what to expect.
- Roads may close: Police sometimes close the main roads into Jerusalem during heavy snow, including Route 1 from Tel Aviv. This can stop buses, cars and tours from getting in or out.
- Public transport slows down: Buses and the light rail may run less often or stop for a time.
- Schools and some businesses close: Many locals stay home or head out to play in the snow.
- Sites may change their hours: Museums and attractions can open late or close early. Always check the site's own website on the day.
- The Old City is beautiful but icy: Snow on the walls, domes and stone lanes is a rare sight. It is also slippery, so walk slowly.
If you are already in Jerusalem when snow falls, you are in for a special day. Walk to the Jaffa Gate area in the morning, take photos of the walls, and enjoy watching the city turn into one big snowball fight. If you are outside the city, check road updates before you travel.
Getting to Jerusalem in winter from Tel Aviv, Eilat or Jerusalem hotels
Most of the time, winter travel to Jerusalem is easy. The plan only changes on rare storm days.
From Tel Aviv
You can take the train to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station or a bus to the Central Bus Station. A guided tour with hotel pickup is the easiest option, since you do not need to deal with transport or parking. Our Jerusalem day tours pick up from Tel Aviv and Herzliya hotels.
From Eilat
We are based in Eilat, and many of our guests start here. Eilat is far from Jerusalem, so you have two main choices: an intercity bus through the desert, or a domestic flight from Ramon Airport to the Tel Aviv area and then onward by train, bus or tour pickup. Eilat is usually warm and sunny in winter, so pack for two climates.
Many guests spend a few winter days on the beach in Eilat, then head north to Jerusalem. Our guide to things to do in Eilat covers the warm side of the trip.
From within Jerusalem
If you are staying in Jerusalem, our tours can collect you from your hotel. On a snow day, staying in the city is a real advantage, because road closures into Jerusalem will not affect you as much.
Border and ticket notes
Jerusalem day tours from Tel Aviv do not cross any international border, so there are no border fees. If you are combining Jerusalem with Jordan or Egypt, it is different. On our Israel to Jordan tours, Jordan border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total, and you can pre-pay them on the booking form so you do not need cash at the border. Petra 1-day entrance is 130 USD per person. For Egypt via Taba, visa and border fees can also be pre-paid on the booking form. Our guide to the best Petra tours from Eilat, Tel Aviv or Jerusalem explains the options.
Inside Jerusalem, many holy sites such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre do not charge entry. Museums and some attractions do. Ticket prices and hours can change, so check each official site before you go.
What to do in Jerusalem on a cold, rainy or snowy day
Winter is a great time to see Jerusalem with fewer crowds outside the holiday weeks. You just need a plan that mixes outdoor walks with indoor stops.
- Walk the Old City between showers: The covered markets give you shelter, and the holy sites are close together. Our Old City Jerusalem visitor guide shows you how to plan the route.
- Visit Yad Vashem: The Holocaust museum is mostly indoors and needs several hours. Read our Yad Vashem guide for timed booking tips.
- Explore the Tower of David: The citadel museum is a good mix of indoor galleries and rampart views. See our Tower of David guide.
- Go underground: The City of David and its tunnels are a good choice when the weather is gray above.
- Eat your way warm: Winter is the season for hot soups, sahlab and fresh pastries. Our guide to Israeli food lists dishes worth trying.
- Head down to the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is far below sea level and much warmer than Jerusalem in winter. Many guests escape the cold for a day of floating and Dead Sea mud.
For more ideas in every season, see our full guide to things to do in Jerusalem.
Planning your visit in 2027
If you searched does it snow in Jerusalem 2027, here is the simple truth: nobody can tell you yet. Snow depends on individual storms, and forecasts are only reliable a few days ahead. What you can do is plan a winter trip that is great with or without snow.
Our advice for a 2027 winter visit:
- Pack layers: A warm jacket, a waterproof layer, a hat and shoes with good grip. Bring lighter clothes too if you are also visiting Eilat or the Dead Sea.
- Keep one flexible day: If a storm is forecast, you can swap your Jerusalem day with a Dead Sea or Tel Aviv day.
