How to Pack for Israel

KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY!

More than any other advice, we recommend bringing comfortable light-weight walking shoes, and close-toed shoes will be required at many sites. We do a lot of walking, and when your feet are happy, you're happy. Additionally, at the Dead Sea, you will need an extra pair of shoes that can get wet (and stay on your feet). Water shoes or adventure sandals such as Chacos, Keens, or Tevas that have supportive straps are perfect.

ATTIRE

Israel is a casual country when it comes to clothing however we will be visiting some religious sites where more modest clothing is appropriate. On these days, both men and women should plan to wear clothes that cover both their shoulders and their knees.

LUGGAGE

We suggest that you pack your medication, toiletries, and a change of clothes within a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed in transit. Consider bringing a small traveling bag on the bus each day to store extra clothing, personal belongings, and a light jacket/sweater for the evenings if we are not returning to the hotel earlier.

LAUNDRY

Laundry is available for a supplemental fee at most hotels. Laundromats are not common outside of Tel Aviv, so if you plan on doing laundry, the hotel service will be most practical.

BRINGING VALUABLES TO ISRAEL

We encourage you to leave valuables at home wherever possible. While theft is not common in Israel it does happen –even from hotel rooms (safes are available in each room). As a matter of policy, participants are responsible for their possessions and valuables at all times.

WEATHER

Israel enjoys warm, dry summers (May-September) and generally mild winters (November-March). Somewhat cooler weather is found in the more hilly regions, such as Jerusalem, Tsfat, and the Golan. Warmer weather is found along the coast, in the desert, and near the Sea of Galilee. December through March are the wettest months in Israel. June through August are the driest months with no expected rain at all.

Average temperatures vary by region and time of the year as follows:

Jersualem Tel Aviv Dead Sea Tiberias Eilat
January 43-53 49-65 49-69 48-65 49-70
February 44-57 48-66 51-73 49-67 51-73
March 44-1 51-69 55-79 51-72 56-79
April 53-69 54-72 62-86 56-80 63-87
May 60-77 63-77 68-94 62-89 69-95
June 63-81 67-83 72-99 68-95 75-99
July 66-84 70-86 75-101 73-89 77-103
August 66-86 72-86 76-101 75-99 79-104
September 65-82 69-89 74-97 71-95 75-98
October 60-78 59-83 68-92 65-89 69-92
November 54-67 54-76 60-83 59-78 61-83
December 47-56 47-66 53-73 53-68 51-74

PREPARING FOR SUMMER WEATHER
Weather during summer is hot during the day, cooler in the evenings, and humidity is minimal in most parts of Israel. Bring comfortable clothing for warm weather. We also urge you to wear a brimmed hat and sunscreen as you may find the sun to be more intense than at home.

PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
Israel enjoys mild winters, and while there is a chance of rain during this time of year, it is not an everyday occurrence (or even every week). Snow is a very rare (and short-lived) phenomenon in Jerusalem. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to prepare yourself for fluctuating temperatures.

SAMPLE PACKING LIST

SPECIAL ITEMS TO BRING

  • Power adapter (and a converter if necessary)
  • 1-2 bathing suits (more for summer trips)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water shoes or athletic sandals
  • Backpack or small carrying bag
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Brimmed hat
  • Flashlight
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Over the counter medications
  • Prescription medications
  • Windbreaker or light coat (April-October)
  • Warm jacket, gloves, and hat (November-March)
  • Umbrella (October-April)
  • Cooling towel for hot days

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME

  • Hairdryer (provided at most hotels)
  • Fancy clothing
  • Towels and linens
  • Valuables