Jerusalem in December
In December, Jerusalem averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (46 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Jerusalem is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Jerusalem
December is one of the coolest months in Jerusalem (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (24°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (20°C) and cools 2°C in January (13°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Jerusalem
Times shown for Jerusalem local time (Asia/Jerusalem), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Jerusalem — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Jerusalem's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Jerusalem in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Jerusalem's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Jerusalem
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Jerusalem in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 42°F | 58 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 15°C / 58°F | 6°C / 44°F | 55 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 47°F | 48 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 23°C / 74°F | 12°C / 53°F | 20 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 60°F | 13 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 64°F | 2 mm | 2 | — |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 20°C / 67°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 20°C / 68°F | 0 mm | 1 | — |
| September | 31°C / 87°F | 19°C / 66°F | 4 mm | 3 | — |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 19 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 20°C / 67°F | 12°C / 53°F | 39 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 46 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Jerusalem in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Jerusalem in December?
In December, Jerusalem averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Jerusalem in December?
December can be fairly wet in Jerusalem, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Jerusalem?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Jerusalem in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Jerusalem for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.