Reviews from tourists: is it possible to swim in the sea in Israel in January. Israel

Israel is a great holiday destination at any time of the year. January is no exception. The climatic conditions are such that you can even manage to swim, the main thing is to choose the right resort for this purpose (Eiplat on the Red Sea is suitable). Well, if the weather does not allow you to enjoy sea and sunbathing, then this time is perfect for excursions around the Promised Land. Another area that is widespread among tourists is healing, because the healing properties of the Dead Sea are known all over the world.

Weather

Judging by the air temperature characteristic of Israel at the beginning of the year, one can hardly say that it is winter. At the same time, January is the coldest month of the year. This period is also characterized by rain. But snow cover is rare for Israel, because even at night the thermometer does not even drop to zero.

The warmest sea in January is the Red Sea, so if the weather is good you can even swim, especially if you choose Eyplat Bay, which is characterized by its own microclimate. In the Metvo and Mediterranean seas the temperature is lower, so it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy swimming.

Weather Features

Considering the fact that Israel is located in seven climatic zones, the weather may differ in different regions of the country. However, these deviations are not too significant. In general, winters here are mild and warm. Rain, which is not uncommon at this time, can cause discomfort. The exception is the same Eyplat (although it is also considered the rainiest month of the year), because 359 out of 365 days here are sunny. Low temperatures and even snow are observed only in mountainous areas; in the lowlands and coasts, precipitation falls in the form of rain.

Airfare prices

Israel can be called the Mecca of tourist pilgrimage. Believers of all faiths come here from all over the world to touch the shrines. And air travel has never been a budget way to travel. Of all the airports to choose from, the least expensive would be a flight to Tel Aviv, although there are other airports in the country.

The most affordable accommodation is in Euplat and Haifa, where for a standard double room in a 3-star hotel you will have to pay from 1,919 rubles per night. The most expensive option among 3* hotels is Ein Bokek, where a night for two costs from 5,887 rubles. At other resorts, the price for similar services ranges from 3.2 to 4.0 thousand rubles.

What the country has to offer

The first thing a holiday in Israel at the beginning of the year can be associated with is, of course, recovery and sightseeing. There is also a place for active winter fun - the Hermon mountain plateau. It is located in the coldest place in the country - the Golan, which is about a 3-hour drive from the seaside resort of Netanya.

Since January 2011, the Winter Jazz Festival has been held, which is created by analogy with the summer one, held in August.

Another interesting event in January is the international marathon in Tiberias, which will be held on the 9th for the 38th time in 2015. By the way, registration for it is already open. The route runs through picturesque places - near Lake Kernet, along the Jordan Valley, through the Jordan River. Everyone who reaches the finish line receives memorable gifts, and a party is organized for all participants near the Golden Tulip Club hotel, which is the finish site. If you can’t afford a marathon (it’s all over 42 km), you can take part in shorter ones – 5 or 10 km.

The first half of January is a special time for Orthodox Christians; at this time many pilgrims go to Israel, so Bethlehem, Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley will be crowded.

January is one of those months when there are enough days off to go somewhere to relax and unwind. If you are tired of the usual winter resorts, we recommend going to Israel in January. We promise that the trip will be unforgettable, since this particular month is distinguished by an abundance of church holidays, for which tens of thousands of pilgrims come to the country.

So, what to see in Israel in winter, what weather awaits travelers and what resorts can you relax at? We will talk about this further.

January weather in Israel

The weather in Israel in January is rainy. Despite the general mildness of the local subtropical climate, this is generally a rather cool month. In the Mediterranean Sea, for example, you cannot swim in January, unless, of course, you are a fan of extreme swimming.

Temperature in Israel in January

The Mediterranean coast - Haifa, Netanya, Tel Aviv - usually has a temperature of about 17 degrees this month. At the same time, at night it drops to 10. The temperature in Israel in January is generally not very conducive to a beach holiday. It’s a little warmer near the Red Sea - up to 21 degrees during the day, at night here the same as near the Mediterranean - about 10. The approximate water temperature is up to 17 degrees in the Mediterranean Sea, up to 22 in the Red Sea. If you can’t live without swimming, it’s better to limit yourself to heated pools in hotels.

