Things to Do in Jerusalem in April

April Weather in Jerusalem

21°C (70°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures (12-21°C/54-70°F) ideal for walking the Old City without summer's exhausting heat - you can comfortably explore for 6-8 hours daily
Wildflower season transforms Jerusalem's hills and parks into vibrant displays, particularly spectacular at Mount Scopus and Sacher Park with native anemones and cyclamens blooming
Post-Passover crowd lull means 40-50% fewer tourists at major sites like Western Wall and Church of Holy Sepulchre compared to March peak, with significantly shorter security lines
Extended daylight hours (6:30am sunrise, 7:30pm sunset) maximize sightseeing time while maintaining comfortable temperatures for evening walks through Mamilla or German Colony

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layering - mornings can be 12°C (54°F) while afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), with sudden 20-30 minute showers disrupting outdoor plans
Hotel prices remain elevated from Passover season through mid-April, with boutique hotels in Old City commanding 30-40% premium over summer rates
Strong winds (particularly hamsin from desert) can create dusty conditions 3-4 days during April, reducing visibility and making outdoor dining uncomfortable

Best Activities in April

Jerusalem Archaeological Walking Routes

April's mild temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring Jerusalem's extensive archaeological sites without summer's brutal heat. The 12-21°C (54-70°F) range allows comfortable 4-6 hour walks through City of David, Western Wall Tunnels, and Temple Mount excavations. Spring lighting provides excellent photography conditions, and you'll avoid the exhaustion that comes with summer visits.

Booking Tip: Book archaeological site tours 7-10 days ahead, particularly for Western Wall Tunnels which has limited daily capacity. Prices typically range ₪150-300 ($45-90) for guided tours. Choose morning slots (8-10am) for best lighting and smaller groups. See current options in booking section below.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Hiking

April offers perfect hiking conditions at Ein Gedi, just 1.5 hours (85 km/53 miles) from Jerusalem. Spring temperatures make the desert oasis hikes comfortable, waterfalls are at seasonal peak from winter rains, and wildlife is most active. The moderate 21°C (70°F) highs prevent the dangerous heat exhaustion risks of summer desert hiking.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ₪200-400 ($60-120) including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Early departure (7am) recommended to maximize hiking time and return before evening. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Machane Yehuda Market Food Tours

April's pleasant weather makes outdoor market exploration ideal, while spring produce season brings exceptional fresh ingredients. The 70% humidity keeps prepared foods from spoiling quickly in outdoor stalls. Early evening tours (5-7pm) take advantage of perfect 18°C (64°F) temperatures and the market's transition from day shopping to nightlife.

Booking Tip: Food tours range ₪180-350 ($55-105) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for Friday afternoon tours before Shabbat. Avoid Thursday evenings when locals crowd the market for weekend shopping. Check booking section for current operators.

Dead Sea Float and Spa Experiences

April provides ideal Dead Sea conditions - warm enough for comfortable water entry (24°C/75°F water temperature) but not the scorching summer heat that makes beach time unbearable. The 1-hour drive (60 km/37 miles) from Jerusalem offers stunning desert spring scenery with occasional wildflower displays along Route 1.

Booking Tip: Full-day Dead Sea tours cost ₪250-450 ($75-135) including hotel pickup, spa access, and lunch. Book 7-14 days ahead for weekend trips. Choose tours with Ein Bokek beach access for better facilities. See current tour options in booking widget below.

Jerusalem Rooftop and Sunset Tours

April's extended daylight (7:30pm sunset) and clear spring air create exceptional conditions for rooftop tours of Jerusalem's skylines. The comfortable evening temperatures (16-18°C/61-64°F) make 2-3 hour rooftop experiences pleasant, while reduced humidity improves photography conditions across the Old City and Temple Mount views.

Booking Tip: Rooftop access tours typically cost ₪120-250 ($35-75) for 2-3 hours. Book 3-5 days ahead, particularly for Friday evening tours. Choose tours starting 2 hours before sunset for best lighting progression. Current rooftop tour options available in booking section below.

Judean Hills Cycling Adventures

Spring transforms the Judean Hills surrounding Jerusalem with wildflowers and green landscapes, while April's mild temperatures (12-21°C/54-70°F) provide ideal cycling conditions. The hills offer varied terrain 20-45 minutes from city center, with routes ranging from 15 km (9 miles) family rides to 50 km (31 miles) challenging mountain biking.

Booking Tip: Guided cycling tours cost ₪200-400 ($60-120) including bike rental and safety equipment. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Choose morning departures (8am) to avoid afternoon winds. E-bike options available for varied fitness levels. See current cycling tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Jerusalem Marathon and International 10K

The full marathon and 10K race typically occur in mid-April, attracting international runners and creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city. The route passes major historical sites and offers unique access to areas normally restricted, with thousands of spectators lining the streets.

Late April

Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut

Israel's Memorial Day followed immediately by Independence Day creates a profound national experience. Air raid sirens mark moments of silence, followed by massive celebrations with outdoor concerts, barbecues, and fireworks. The emotional transition from solemnity to celebration offers deep cultural insight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - lightweight merino wool or cotton long-sleeve for 12°C (54°F) mornings, t-shirts for 21°C (70°F) afternoons

Compact rain jacket or packable umbrella for 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen crucial - UV index reaches 8 at Jerusalem's 754m (2,474 ft) altitude with thinner atmosphere

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for cobblestone Old City streets and 8+ km (5+ miles) daily walking

Light scarf or shawl for religious site visits requiring shoulder/head coverage, plus practical warmth for cool evenings

Portable phone charger - extended 13-hour daylight encourages longer sightseeing days with heavy camera and GPS use

Dust mask or bandana for hamsin (desert wind) days that create dusty conditions 3-4 times in April

Breathable cotton or linen pants - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, especially for Temple Mount visits requiring full coverage

Light jacket for evening walks in German Colony or Mamilla - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset

Water bottle with 1-1.5L capacity - dry spring air and increased walking require more hydration than expected

Insider Knowledge

Local families use April's perfect weather for camping in Judean Desert - book desert accommodations early as Israelis flood these areas on weekends

Thursday evenings avoid Machane Yehuda market - locals stock up for weekends creating overwhelming crowds, instead visit Tuesday-Wednesday for authentic experience

Take advantage of post-Passover lull in first two weeks of April - major sites like Yad Vashem and Israel Museum have 50% shorter lines than March

Spring allergies affect 30% of locals in April due to cypress and olive pollen - pharmacies stock stronger antihistamines than typical tourist areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - April mornings require warm layers, and evening temperatures drop significantly after 7pm sunset

Booking accommodations assuming low season pricing - rates remain elevated through mid-April due to Passover carryover and marathon weekend demand

Planning intensive outdoor schedules without weather flexibility - sudden spring storms can last 2-3 hours and disrupt walking tours or archaeological site visits