January is one of those months when there is a sufficient number of days off in order to go somewhere to rest and relax. If you are tired of the usual winter resorts, we advise you to go to Israel in January. We promise that the trip will be unforgettable, since this particular month is characterized by an abundance of church holidays for which tens of thousands of pilgrims come to the country.
So, what to see in Israel in the winter, what weather awaits travelers and at what resorts can you relax? We will talk about this later.
January weather in Israel
The weather in Israel in January is rainy. Despite the general softness of the local subtropical climate, this is generally a pretty cool month. In the Mediterranean Sea, for example, in January, do not swim, unless, of course, you are not a fan of extreme swimming.
The temperature in Israel in January
The coast of the Mediterranean Sea - Haifa, Netanya, Tel Aviv - this month usually has a temperature of about 17 degrees. At the same time, it drops to 10. The temperature in Israel in January in general does not really favor beach holidays. It is slightly warmer near the Red Sea - up to 21 degrees during the day, at night it is the same here as near the Mediterranean - about 10. The approximate temperature of the water is up to 17 degrees in the Mediterranean Sea, up to 22 - in the Red. If you can’t live without swimming, it’s better to limit yourself to heated pools in hotels.
Nearby is also a desert, where the temperature of the night air even drops to zero. Those wishing to go on vacation in January to Israel are advised to stock up on warm clothes for evening walks and light clothes for daytime walks. Otherwise, you risk getting sick, and then the rest will not be so colorful and memorable.
January is the wettest month
What is the weather like in Israel in January? For Israel, this is a rather rainy month, when the 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, lasting from November to April, enters its peak in January. This, of course, is not the tropics with constant incessant showers, but without an umbrella and a jacket at this time of the year it will be difficult here. Permanent rains are another reason why you should forget about the sea for a while, since they do not at all have a comfortable swim.
Health Resorts in Israel in the Winter
If you do not pay much attention to beach vacations when traveling to Israel in January, you can safely go for treatment. Known for its health resorts, the Dead Sea coast is best suited for these purposes. The average temperature here is between 20-22 degrees, the water temperature will be lower by a couple of degrees.
Since the water in the Dead Sea is not simple, and it contains a huge amount of various 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 seriously take care of your health. On the Dead Sea coast it rains less often, the average humidity is around 40. Unlike other places in the country, here they will not interfere with your rest.
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 centers, indoor pools with heated sea water. There are also medical centers and clinics, which, however, you will only get if you have medical records with a description of the medical history.
In general, Ein Bokek is one of the most popular resorts in the country, so check availability beforehand.
Where to go in Israel in January?
Wellness and resorts are a good thing, but sometimes you want some more vivid impressions of the rest. If health and mood allow you, it is worth going to Israel in January, if only because there are several of the most important Christian holidays - Christmas and Epiphany, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. And this is a great opportunity to take part in this event for you.
So, among the main places of pilgrimage in Israel, it is worth noting Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem. The cool weather, without the sweltering heat that is familiar to this southern country, is only conducive to a trip to Christian shrines. It is worth seeing with your own eyes those places that are described in a holy book called the Bible and were the scene for the most important events of Christian history. Their visit will give you impressions that you will not forget about until the end of your days. January 6, Christmas Day, hundreds (if not thousands) of tourists try to attend the festive liturgy at the Church of the Nativity of Christ, which is located in Bethlehem.
The night of January 19th is the time of yet another most important holiday in Christianity, Baptism. This time you can go for a bath in the Jordan River, where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ himself was baptized two thousand years ago. Do not forget to visit the most important shrine of the Christian religion in Jerusalem - the Holy Sepulcher.
Although exhausting trips around the country may bore you, believe me that it is worth it. In addition, you have a wonderful opportunity to combine holidays in the resorts of the Dead Sea with a pilgrimage, if you go to the country for the whole month. In any case, come and see for yourself.