There is also a desert nearby, where the night air temperature drops to zero. Those wishing to travel to Israel are advised to stock up on warm clothing for evening walks and light clothing for daytime walks. Otherwise, you risk getting sick, and then your vacation won’t be so colorful and memorable.

January is a rainy month

What is the weather like in Israel in January? For Israel, this is a fairly rainy month, when relative humidity can range from 50 to 72%, depending on the remoteness of the desert and the proximity of the sea. The famous subtropical rainy season, which runs from November to April, reaches its peak in January. This is, of course, not the tropics with constant incessant downpours, but without an umbrella and a jacket it will be difficult here at this time of year. Constant rains are another reason why you should forget about the sea for a while, since they are not at all conducive to comfortable swimming.

Health resorts in Israel in winter

If you don’t pay much attention to beach holidays when traveling to Israel in January, you can safely go for treatment. The Dead Sea coast, famous for its health resorts, is best suited for these purposes. The average temperature here is between 20-22 degrees, the water temperature will be a couple of degrees lower.

Since the water is not simple, and it contains a huge amount of different minerals, it seems warmer at any time of the year, including in winter. The beneficial properties of water also do not disappear all year round, so January in Israel can be used at least to take serious care of your health. On the Dead Sea coast it rains less often, the humidity on average is around 40. Unlike other places in the country, here they will not interfere with your vacation.

Ein Bokek Resort

The most popular resort that can provide a wonderful holiday in Israel in January is Ein Bokek. This is a whole chain of hotels on the shores of the Dead Sea. At your disposal are many modern spa centers, health complexes, indoor pools with heated sea water. There are also medical centers and clinics, which, however, you can only get to if you have medical cards describing your medical history.

In general, Ein Bokek is one of the most popular resorts in the country, so you should check availability in advance.

Where to go in Israel in January?

Wellness and resorts are a good thing, but sometimes you want some more vivid impressions from your vacation. If your health and mood allow it, it’s worth going to Israel in January, if only because several of the most important Christian holidays take place here - Christmas and Epiphany, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. And this is a great opportunity for you to take part in this event.

So, among the main places of pilgrimage in Israel it is worth noting Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem. Cool weather, without the sweltering heat usual for this southern country, only encourages a trip to Christian shrines. It is worth seeing with your own eyes those places that are described in the sacred book called the Bible and were the scene for the most important events of Christian history. Visiting them will give you an experience that you will not forget for the rest of your days. On January 6, Christmas Day, hundreds (if not thousands) of tourists try to get to the festive liturgy at the Church of the Nativity, which is located in Bethlehem.

The night of January 19 is the time of another most important holiday in Christianity, Epiphany. This time you can go for a bath in where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ himself was baptized two thousand years ago. Don't forget to visit the most important shrine of the Christian religion in Jerusalem - the Holy Sepulcher.

Although the grueling journey across the country may wear you down, believe me, it's worth it. In addition, you have a wonderful opportunity to combine a vacation at the Dead Sea resorts with a pilgrimage if you go to the country for the whole month. In any case, come and see for yourself.

The Dead Sea is perhaps one of the most amazing places on the planet, where many people dream of visiting. In addition to the fact that there are a lot of interesting and remarkable places, the local waters can offer vacationers their healing properties. Representatives of the tourism business will also complement the overall picture; they are also trying to create the most comfortable conditions for their guests, and, to their credit, they are doing this very well.

It is impossible not to say a few words about the weather at the Dead Sea at this time of year. The rainy season is in full swing here, so precipitation will be quite common, which, of course, will affect the overall popularity of the resort at this time of year. But it probably won't be hot here. The air temperature during daylight hours will rarely rise above +20 degrees. The water in the Dead Sea will be approximately the same warm. But at night it will be noticeably cooler, the air temperature can drop to ten degrees. But, thanks to the good heating system in the hotel, this will not create any problems for vacationers.

