Most people visit Jerusalem in spring or summer. Their loss – because Jerusalem in winter has a magic of its own: rain-washed stone glowing under the streetlights, the smell of kubbeh soup in the market, cozy cafés, Hanukkah menorahs in the windows, and sometimes – if you're lucky – snow. Here's what to do when it rains, which events to catch, and how to prepare.
- Rainy day: museums, the Tower of David, the Western Wall Tunnels, the market and cafés.
- December: Hanukkah and Christmas. February: winter culture festivals.
- Dress in layers – evenings are cold and wet stone is slippery.
- Stay in the city center so everything is close, even in the rain.
What to do in Jerusalem on a rainy day
- The Israel Museum. The Shrine of the Book with the Dead Sea Scrolls, the model of Second Temple Jerusalem, and art and archaeology collections you can spend a whole day in. Right next door – the Bible Lands Museum.
- Tower of David. The citadel by Jaffa Gate houses the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, and most of the exhibition is indoors.
- The Western Wall Tunnels. A guided tour underground along the Western Wall – perfect for a winter day, with no rain and no wind. Book in advance.
- Mahane Yehuda Market. Some alleys are covered, and winter is the best time for kubbeh soup at the market's veteran eateries, a hot coffee and something sweet. And in the evening – the bars.
- The Cinematheque. A good film facing the Old City walls, and a restaurant with a view.
- Live music. Clubs like the Yellow Submarine host shows all winter long.
- Cafés. And finally, the most Jerusalem thing of all: sit in a warm café and watch the rain. Downtown and Nahalat Shiva have dozens.
Winter holidays and events
- Hanukkah. Menorahs glowing in windows and doorways, especially in Nachlaot and the Jewish Quarter, events across the city and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) in every bakery.
- Christmas. In December the Christian Quarter of the Old City is decorated, churches open their doors to visitors, and the YMCA holds its annual festive bell concert.
- Light and winter festivals. In recent years the city has hosted light events in winter, and in February a culture festival of talks, performances and workshops in unusual venues. Check the municipal events calendar for your dates.
- Bakashot singing. On winter Shabbat nights, Jerusalem synagogues such as Adas in Nachlaot keep alive an old tradition of singing 'Bakashot' – devotional songs – in the small hours before dawn.
What if it snows?
Not every winter, but when it happens – it's magical. The city almost stops, people head to the parks to build snowmen, and the Old City looks like a postcard. Worth knowing: when snow is forecast, roads into Jerusalem and public transport may close. If you're already downtown, you're in the best spot – everything is on foot.
What to pack for Jerusalem in winter
- Layers. Midday can be pleasant, but evenings and nights are cold – often around 5°C (41°F) or below.
- Shoes with good grip. Wet Jerusalem stone is slippery, especially in the Old City.
- An umbrella and a rain jacket. Rain in Jerusalem tends to come in spells of a few days.
More from the guide
Planning a day in the city? Read our 24-hour Jerusalem itinerary, and if you're coming for Shabbat – our guide to restaurants open on Shabbat.
FAQ
What to do in Jerusalem on a rainy day?
The Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum, the Tower of David, the Western Wall Tunnels, Mahane Yehuda Market with its covered alleys and cafés, the Cinematheque, and live music in the city's clubs.
Does it snow in Jerusalem?
Sometimes. In some winters it snows for a few days, and the whole city comes out to play. When snow is forecast, roads into the city and public transport may close – check before you travel.
How cold is Jerusalem in winter?
Days can be fairly mild, but evenings and nights are cold – often around 5°C (41°F) or below. Dress in layers and bring shoes with good grip for wet stone.
What's on in Jerusalem in December?
Usually both Hanukkah and Christmas: menorahs in the windows, events across the city, and churches in the Christian Quarter opening their doors to visitors.
