Last updated: January 18, 2025
Jerusalem, Israel, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by its Csa classification within the Köppen-Geiger system. This climate manifests through distinct seasonal variations, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The temperature fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with minimum averages around 1°C (35°F) in March, ascending to a scorching maximum of 42°C (107°F) in September, while the annual average hovers around a comfortable 20°C (69°F). Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for grasping the ecological and social dynamics of this historically rich region.
Jerusalem's temperature patterns exhibit clear seasonal trends, transitioning from the cool, mild winter months of January and February—where lows average around 1-2°C (35-36°F) and peak at modest levels of 25-26°C (78°F)—to a gradual warming in spring. In March, temperatures begin to rise significantly, with maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), indicating the onset of hotter weather. By May, the city experiences its first intense heatwaves, with daily highs often exceeding 41°C (106°F). The sizzling summer months of June through August maintain elevated averages around 28°C (82°F), alongside maximum temperatures that frequently cap at 40-42°C (104-107°F). As fall arrives in September and October, a cooling trend emerges, with temperatures decreasing but still peaking around 37°C (99°F), leading into November's more moderate climate characterized by daily highs of 31°C (87°F), culminating in a return to winter conditions by December.
Jerusalem experiences a significant temperature variation throughout the year, with a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) in March and a peak of 42°C (107°F) in September. This wide range highlights the city's diverse climatic conditions across seasons, making it essential for visitors to prepare accordingly. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Jerusalem here.
Jerusalem's precipitation patterns reveal a distinct seasonal cycle, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the winter months from December to March. January typically sees the highest precipitation, averaging 54 mm (2.1 in) over about 7 days, followed closely by February with 49 mm (1.9 in). As spring approaches, March experiences a decline in rainfall to 43 mm (1.7 in), followed by a sharp drop in April that drops to 21 mm (0.8 in). By May, rainfall diminishes significantly to just 8 mm (0.3 in), marking the transition towards drier summer months.
During the summer, rainfall is extremely scarce, with June, July, and August recording minimal precipitation, often less than 2 mm (0.1 in) and no significant rainy days. The return of light rainfall occurs in October with 16 mm (0.6 in), signaling the onset of a wetter season. As the year concludes, November and December bring further precipitation, averaging 29 mm (1.2 in) and 39 mm (1.5 in), respectively, ensuring that the winter months remain the wettest period in Jerusalem's climate.
Jerusalem's sunshine duration showcases a remarkable seasonal trend characterized by a steady increase from the winter months to the peak of summer. January starts the year with 230 hours of sunlight, but as the calendar progresses into February and March, the hours of sunshine rise to 278 and 332 hours, respectively. This upward trajectory continues into the spring, with April receiving 350 hours and May totaling 389 hours. By June, the days become significantly longer and sunnier, culminating in 394 hours of sun, setting the stage for the sun-drenched summer months.
The peak sunshine is observed in July, where Jerusalem experiences its maximum of 405 hours—a hallmark of the region's summer climate. August follows closely with 386 hours, while September starts to see a gradual decline at 345 hours. The transition into autumn brings further reductions, with October providing 321 hours and November dipping to 287 hours. December rounds out the year with 277 hours, highlighting the continued decrease in sunlight as winter sets in. Overall, the contrast between the bright, sunny summers and the comparatively dimmer winters illuminates the vibrant seasonal changes that define Jerusalem's climate.
The UV Index in Jerusalem experiences notable fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting the changing intensity of solar radiation. Starting the year in January with a UV Index of 4, categorized as moderate, residents can generally enjoy 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk of harm. However, as winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 6, indicating a high exposure level that reduces safe sun exposure time to 25 minutes. March marks a pivotal shift, as the index climbs to 8, categorized as very high, emphasizing the need for sun protection with only 15 minutes of safe exposure.
The peak months for UV radiation occur during the summer, with May and June both reaching an extreme UV Index of 12, necessitating careful sun practices with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. Even July and August maintain this extreme level at 11, indicating persistent strong solar radiation. As autumn arrives, the UV Index decreases slightly but remains in the very high category, dropping to 10 in September and 8 in October. By November and December, the index settles back to a moderate level of 5 and 4, respectively, allowing for safer sun exposure while signaling a transition to cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
In Jerusalem, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the natural rhythm of the year. January begins with a modest 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing as the days lengthen into spring. By February and March, daylight remains steady at 11 hours, signaling the transition toward more extended sunlight as nature awakens. The most noticeable increase occurs in April, where daylight reaches 12 hours, and further extends to 13 hours in May, embracing the warmth of the spring season.
The peak daylight duration is observed in June, with Jerusalem basking in 14 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. As summer progresses into July and August, daylight slightly tapers back to 13 hours, creating a more balanced light cycle. The gradual reduction in daylight continues into the fall, with September offering 12 hours followed by 11 hours in October. The final two months of the year, November and December, return to 10 hours of daylight, marking the culmination of seasonal shifts and the onset of winter.
Jerusalem experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 2°C (36°F) in January to a scorching 42°C (107°F) in September, with a significant increase from spring through summer. Precipitation is concentrated in the winter months, peaking at 74 mm (2.9 in) in January and tapering off to almost none in July and August. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with up to 405 hours of sunlight in July. For more detailed information, visit Jerusalem climate.
In conclusion, Jerusalem's climate is marked by distinct seasonal changes, characterized by warm summers, mild winters, and varying daylight and UV Index levels throughout the year. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly during the summer months, while precipitation is concentrated in the winter, contributing to the region's unique ecosystems. The UV Index serves as a vital reminder for residents and visitors alike, highlighting the importance of sun protection, especially during the high and extreme levels seen in spring and summer. Overall, understanding these climatic patterns is essential for appreciating the beauty and complexity of Jerusalem's environment, enabling both locals and tourists to make informed choices about outdoor activities and sun safety.