How to Deal With the Summer Heat in Israel

by Stuart Katz on August 22, 2010

During the winter months the weather in Israel is what most would consider quite mild and temperate. For those who live in New York, it is what we would think of as normal autumn weather. From December to February temperatures are typically between 41 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summers, however, are a completely different story. The summer months stretch from June to September, and the weather becomes hot, hot, hot!

One factor that makes it seem particularly stifling is that, in addition to high temperatures, it is also humid. When we sweat, it is actually the evaporation of this moisture that cools us off. And when it’s humid, sweat does not evaporate very quickly.

Humidity also affects what we refer to as the heat index (sort of the summer equivalent of a winter wind chill), making it feel even steamier than what the thermometer reveals. In Tel Aviv during the month of August, temperatures may climb up to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 95% humidity.

This does not mean that you can’t visit Israel in the summer. You can still definitely enjoy activities in Israel in the summertime. Just heed the following advice to deal with the summer heat in Israel:

(1) Wear the lightest fabrics possible and minimal clothing. You’ll notice that many Israelis wear long, flowing clothing in order to stay cool but also protect their skin from the sun. Make sure to dress in light colors. Choose cotton rather than synthetic fabrics as this allows yuor skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate better.

(2) Plan to do outdoor sightseeing early in the morning while temperatures are at their coolest. Devote the afternoon to cooling water sports in the coastal areas of Tel Aviv, Caesarea, and Eilat. You can access the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee from Israel, so there are plenty of places to swim.

Click here to see Frommer’s recommendation of the best beaches in the country: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/israel/0227020110.html

(3) Make sure to use common sense in regards to drinking enough water and replacing your body’s salt and mineral levels. Pace yourself, and do not leave children or pets in cars for any reason. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

(4) If it’s really hot, plan a day of all indoor activities. There are more than enough from which to choose, including the Bloomfield Science Museum and Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem, a large shopping mall in Petah Tikvah, “Magic on Ice” ice skating shows in Heichal Nokia, and Beit Halomotay (which translates to Dream Land) in Givat Brener, which is a huge indoor play area for children.

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