For those planning a trip to Jerusalem, knowing the climate can help set expectations and improve your travel experience.
While Jerusalem enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, you’d be surprised to find that several U.S. locations have similar weather patterns.
Cities like Los Angeles, California, and San Diego, California, share comparable climatic characteristics with Jerusalem.
Jerusalem typically experiences summer temperatures in the range of 70-85°F and winter temperatures between 40-60°F.
This is quite similar to places like Los Angeles and San Diego, where you can expect summer temperatures around 68-86°F and winter temperatures from 46-65°F.
Precipitation in Jerusalem primarily occurs in the winter months, averaging around 20 inches annually, which aligns closely with the rainfall in San Diego.
When considering humidity and sunshine, Jerusalem has low to moderate humidity and enjoys plenty of sunny days, resembling the weather in Los Angeles.
Planning a visit to Jerusalem with this climate information in mind can make your transition smoother, especially if you’re already accustomed to the weather in cities like Los Angeles or San Diego.
For a deeper dive into the climate comparison, check the detailed report between Israel and the United States.
Climatic Characteristics of Jerusalem
Jerusalem has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The temperature and rainfall vary significantly, offering a unique blend of weather patterns throughout the year.
Temperature Patterns
The average temperature in Jerusalem varies greatly between seasons.
August is the hottest month, with average highs around 79°F (26.1°C). In contrast, January is the coldest month, with average lows about 48.1°F (8.9°C).
Summer temperatures often reach above 90°F, while winters are cool but rarely freezing.
Temperature can drop significantly at night, even in summer.
The diurnal range is notable, with evening temperatures providing relief from daytime heat.
Weather data shows January and February to be the coldest, making them less popular times for visitors seeking warm weather.
Precipitation and Humidity
Jerusalem experiences most of its rainfall during the rainy season from November to March. The city gets an average of about 21 inches of rain per year. This precipitation is crucial for the area, which remains dry during the summer months.
Humidity levels also fluctuate, generally higher during the wet months and lower during the dry summers.
The weather stations in East Jerusalem record these yearly fluctuations, indicating clear patterns that residents and visitors experience.
Snow is rare but not unheard of. Occasionally, winter can bring snowfall, particularly in January and February.
The data on snow and ice indicate that these events, while infrequent, can significantly impact daily life.
Unique Climatic Features
Jerusalem’s location in the Middle East contributes to its unique climate. Positioned between the Negev Desert to the south and the Golan Heights to the north, the city enjoys a mix of Mediterranean and desert influences.
This results in a combination of dry summers and a distinct rainy season.
Long summer days with up to 14.2 hours of daylight in June and July are notable, providing plenty of sunshine. Winter days are much shorter, with less daylight.
The climate patterns in Jerusalem are typical of many other Mediterranean regions, offering a predictable and varied weather experience suitable for different activities year-round.
U.S. Regions with Comparable Climates to Jerusalem
Jerusalem has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Several regions in the U.S. experience similar weather patterns.
Southern California
Southern California, particularly areas like San Diego and Los Angeles, has a Mediterranean climate.
Key Characteristics:
- Temperature: Summers average around 75-85°F.
- Precipitation: Dry summers with most rain occurring in winter, averaging 12-18 inches annually.
- Climate: Mild winters, rarely dropping below 40°F.
San Diego’s climate is particularly similar to Jerusalem because of its coastal influence and dry summers. Mediterranean Climate patterns dominate, leading to clear, sunny skies most of the year.
Central Texas
Central Texas, including cities like Austin and San Antonio, also shares climate similarities with Jerusalem.
Key Characteristics:
- Temperature: Summer highs reach 90-95°F.
- Precipitation: Dry summers with yearly rainfall around 30 inches, mostly in late spring and early fall.
- Climate: Moderate winters, lows rarely fall below 30°F.
The area experiences dry, hot summers much like Jerusalem, although it generally receives more rain throughout the year compared to Israel’s capital.
Arizona Uplands
The Arizona Uplands, including cities like Phoenix and Tucson, have an arid climate similar to Jerusalem but with more extreme temperatures.
Key Characteristics:
- Temperature: Summer highs exceed 100°F.
- Precipitation: Annual rainfall is about 8-10 inches, mostly during two rainy seasons in summer and winter.
- Climate: Cool winters with lows around 40°F.
Phoenix’s hot and dry climate mimics Jerusalem’s weather, particularly in the summer months, fostering similar dry climate conditions. Despite hotter summer days, the area aligns closely with the temperature and precipitation patterns found in Jerusalem.