Things to Do in Jerusalem in December

December Weather in Jerusalem

14°C (58°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

112mm (4.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather - crisp 8-14°C (47-58°F) means you can explore the Old City's 1km² (0.4 sq miles) of stone streets for hours without overheating
Christmas atmosphere peaks in December with Bethlehem just 10km (6.2 miles) away - special masses, markets, and processions create unmatched spiritual experiences
Fewer crowds at major sites - Western Wall and Temple Mount have 40% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning shorter security lines and better photo opportunities
Hotel prices drop 25-30% compared to peak season while restaurants offer special winter menus featuring local comfort foods like malawach and jachnun

Considerations

Rain disrupts outdoor plans 10 days per month - those 112mm (4.4 inches) often come as sudden downpours that flood the Old City's ancient drainage
Early sunsets at 4:45 PM limit afternoon sightseeing - you'll lose 2-3 hours of natural lighting compared to summer visits
Some rooftop restaurants and outdoor markets close during evening hours due to 8°C (47°F) nighttime temperatures

Best Activities in December

Underground Jerusalem Archaeological Tours

December's rain makes this the perfect month to explore the Western Wall Tunnels and City of David underground passages. The 18°C (64°F) temperature underground feels warm compared to the chilly streets above. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon tour group rushes.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead through official archaeological sites. Tours cost 60-90 NIS ($18-27) and last 90 minutes. Look for English-speaking guides and wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven ancient stones.

Bethlehem Christmas Market Experience

December transforms Bethlehem into Christianity's most important pilgrimage site. The cool weather makes the 10km (6.2 mile) journey comfortable, and the Christmas markets around Manger Square offer authentic Palestinian crafts and seasonal foods. Evening temperatures around 8°C (47°F) create perfect atmosphere for hot mulled wine.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 200-300 NIS ($60-90). Book through licensed Palestinian tour operators who handle checkpoint procedures. Allow 6-8 hours total including border crossings.

Machane Yehuda Market Food Tours

Winter brings Jerusalem's best seasonal produce and comfort foods to the famous shuk. December's cool temperatures mean vendors stay open later, and you can sample hot burekas, fresh pomegranates, and warming spice blends without summer's heat affecting food quality.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost 150-250 NIS ($45-75) for 3-4 hours. Book Thursday or Friday morning when selection is best. Look for tours that include both Ashkenazi and Sephardic specialties.

Mount of Olives Sunrise Photography

December's 6:30 AM sunrise provides dramatic lighting over the Temple Mount and Old City. Cool morning temperatures around 8°C (47°F) create crisp visibility, and winter cloud formations add depth to photos. The 2.5km (1.6 mile) walk down ancient paths is comfortable in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost 180-280 NIS ($55-85) for 3-4 hours including breakfast. Book tours that start 45 minutes before sunrise. Bring warm layers as mountaintop temperatures drop 3-4°C below city levels.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Hiking

December offers perfect hiking weather at this Dead Sea oasis 1.5 hours from Jerusalem. Temperatures reach comfortable 20°C (68°F) during the day, and winter rains create seasonal waterfalls that disappear by March. The 260m (853 ft) descent to sea level feels like entering a different climate zone.

Booking Tip: Day tours including Dead Sea float cost 250-400 NIS ($75-120). Book tours with early morning departure to maximize hiking time. Look for operators providing lunch and mineral water.

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

December's somber weather creates appropriate atmosphere for this powerful museum experience. Cool temperatures make the outdoor memorial installations comfortable to visit, and shorter daylight hours mean indoor exhibits feel more impactful. The 4.5-hour experience requires emotional stamina best handled in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but audio guides cost 30 NIS ($9). Reserve online 1-2 weeks ahead for guaranteed English tours. Allow full day as many visitors need processing time between exhibits.

December Events & Festivals

December 24th

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Church of Nativity

The most significant Christian celebration in the Holy Land, broadcast worldwide from Bethlehem. Thousands gather despite cold temperatures for this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

Early to Mid December

Jerusalem Festival of Lights

The Old City walls and major buildings illuminate with artistic light displays during the darkest month. The early 4:45 PM sunset makes these installations visible for longer periods.

Mid to Late December

Hanukkah Celebrations at Western Wall

Eight-night Jewish festival features nightly candle lighting ceremonies at Judaism's holiest prayer site. December's cool evenings create memorable atmosphere for this ancient ritual.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - Old City's 2,000-year-old stones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 8°C (47°F) at dawn to 14°C (58°F) afternoon require easy adjustment options

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - sudden downpours last 15-30 minutes but can soak you completely in exposed areas

Warm hat and gloves for early morning sites - Mount of Olives sunrise tours start at 6 AM when temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F)

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp longer, synthetic fabrics dry faster between rain showers

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30% faster, and you'll use GPS extensively in winding Old City streets

Comfortable indoor shoes for mosque visits - you'll remove shoes frequently, and stone floors feel cold at 8°C (47°F)

Light fleece or wool sweater - essential for underground sites like Western Wall Tunnels where temperature drops below surface level

Scarf for religious site visits - required for women at Western Wall and provides neck warmth during evening activities

Small daypack with rain cover - you'll carry water, snacks, and layers while protecting electronics from Jerusalem's sudden showers

Insider Knowledge

Shop for winter jackets at Jerusalem's Malcha Mall where locals buy gear - prices are 40% less than tourist areas and quality is better for actual weather conditions

Take advantage of Shabbat timing - December's early sunset means Shabbat starts by 4 PM Friday, so major sites close early but reopen Saturday night when most tourists have given up

Book restaurants for Thursday nights when locals celebrate the weekend - you'll experience authentic Jerusalem dining culture as families gather for pre-Shabbat meals

Use the new Light Rail system during rain - the Green Line connects major sites and runs every 6 minutes, faster than walking on wet streets and costs only 5.90 NIS per ride

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold Jerusalem gets - many visitors pack for 'warm Middle East' weather and freeze during morning sites visits at 8°C (47°F)

Planning too many outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days and 4:45 PM sunset, you need flexible indoor backup plans for 40% of your itinerary

Assuming sites stay open late - most outdoor attractions close by 4 PM due to early winter darkness, cutting your sightseeing day shorter than expected