It is also impossible not to mention the local prices for holidays in January. As noted above, winter in Palestine is the rainy season, which, in turn, affects prices. On average, they are reduced by 30 percent. For example, if in the high season the cost of a trip for two, in which everything is included, can reach $ 1,600–2,000, then in January a married couple will be able to afford a week-long vacation to the Dead Sea for approximately for $1,200.

Of course, it is important to pay attention to the reviews about holidays in January left by tourists who have visited the Dead Sea. It's safe to say that most of the reviews are very positive. Travelers talk with great pleasure about the magical time they spent on the world famous coastline. Excellent hotel service, rich tourist programs, lack of heat: all this and much more, of course, cannot leave anyone indifferent. Dissatisfaction and complaints in reviews are an extremely rare exception. And even then the only thing left to complain about is the rains, which periodically remind us of themselves.

There are a considerable number of tourists in the world who believe that a January holiday in Israel, despite the rains, is incomparable. They book a hotel, buy plane tickets and spend their winter holidays in this country with great interest. Tour-Calendar will try to figure out what a trip to the Holy Land in the dead of winter might promise.

Weather in Israel in January

January in Israel is considered the coldest and rainiest month of the year. However, the definition of “cold” is closer to locals than to tourists. For Russians, the weather prevailing during this period of time is akin to that in the central regions of Russia in mid-September. Agree, returning to your velvet season in the middle of a fierce snowy winter is a great luxury, and also affordable (which will be discussed at the very end of the article). The warmest place, as always, is in Eilat, located in the south of the country. It may still be chilly in the morning, but by lunchtime the air usually warms up to +21 °C. However, at night, due to the wide range of temperatures inherent in the city, it becomes very cold - on average +10 °C. Nevertheless, this is the most favorable coastal resort for recreation, because the amount of precipitation in January does not exceed 4 mm, which is the equivalent of about 2 stormy days. Despite the mild subtropical climate, cities located on the Mediterranean Sea can be a little chilly. During the day in Netanya and Tel Aviv it is recorded around +18 °C, and after sunset the environment cools down to +10 °C. In the northern resort of Haifa, daily fluctuations in the thermometer range from + 11 °C to +16 °C.

Jerusalem Tel Aviv Haifa Eilat

However, the point is not only in temperature indicators, but also in the amount of precipitation, which reaches its maximum in January, and in the level of air humidity (usually increasing in the evening), which affects the general perception of weather conditions. The northern and central parts of Israel are the rainiest. For example, in Eilat at least 15 days are expected, marked by precipitation, in Tel Aviv this period is reduced to 11 days, Jerusalem is limited to 10 days (in the evening the air here cools to +6 °C), and in the Dead Sea resorts there are only 8 of them However, it should be understood that the nature of the January weather is quite changeable and no one can give a guarantee that there will be as many rainy days as indicated. Sometimes in the north the rains turn into daily or prolonged downpours that cover almost the entire month. It’s as if the heavens are being torn apart, and no one can patch up this “hole.” In the south, on the contrary, the weather tends to present surprises in the form of windless sunny days, when it is quite possible to put on a swimsuit and go to the beach.

What to do in Israel in January?

Israel is good at any time of the year. In particular, in January, a holiday here will be appreciated by those who cannot tolerate two things: days exhausted by hot weather and dust storms, as well as the general tourist rush, manifested in huge queues to religious and historical monuments. The holiday bustle is already behind us, which means you can enjoy a calm and measured holiday. And the joy received from this cannot be overshadowed even by the heaviest downpours, which nature is very happy about: the soil, abundantly absorbing moisture, responds with a riot of lush greenery. So sightseeing can be combined with pleasant contemplation of out-of-season spring landscapes.

