Israeli summers, usually from May though October, are virtually rainless. They are long, hot and humid along the coast and in the Jordan Valley. In the desert region the summers are hot and dry. The winter season, from November through March, is generally mild but cold in hilly areas. Spells of rain are interspersed with brilliant sunshine. The Dead Sea and Eilat have ideal weather, warm and sunny. Israel's climate allows for year-round swimming.
Apparel: Conservative Western street clothing (except for shorts) is appropriate in most areas. In more traditional societies, however, attire for women should be more conservative, garments should have sleeves, and dress length should be below the knee. On the other hand, in some areas of the region visited by many tourists -- for example, the beaches of Israel -- attire similar to that worn in the United States is acceptable.
Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is also widely spoken.
Religions: Israel is home to a number of religions including Judaism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. Other religious communities include Samarutan, Armenian, Eastern Orthodox, Druze and Bahai. All denominations are free to worship in their own way and each religious body has the statutory right to observe its own weekly rest day and holiday. The Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and festivals are official holidays in Israel.
Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is also widely spoken.
Religions: Israel is home to a number of religions including Judaism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. Other religious communities include Samarutan, Armenian, Eastern Orthodox, Druze and Bahai. All denominations are free to worship in their own way and each religious body has the statutory right to observe its own weekly rest day and holiday. The Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and festivals are official holidays in Israel.
The International Opera Festival in the Roman Theater at Caesarea is now an annual event held every June and July, and includes world-class performances by the New Israeli Opera. Visiting superstars at recent festivals have included Jessye Norman and Kiri Ti Kanawa.
Israel - a country no bigger than New Jersey - has an international standard Opera Company (The New Israeli Opera) , four full-time symphony orchestras (including the Israel Philharmonic, founded in 1936), as well as dozens of theater, dance, chamber music and contemporary music companies.
Israel - a country no bigger than New Jersey - has an international standard Opera Company (The New Israeli Opera) , four full-time symphony orchestras (including the Israel Philharmonic, founded in 1936), as well as dozens of theater, dance, chamber music and contemporary music companies.
Golf: Caesarea boasts Israel's only golf course next to the Dan Caesarea Golf Hotel. The full-size, 18-hole, par-72 course measures more than 20,000 feet and is dotted with ancient Roman antiquities.
Scuba-diving and snorkeling: Israel is a diver's paradise. Its mild climate assures year-round diving opportunities, and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Red seas await dive enthusiasts with miles of accessible coral reefs and fabulous seascapes. Scuba-diving centers and clubs can be found in Caesarea, Eilat, Nahariya, Tel Aviv and Western Galilee.
Skiing: The snow season on Mount Hermon begins in December or January and lasts until mid-April.
Scuba-diving and snorkeling: Israel is a diver's paradise. Its mild climate assures year-round diving opportunities, and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Red seas await dive enthusiasts with miles of accessible coral reefs and fabulous seascapes. Scuba-diving centers and clubs can be found in Caesarea, Eilat, Nahariya, Tel Aviv and Western Galilee.
Skiing: The snow season on Mount Hermon begins in December or January and lasts until mid-April.
The Jerusalem Report Magazine
The web site of the highly acclaimed news magazine covering Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
The web site of the highly acclaimed news magazine covering Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.