Israel and Jordan guide
These two small nations are very easy to combine into one vacation. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a Petra-head, read our Israel and Jordan travel guide and discover how to get the best out of both countries.
Best time to visit Israel
We lucked out in March. The equinox moon over the Negev Desert was something else. Wildflowers burst into life around Galilee and Purim parties were in full swing.![]()
The best time to visit Israel depends on whether you want to play your part in pilgrimage or take it all in the tranquil way. Many tours that take in religious sites coincide with religious vacations so be prepared for crowds. Or the opposite: total shutdown. Either way, book early. Spring brings wildflowers out in force and the desert heat hasn’t crept in yet. In summer, it can be boiling, so be well prepared. In autumn, rains can come, so bring an umbrella; and temps dip to below zero in the mountains in winter.
Jerusalem Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
5
13
137
FEB
5
15
111
MAR
7
17
88
APR
10
22
27
MAY
13
26
3
JUN
16
29
0
JUL
18
30
0
AUG
18
30
0
SEP
17
29
1
OCT
14
26
19
NOV
10
20
60
DEC
6
15
111
Our Israel Vacations
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel, breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
US $2650
15 days
ex flights
Israel and Palestinian tour
Experience ancient Israel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
From
US $2475 to US $2930
8 days
ex flights
Israel vacations, small group tour
Israel, a Hidden gem this 8 day tour hits all the main spots
From
£1240 to £1395
8 days
ex flights
Israel and Jordan tour, 10 days
10 Day Adventure in Israel and Jordan
From
US $1034
10 days
ex flights
Jordan and Israel vacation
Tour the historical & cultural sites of Jordan and Israel
From
US $2430 to US $2510
11 days
ex flights
Tour of Israel, West Bank and Jordan
Visit all that Israel, the West Bank and Jordan has to offer
From
US $1267
12 days
ex flights
Israel classic small group tour
8 day tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
From
£1349 to £1439
8 days
ex flights
Best of Jordan and Israel vacation
Cultural group tour showcasing the best of Jordan and Israel
From
US $1735 to US $3669
11 days
ex flights
Palestine and Israel small group tour
History, culture and landscapes await on a small group tour
From
US $3125
10 days
ex flights
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv vacation, Israel
.Experience 7 unforgettable days in Israel
From
US $657
7 days
ex flights
Under 30's Israel & the Palestine vacation
Get a taste of the Middle East's contrasts
From
US $863 to US $1150
5 days
ex flights
Egypt, Jordan & Israel vacation
Adventure tour the Pyramids of Giza, Petra & the Holy Lands
From
US $2670 to US $5649
19 days
ex flights
Northern Israel highlights tour
A four day adventure through Northern Israel
From
US $227
4 days
ex flights
Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour, Israel
A great value tour of Northern Israel's highlights
From
US $190
3 days
ex flights
Jerusalem tour, 3 days
Explore Jerusalem on this great value city tour
From
US $153
3 days
ex flights
Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem vacation
Discover Jerusalem, the Dead Sea & the Holy Land
From
US $2240 to US $2310
8 days
ex flights
Israel, month by month
Our top Israel Vacation
Israel vacations, small group tour
Israel, a Hidden gem this 8 day tour hits all the main spots
From
£1240 to £1395
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 20 Sep, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
2020: 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 20 Sep, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Israel or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Responsible Travel recommends
Anthony Horrobin from our supplier Encounters Travel shares his best time to go to Israel:
“Unless you particularly want to be in Israel for the religious festivities then I would avoid visiting during any of the main Islamic, Jewish or Christian vacations as certain sites may have limited opening hours and tourist numbers will be much higher. Aside from these types of events I would recommend traveling to Israel in early summer or late spring – so late April into May and June – and then at the end of summer, September into October when the temperatures will generally be most pleasant and avoiding the hottest part of the year.”
“Unless you particularly want to be in Israel for the religious festivities then I would avoid visiting during any of the main Islamic, Jewish or Christian vacations as certain sites may have limited opening hours and tourist numbers will be much higher. Aside from these types of events I would recommend traveling to Israel in early summer or late spring – so late April into May and June – and then at the end of summer, September into October when the temperatures will generally be most pleasant and avoiding the hottest part of the year.”
Festivals & events in Israel
The Midburn Festival
If you want to shake off any preconceptions that you have about Israel, head to the Midburn Festival in the Negev Desert, late May or June. Founded in 2014, this is Israel’s version of Nevada’s famous Burning Man Festival, runs for five days and is all about community, candescence, creativity, camping and, indeed, a lot of camp.
More about Israel
Discover Responsible Travel’s take on Israel by leafing through our Israel travel guide, designed to illuminate the country’s high points as well as its lows., and help you explore Israel like a local.
Our Israel map & highlights page fills in the blanks and leads you on a Biblical journey complete with three suggested itineraries and travel times in Israel by train, by bus and on foot.
Our Israel map & highlights page fills in the blanks and leads you on a Biblical journey complete with three suggested itineraries and travel times in Israel by train, by bus and on foot.
Although there's not much chance of Israel & Palestine coming together any time soon, that doesn't mean that you can't include both states as part of a small group vacation.
If you want to know what we recommend when it comes to family vacations in Israel then read on as we’ve got all the info on family activities and what to do when traveling with kids in Israel.
Read advice from our friends in Israel including tips on passports, packing, the Jewish day of rest and exploring Jaffa, which all appear as part of our Israel travel advice page.
If you want to really travel right in Israel then there are several responsible tourism issues worth bearing in mind.
More relevant guides
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Edgardo W. Olivera] [Intro: Mark Nakasone]
[Anthony Horrobin quote: Robert Bye]
[The Midburn Festival: Nettadi]
Back to the top
- Recently viewed
