Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Judea and Samaria area, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, showcases a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January sees temperature lows dipping to 1°C (33°F), while September records peaks soaring up to 42°C (108°F). With an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F), this region experiences significant seasonal variability, making it a unique ecological zone with diverse weather patterns.
The temperature patterns in the Judea and Samaria area exhibit distinct seasonal trends, marked by mild winters and hot summers. Winter months from January to March experience cooler temperatures, with January recording a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), gradually warming to an average of 14°C (58°F) by March. As spring progresses into April and May, temperatures rise significantly, reaching maximums of 38°C (101°F) in April and peaking at 41°C (106°F) in May. The summer months of June through August maintain high averages around 25°C (77°F) to 27°C (82°F), while maximum temperatures hover between 39°C (103°F) and 42°C (108°F), indicative of the intense heat typical of the season. Autumn, beginning in September and continuing to November, marks a gradual cool down, with September still warm at an average of 26°C (79°F), but temperatures drop to 18°C (65°F) by November, highlighting a transition back to milder conditions as winter approaches.
Ariel experiences a wide temperature range, with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) in January and a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in September, showcasing the region's significant seasonal variations monthly temperatures in Ariel. Similarly, Hashmonaim records a minimum of 1°C (35°F) in January, with its peak temperature reaching 41°C (106°F) in May, illustrating a somewhat milder yet comparable climate pattern monthly temperatures in Hashmonaim.
Precipitation in the Judea and Samaria area exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with winter months receiving the bulk of annual rainfall. January leads the charge with 80 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 9 days, closely followed by February at 75 mm (2.9 in) falling during 10 days. As spring approaches, rainfall diminishes, peaking in March with 61 mm (2.4 in) over 8 days, before tapering significantly in April and May, where precipitation decreases to 29 mm (1.1 in) and 11 mm (0.4 in), respectively. The summer months of June, July, and August experience almost complete dry spells, with negligible rainfall recorded.
As autumn sets in, the precipitation begins to return, albeit at lower levels than the winter months. October brings a slight uptick to 25 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days, while November contributes 44 mm (1.7 in) across 7 days, marking a return to wetter conditions. December mirrors February with another 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain over 10 days. This cyclical precipitation pattern showcases the region's Mediterranean climate, where a pronounced wet season contrasts sharply with the dry summer months, critical for local agriculture and water resources.
The sunshine duration in the Judea and Samaria area reveals a clear trend of increasing sunlight as the year progresses, with the sharpest rise occurring from winter to summer. January starts the year with 227 hours of sunshine, which gradually climbs to 276 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues through March and April, peaking in May with 391 hours, as the region transitions into the warmer months. The onset of summer sees a further increase, with June basking in 395 hours and July reaching the pinnacle of 406 hours, showcasing the extensive daylight typical of Mediterranean summers.
As summer wanes, the sunshine hours begin to decline, yet remain robust. August still enjoys 387 hours, but September marks a noticeable drop to 347 hours. The autumn months of October and November experience further decreases, with sunshine durations of 322 hours and 286 hours, respectively. By December, the area receives 272 hours of sunlight, closing the year with relatively lower light levels. This seasonal shift not only highlights the region's warm and sunny Mediterranean climate but also underscores the contrast between the bright summer and shorter winter days, essential for local agriculture and tourism.
The UV Index in the Judea and Samaria area demonstrates significant seasonal variability, reflecting the intense sunlight characterizing the Mediterranean climate. January begins with a UV Index of 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for a relatively safer outdoor experience with a burn time of 30 minutes. As winter progresses into February, the Index rises to 6, indicating high exposure, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. This upward trend continues through the spring, peaking in April with a UV Index of 10. Both April and May present notably very high and extreme indices, respectively, resulting in a critical burn time of just 10 minutes by May due to the increasing intensity of the sun.
The summer months of June through August maintain an extreme UV Index level of 11-12, necessitating caution during outdoor activities, as the burn time remains as low as 10 minutes. In September, the UV Index slightly decreases to 9, still classified as very high, before tapering off in the fall. By October, it stands at 8, and by November and December, the Index returns to 4 and 5, respectively, both categorized as moderate. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance of sun safety measures during the peak summer months, when the risk of harmful UV exposure is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in the Judea and Samaria area exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with hours of daylight steadily increasing from winter into summer. In January, the region enjoys approximately 10 hours of daylight, which rises to 11 hours in both February and March, marking the gradual transition from the cold months into spring. As the days lengthen, daylight reaches 12 hours in April and continues to increase to 13 hours in May. The summer solstice in June peaks with 14 hours of daylight, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and agricultural needs.
As summer fades into fall, daylight duration begins to taper off, maintaining 13 hours in July and August before decreasing to 12 hours in September. The return of shorter days occurs in October, when daylight drops back to 11 hours, then further declines to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern highlights the region's Mediterranean climate, where long, sunlit days in the summer contrast with the shorter daylight hours of winter, creating an environment rich in seasonal diversity and vibrant ecosystems.
Ariel, Israel experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) in January to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in September, with the hottest months being July and August. Precipitation is highest in winter, particularly in January and February, with the region receiving around 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain in January. Sunshine is abundant, especially during the summer months, reaching up to 406 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Ariel climate.
Hashmonaim, Israel experiences a varied climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C to a maximum of 26°C, while July sees highs around 40°C. Precipitation is highest in the winter months, peaking at 65 mm in January, and drops significantly during the summer, with less than 2 mm recorded in July. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially from May to July, where monthly hours exceed 390. For more detailed information, visit Hashmonaim climate.
In conclusion, the Judea and Samaria area exhibits a distinct climatic rhythm characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences hot, dry summers contrasted by mild, wet winters, shaping an environment conducive to diverse agricultural practices and vibrant ecosystems. The seasonal trends illustrate a gradual transition from shorter days and moderate UV exposure in winter to extended daylight hours and intense sunlight during the summer months. Understanding these climatic dynamics is crucial for local residents, policymakers, and researchers, as it informs water resource management, agricultural planning, and public health initiatives aimed at mitigating UV exposure and maximizing the benefits of abundant daylight.