Beach holiday

In order to go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea of ​​Israel in January, you need to be either a strong original or a real Siberian who doesn’t care about anything, given the fact that in January there is already very little sun, and most of the days are marked by windy, cloudy weather.

In addition, the water cools to an average of +18 °C (the only exception is the northern resort of Haifa with +17 °C), and large waves often arise. The Dead Sea in January is somewhat warmer, however, the water is very invigorating - no more than +20 °C. Of course, Eilat remains the leader among resort destinations in January with +22 °C. The water off the coast does not cool below this level due to the deep-sea warm current.

There are no strong winds in the Gulf of Eilat, so the most popular activity here is not swimming, but scuba diving. Those who are partial to the “kingdom of Neptune” will encounter kilometers of the most beautiful coral reef in the world, which is home to many species of marine life, landscapes rugged with grottoes and gorges, and, if desired, underwater photography with colorful fish.

Entertainment and excursions

If the weather permits, be sure to go to the Negev Desert, which clearly demonstrates where Jews lived several centuries ago and what was on the site of modern Israel. Do not hesitate to visit the nearby authentic cities of Ashkelon and Ofakim, and then stop by the capital of the desert, Beer Sheva, where the popular tourist site is located - the Well of Abraham. For those who fuel their energy by shopping, Israel will be able to experience what shopping on a grand scale is all about. To do this, you need to take your willpower and come to the world's largest Diamond Exchange, where multi-million dollar transactions are concluded every day.

“What does will have to do with it?” - you ask. And despite the fact that the temptation to spend $5,000-$10,000 (if you have that amount of money) on some nice little ring is very great. January is also good (read: not expensive) in terms of taking care of your own health, since the cost of treatments in Dead Sea SPA centers in the middle of winter decreases.

Holidays and festivals

According to the Jewish calendar, in January 2013, Israelis celebrate the holiday “New Year of the Trees” (“Tu Bishvat”), which falls annually on the 15th day of the month “Shevat,” which is important for all their people. This event symbolizes the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new growing season (deeper meaning: the rebirth of nature to a new life). On this day it is customary to plant trees.

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Reviews from tourists: is it possible to swim in the sea in Israel in January

The first month of the year in Russia is snow and frost, cloudy weather and winds. And I really want warmth and the sea... where should I go? Many tourists go to Israel to spend the New Year holidays there and enjoy the sun and warmth. But before you fly to the sacred land, it’s worth finding out whether it’s possible to swim in the sea in Israel in January? To do this, you should study the weather in the region and only then make a decision about travel. Let's start with the fact that January is the wettest month in Israel. It is also the coldest month of the year. So you should think twice about it if you are planning to sunbathe on the beach and swim in the sea.

And so, when going to Israel in January, you should remember that there is a lot of rain here. Of course, there are not as many of them here as in the tropics during the rainy season, but they are there.
Eilat is the country's main beach resort. In January there is not as much rain here as in other cities of the country, but swimming is still almost impossible. The daytime temperature almost does not exceed +20 degrees and only a couple of days a month can be around +28 degrees. The nights here are completely cold, and in the morning the temperature drops to +4 +6 degrees. There are almost no people who want to watch the sunrise, as well as people who want to watch the sunset.

Tel Aviv is a city that is visited both for a beach holiday and for sightseeing. And if you don’t have any problems with the second one, then you won’t be able to swim in the sea in the middle of winter. Firstly, it often rains here. If there are about 4-5 completely rainy days, then in total it can rain more than twenty times a month. Secondly, the weather during the day is clearly not conducive to swimming. The temperature rises to only +17 degrees. Thirdly, this month the cloudiness here is very high. More than 25% of the total daytime time in the month is clouds and clouds in the sky.

The warmest sea in January in Israel is in Jerusalem. The water in it is heated to +22 degrees. Of course, you can go into the water and swim, but getting out of it will not be very easy. During the day, the thermometer almost never rises above +15 degrees. Therefore, you will be warm and comfortable in the water, but it will be difficult to get out of the sea: you will immediately freeze and you will be very uncomfortable.