Good question!
In fact, it's one of the most frequently asked questions on the blog - so here is a month by month overview of what to expect when you're planning a visit.
First of all, there is no bad time to visit Israel. As you would expect when visiting the Middle East, temperatures are moderate to high all year round. Winter is not really winter in Israel, besides some snow fall in the far north and Jerusalem, and there also aren't that many rainy days. Take a look at the chart below, this will give you some insight into the temperatures around the country! Do you notice the differences in temperatures?
Although Israel is small, it has many micro-climates which causes the differences in temperatures. The north of Israel and the mountains of Jerusalem are the coldest parts of the country, with snow in the winter. The south and Dead Sea area are the hottest parts of the country, even during winter temperatures are very comfortable. Along the Mediterranean coast the climate is warm and humid, with some rainy, gloomy days in the winter.
Before going into the month by month overview, I recommend you to book a vacation to Israel in May or October-November. Temperatures are very comfortable and it's off season, so flight tickets and hotels are cheaper. The months April and September are great too, but because of the Jewish holidays prices are soaring high.
Below you can find the month by month overview!
January
'Winter' in Israel is probably not the kind of winter you'd expect. Along the coast, around the Kinneret and in the south, temperatures are very moderate - although it can be very rainy and gloomy. There are many sunny days also, which makes this month great for hiking. If you are planning to hike in the desert though, you have to be very careful and stay up to date with news and weather forecasts before your hike, since flash floods in the desert are life threatening.
What I love about winter in Israel, is that in the far north there is snow and even a ski resort! In Jerusalem it can also snow and expect to feel more cold there. If you are visiting Jerusalem you would need a proper winter coat, but in the rest of the country a lighter jacket (leather jacket for example) and rain proof shoes usually suffice.
January is also the month of delicious strawberries and the almond blossom - winter's first signs of the upcoming spring.
February
Weather in February is pretty much the same as in January, although in the southern regions temperatures become more and more comfortable. A visit to Eilat or the Dead Sea usually is pleasant this month, since the sun is just strong enough during the day to swim and sunbath.
Expect lots and lots of blooming flowers in February! It is the month of the almond blossom and wild flowers in Israel. Until deep in the desert you will find grass and flowers, the country truly is blooming this time of year and in the north (where it is most green) you will be surprised by the amount of waterfalls and flowers.
March
Although there will be colder and rainy days in March throughout the country, temperatures are really becoming more comfortable this month. Usually the first bikini beach day happens this time of year! But because weather is a bit unpredictable - you can literally go from wearing shorts to wearing two sweaters in a matter of hours - pack smartly. In Jerusalem temperatures will still be mild, keep that in mind too when booking your trip.
April
My favorite month! Usually the Jewish holiday of Passover falls in April, which signifies the beginning of spring. Passover is all about new beginnings, and this beautifully symbolizes blooming nature this time of year. Spring is all around, with temperatures going up all around the country. This time of year, the Mediterranean has the most beautiful, deepest turquoise color and it's so refreshing to swim in!