Fact file

When to go:

High season (July & August): Warm in Jerusalem, muggy in Tel Aviv, infernal in Tiberias, Jericho, the Dead Sea and Eilat. Hotel prices spike and rooms are scarce. Jewish holidays of Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot are also high season.

Shoulder season (September-November & March-June): Sometimes rainy but more often warm and sunny. March and April are ideal for hiking. Low season (December-February): Chilly or downright cold in the north, especially at higher elevations. Pilgrims flock to Bethlehem for Christmas. Popular time to head to the warmth of Eilat and the Dead Sea.

More information:

Israel Ministry of Tourism: goisrael.com.