WHEN TO VISIT

Temperatures in Israel are pleasant year round, but the country’s mildest seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Springtime sees flowers blanketing the hillsides and wildlife coming out of hibernation. The two big Jewish holidays, Passover and Rosh Hashanah, fall in March/April and September/ October respectively – which means that parks, museums and attractions are busy and some businesses close. For beachgoers, June, July, and August are almost guaranteed to give clear blue skies and the hottest temperatures.