Israel Science and Technology Directory

Weather

Climate and Seasons in Israel

Israel is located, between 29°-33° North of the equator, characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. Israel's northern and coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The southern and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.

The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by region from the North to the South. The highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat, where rainfall is negligible.

Heavy snow falls only in the northernmost part of the Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) generally remains snow-covered from December to March. In other parts of the country, snow is observed rarely.

The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and the northern tip of the Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.

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