- Book with free cancellation: Our day tours can be cancelled for free up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable, so plan those with more care.
- Check holiday dates: Christmas and Hanukkah bring lights and events, and also bigger crowds. Our Christmas in Bethlehem guide covers the December season.
- Confirm prices and hours: Entry prices, fees and opening hours in this guide are current at the time of writing and can change. Check the official sources and the Israel Ministry of Tourism before you travel.
On safety, as of November 2026, conditions in the region can change quickly. Check your government's official travel advisory before you book and again before you fly. We follow local guidance closely and will contact you if anything affects your tour.
Best Jerusalem tours for a winter visit compared
All of these tours run with licensed English-speaking guides. In winter, we suggest choosing based on how much walking you want and whether you prefer an early or late start.
| Tour | Best for | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem half day Old City tour | Short winter days, families, first-time visitors who want the key sites | 5 hours | from $50 per adult |
| Jerusalem Old City tour with a late 10 AM start | Travelers staying in Jerusalem who want a slower, warmer morning | Full day | from $70 per adult |
| Jerusalem highlights tour with hotel pickup | Guests in Tel Aviv who want transport handled for them | Full day | from $75 per adult |
| Jerusalem full day tour of the Mount of Olives and Old City | Travelers who want the widest overview in one day | Full day | from $75 per adult |
| City of David underground tour | History lovers and gray, rainy days | 10 hours | from $89 per adult |
| Dead Sea relaxation day trip | Anyone who wants a warm escape from Jerusalem's cold | 10 hours | from $85 per adult |
On a cold day, the half day tour is often the sweet spot. You see the main sites while you still have energy and daylight. If you love history, the City of David tour adds an underground side of Jerusalem that most visitors miss.
Frequently asked questions about does it snow in Jerusalem
Does it snow in Jerusalem every year?
No. Some winters bring one or two snowfalls, and many bring none. When snow does fall, it is often light and melts within a day or two.
What is the best time to see snow in Jerusalem?
January and February are the most likely months, with some snow in December in certain years. Even then, snow is never guaranteed. Watch the official Israel Meteorological Service forecast in the days before your visit.
Does it snow in Tel Aviv?
Snow in Tel Aviv is extremely rare because the city is on the coast at sea level. Winter there means rain and mild temperatures. If you want a chance of snow, Jerusalem in the hills is far more likely.
Where in Israel does it snow the most?
Mount Hermon in the far north gets the most snow and is home to Israel's only ski site. Conditions and opening days depend on each winter. Jerusalem gets snow only during strong cold storms.
Can you visit Jerusalem from Eilat in winter?
Yes. You can take an intercity bus, or fly from Ramon Airport to the Tel Aviv area and continue to Jerusalem or join a tour with hotel pickup. Eilat stays warm in winter, so bring both light clothes and a warm jacket.
What should I wear in Jerusalem in winter?
Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip for the slippery stone streets. For holy sites, keep shoulders and knees covered, which is easy with winter clothes. Some sites may also ask men to cover their heads or women to cover their hair.
Do tours run when it snows in Jerusalem?
If police close the roads into Jerusalem, tours from Tel Aviv may not be able to reach the city. In that case, message us on WhatsApp and we will talk through your options. Our day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time.
Is Jerusalem worth visiting in winter?
Yes, many of our guides say winter is one of their favorite seasons. Outside the holiday weeks there are fewer crowds, the air is clear after rain, and the city feels calm. Just plan a mix of indoor and outdoor stops.
Keep planning
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Plan your trip
Snow or sun, Jerusalem in winter is worth the trip. Our local guides know where to find shelter from the rain, the best viewpoints on a clear day, and the warm cafes for a hot drink between sites. For most winter visitors, the Jerusalem half day tour is the easiest way to see the Old City without getting cold and tired.
Want help choosing dates or combining Jerusalem with the Dead Sea, Eilat or Petra? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. You can also browse all our Jerusalem tours and guides, read about the Old City of Jerusalem on the UNESCO World Heritage list, or explore our full Israel, Jordan and Egypt travel guide.
Cover photo: Miriam Mezzera from Jerusalem, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons