Israel
Consider Tel Aviv's climate and seasonal activities when you pick your travel dates. The city has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Summer months (June-August) bring hot, humid weather, sometimes reaching 35°C (95°F) or higher. You will find little to no rain during this period. Autumn (September-November) sees temperatures cool from 28°C (82°F) to 20°C (68°F). Humidity drops, and rain becomes more likely towards late autumn. Winter (December-February) means mild, wet conditions, with temperatures around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) and significant rainfall. Spring (March-May) offers pleasant, warm weather, with temperatures rising from 16°C (61°F) to 24°C (75°F). Humidity stays low, and rain is minimal.
For beaches and water sports, June to September provides the best conditions. City exploration and walking tours are most comfortable from March-May and September-November. Day trips to historical sites like Jerusalem or Caesarea also benefit from the pleasant temperatures of spring and autumn. Nightlife and festivals are notably lively during summer months.
Spring holidays (Passover) can lead to closures and increased domestic tourism. Early autumn can still feel quite warm. During the low season, beach activity is minimal due to cooler weather and rain likelihood.
Heat & Humidity
Best beach weather, nightlife, many festivals.
High prices, large crowds, extreme heat can be draining.
Optimal Weather
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, better prices.
Possibility of spring/autumn winds (Khamsin), some holidays cause local crowding.
Budget & Calm
Lowest prices, minimal crowds, pleasant for city walks if dry.
Highest chance of rain, beach activity is minimal.
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, most European Union member states, Australia, and New Zealand, do not require a pre-arranged visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A B/2 tourist visa is automatically granted upon arrival. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a B/2 tourist visa in advance. Apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements vary by nationality but typically include a completed application form, passport, photos, flight itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and sometimes a letter of invitation.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Israel. You need proof of departure from Israel. Show you have sufficient funds for your stay. Provide confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host. Travel insurance is recommended, though not always strictly required for entry. Two passport-sized photos may be required for visa applications. No general entry fee applies to tourists. Immigration procedures involve presenting your passport and answering questions about your travel purpose and duration. Israeli authorities generally no longer stamp passports; instead, a separate entry permit (a slip of paper with a barcode) is issued. Keep this slip until you depart. This circumvents potential issues for travelers planning to visit other Middle Eastern countries. No specific health-related entry requirements are currently in place for Israel, beyond standard international travel health advice (e.g., routine vaccinations).
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
If a visa is required, apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond departure.
A separate slip is issued instead of a passport stamp.
Consider services like IVisa or VisaHQ for assistance with applications.
Tel Aviv has a reputation as a relatively expensive city, but costs are adjustable to fit your budget. Knowing currency information and typical expenses aids financial planning.
The currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS), commonly called "shekel" (plural: "shekalim"). Symbol: ₪ or NIS. Denominations: Coins in 10 agorot, ½ shekel, 1, 2, 5, and 10 shekels. Banknotes are 20, 50, 100, and 200 shekels.
Accommodation per night varies: Hostel Dorm Bed ₪90-180 ($25-$50), Mid-range Hotel Room ₪400-800 ($110-$220), Luxury Hotel Room ₪900-2000+ ($245-$550+).
Enjoy Tel Aviv's beaches, walking Rothschild Boulevard, exploring Carmel Market (without buying much), and free walking tours. Many bars and restaurants provide happy hour deals on drinks and sometimes food.
Tel Aviv is a generally safe city for visitors.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Israel for most travelers. Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, Flu) should be up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are generally recommended for most travelers, especially those planning to eat street food or in less developed areas. Hepatitis B and Rabies may be recommended for specific high-risk activities. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before travel.
Tel Aviv summers are intense. Use High-SPF sunscreen, wear a Wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak hours (11 am-4 pm), and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Carry a Reusable filtered water bottle to refill often.
High-quality medical care is available in Tel Aviv, with modern hospitals and clinics. Doctors often speak English. Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel's national emergency medical service.
Modern hospitals and clinics are present.
Emergency numbers: Police: 100, Ambulance/MDA: 101, Fire: 102.
Tap water in Tel Aviv is generally safe for drinking; Bottled water is widely available. Food hygiene standards are generally high in restaurants. Street food is usually fresh and prepared quickly.
Tap water is safe for consumption.
Travelers with sensitive stomachs might observe food preparation practices.
Tel Aviv is a generally safe city for tourists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas. Most neighborhoods are safe for walking, even at night. Israel is in a seismically active zone, but significant earthquakes are rare. Buildings adhere to strict construction codes.
Use common sense: keep valuables secure, be aware of surroundings.
Carry a Travel money belt for secure items.
| Category | Detail | Notes/Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Insurance | Comprehensive coverage recommended for medical, evacuation, cancellation, lost luggage. | World Nomads, SafetyWing, Insubuy |
| Emergency Numbers | Police: 100, Ambulance/MDA: 101, Fire: 102. | Keep these readily available. |
| Airline Compensation | For delayed/canceled flights. | AirHelp |
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or stolen luggage. Purchase your policy before you depart.
Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications.
Transport to a suitable medical facility if needed.
Coverage for unforeseen circumstances.
Protect Your Investment
Travel insurance safeguards your financial investment in the trip. It also offers peace of mind regarding unexpected events.
It should include coverage for trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, trip interruption if you need to return home early, and lost or stolen luggage.
Check policy details for specific coverage and exclusions.
Insurance for adventurous travelers with flexible policies.
Insurance designed for digital nomads and remote teams, subscription-based.
Offers a range of medical and travel-related coverage, including for visitors to the USA.
Read your policy documents carefully. Understand what is and is not covered. Some activities might require additional riders. Note exclusions related to pre-existing conditions or certain high-risk sports.
Before you depart, create a physical and digital list of all critical contacts. Share this with a trusted person at home.
Police: 100, Ambulance/MDA: 101, Fire: 102.
Locate details for your country's representation in Tel Aviv.
Have their 24/7 emergency contact number readily available.
