The promised land is beautiful at any time of the year and in any weather, the flow of tourists to these parts does not dry up even in the midst of winter. Moreover, the climate here is quite mild and conducive to such trips. Experienced travelers say that if you choose the right place to stay, you can not only see all the sights during your vacation, but also soak up the tender sun and even swim. For those planning a trip to Israel in December, our article will be very useful, because we tried to collect here only the most necessary and important information.
Several advantages of winter holidays on the Promised Land
Holidays in Israel in December has a number of features that must be taken into account when going on a similar trip. Moreover, many tourists claim that it is at this time of the year that the country opens up on a completely different side than in the summer months, when the suffocating heat makes it impossible to appreciate the beauty of these places and historical cultural monuments.
If you go to Israel in December, you will be able to go around all the holy places and spend there as much time as you need. It cannot be said that tourists at this time in Jerusalem, for example, are few, but the number of routes for pilgrims is increasing, which eliminates the hustle and long wait at the entrance to certain places.
Do not forget that almost all beaches are empty in winter. However, this does not mean that you will not be able to sunbathe and swim. In Eilat, our compatriots often spend the first half of the day on the beach and only after lunch go on various excursions. Many said that they came from vacation with a great tan.
In December, Israel hosts a huge number of holidays, which can be visited by all tourists, without exception. They have the opportunity to take part in colorful processions, which will undoubtedly significantly diversify any holiday.
Tour operators claim that in the winter months the cost of trips to the Promised Land is significantly reduced. They become more accessible to the average Russian, so they are being bought up much more actively. After all, everyone wants to have a good rest, without spending a significant amount of money from the family budget.
Weather in Israel in December
Naturally, every tourist who is going on vacation to overseas beaches is interested in weather conditions in a given month. Especially when it comes to a period that is considered a low season.
December in Israel is characterized by large differences in day and night temperatures, a decrease in the number of sunny hours and an abundance of rainfall, accompanied by strong winds.
Do not forget that weather conditions are very dependent on the region where you will go on vacation. For example, in Tel Aviv or Haifa it is always quite windy. Here you can not do without a windbreaker and a warm tracksuit. Especially if you plan on long evening walks.
It rarely rains in Jerusalem in December, but it can be offset by snowfall. It often goes a couple of days a month, and then nighttime temperatures in the city drop to + 10 ° C.
In the Mediterranean Sea in the first winter month it is always very humid and it often rains with thunderstorms and can last 10-12 days per month.
Few people know that in December in Israel you can go skiing. An excellent center for winter recreation is located on Mount Hermon. Here during this period of the year, zero temperature reigns, which allows you to enjoy an active holiday from the heart.
Temperature in December
Most often, our compatriots leave for the first month of winter in Eilat. This resort retains the warmest weather with minimal rainfall. The average air temperature usually does not fall below +24 o C. This allows you to bask on the beach and take sun baths.
The sea temperature in Israel in December does not always favor swimming. For example, in the same Eilat, water in the first month of winter often does not rise above +22 o C. For some tourists this is an acceptable border, but for others it is quite uncomfortable.
Most of our compatriots try to go to Israel in December to the Dead Sea. However, you won’t be able to buy it; the water temperature usually ranges between eighteen degrees of heat. And this is too little for sea swims. But in winter, at the resorts of the Dead Sea, tourists have the opportunity to swim in pools with heated sea water and do body wraps with healing mud.
The temperature in Israel in December on the beaches of Tel Aviv also does not allow swimming in open water. The sea does not warm above 18-20 degrees Celsius, moreover, it often storms in the first winter month, and rescuers do not serve until spring. But the air temperature allows you to sunbathe, because in Tel Aviv it rains infrequently, in addition, there are many sunny days.
Things necessary for a winter holiday
If your vacation is planned for December, then take care of things that must be in your suitcase:
- rubber boots;
- raincoat;
- windbreaker;
- some warm sweaters.
Do not forget about the waterproof case for the camcorder and camera. With all these items, your December holiday will not be spoiled by any whims of nature.
Holidays in December
If you get to Israel in the first winter month, then get ready for one of the most colorful Jewish holidays - Hanukkah. It is also called the celebration of light and candles, which lasts at least eight days. On the first day of the celebration, a special lamp lights up, marking the arrival of light. Residents of the country celebrate Hanukkah on a grand scale: concerts are held everywhere, fireworks are thundered and processions are organized. Those who see it with their own eyes, enchanting event will be remembered for a lifetime.
From the middle of the month until the New Year, tourists will enjoy various religious celebrations, traditional for representatives of the three faiths living in Israel. Literally every day, guests of the country can take part in a particular holiday.
Entertainment in the first winter month
Typically, tourists in December try to divide their excursion program into two parts: cultural and entertainment. The first part includes a mandatory visit to the following places:
- Temple Mount;
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem);
- Temple of the Nativity (Bethlehem);
- Church of the Annunciation (Nazareth).
But everyone can have fun as he pleases. For example, lovers of noisy and fun parties can go to the capital, where there are the best night clubs in the country. Gourmets will find something to do in any part of Israel, because literally in every resort there are more than a dozen catering establishments with exquisite cuisine. In Eilat, experienced travelers are advised to visit the Underwater Restaurant, which is located under water. Its guests plunge five meters and find themselves in the main hall of a luxurious and unusual institution. If you go on vacation with a child, then be sure to go to the theme parks. Keyftsub and Manara are considered one of the best, here your children will be truly happy.
Tours in Israel in December
Many Russians plan to go on a tour of Israel in the first winter month, taking advantage of last minute packages. Their number on the eve of the New Year holidays is noticeably increasing. For example, a weekly vacation for two people can cost no more than twenty-five thousand. But keep in mind that such tours are sold out almost instantly, so take care of your vacation in advance.
If you start picking up a ticket two or three months before departure, you can purchase it on average for forty-five thousand rubles. This price includes air travel for two people, transfer from the airport, accommodation in a double room and meals (breakfast). Usually, Russians leave for Israel for exactly seven to ten days. This is enough to enjoy a piece of sunny summer at the beginning of winter.
Vacation Reviews
Those who were lucky enough to see Israel in December, leave enthusiastic reviews about their pastime. Almost all tourists are advised to settle in Eilat, where you can successfully combine a beach holiday with numerous excursions.
Many travelers are delighted to talk about visiting Petra, Jordan, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Also in the comments there are often tips for excursions from Netanya, where you can spend a very exciting time.
If your vacation falls in December, then do not be discouraged and feel free to go to Israel. Even in winter, you will find a lot of interesting and unusual.