Things to Do in Jerusalem in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Jerusalem
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely pleasant outdoor temperatures for walking the Old City - you can spend 6-8 hours exploring without the exhausting heat of summer. The 14°C (57°F) highs mean you're comfortable in layers, and the stone streets don't radiate heat back at you like they do May through September.
- Dramatically smaller crowds at major sites compared to March-April Easter rush or September-October high season. You'll actually have space to experience the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock without being wedged shoulder-to-shoulder. Security lines at these sites typically run 10-15 minutes instead of 45+ minutes.
- Hotel pricing sits in a sweet spot - typically 30-40% below peak season rates but still offering full services. A mid-range Old City hotel that costs 180-220 USD in April will run you 120-150 USD in February, and you'll have better room selection since it's not yet fully booked.
- The landscape around Jerusalem is actually green in February, which surprises first-timers who expect desert year-round. The Judean Hills have wildflowers starting to emerge, and day trips to places like Ein Gedi or the Dead Sea benefit from cooler hiking temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) at lower elevations.
Considerations
- Rain disrupts plans more than you'd think - those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread, and Jerusalem tends to get multi-day wet spells in February rather than brief afternoon showers. When it rains here, it's cold rain, and the Old City's limestone becomes slippery. You'll need genuine rain gear, not just a light jacket.
- Evenings get properly cold, dropping to 7°C (45°F), and Jerusalem's stone buildings don't retain heat well. Many older hotels and guesthouses in the Old City have inadequate heating. You'll want accommodations with confirmed central heating, not just portable heaters, and you'll need warmer layers than tourists expect for the Middle East.
- Shabbat closures hit harder in winter when daylight is limited - Friday afternoon through Saturday evening means most restaurants, shops, and public transport shut down, and with sunset around 5:15 PM in February, you lose more usable hours than in summer. If you're not prepared with food and plans, you'll feel stranded.
Best Activities in February
Old City Walking Tours and Archaeological Sites
February's cool temperatures make this the ideal time for the extensive walking required to properly explore Jerusalem's Old City and surrounding archaeological sites. You can comfortably spend 4-5 hours walking the Ramparts Walk (3.2 km or 2 miles), exploring the four quarters, and visiting underground excavations like the Western Wall Tunnels without overheating. The 14°C (57°F) highs mean you're not drenched in sweat by 10 AM like you would be in summer. The stone pathways can get slippery after rain, so timing your walks for dry days matters. Crowds are manageable - you'll wait 10-15 minutes at major sites rather than 45+ minutes during Easter season.
Dead Sea and Masada Day Trips
February is actually perfect for Dead Sea visits - the area sits 430 m (1,410 ft) below sea level where temperatures reach a comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F), warm enough for swimming but not the brutal 38-40°C (100-104°F) of summer. The drive from Jerusalem takes about 90 minutes through the Judean Desert, which is surprisingly green after winter rains. Masada is far more bearable to climb in February - the snake path hike takes 45-60 minutes and you won't risk heat exhaustion. The combination of cooler hiking at Masada and pleasant floating at the Dead Sea makes this the best season for this day trip. Start early (7-8 AM departure) to maximize daylight since sunset comes around 5:15 PM.
Yad Vashem and Museum Visits
February's unpredictable rain makes it smart to have solid indoor options, and Jerusalem's world-class museums deserve 3-4 hours each. Yad Vashem (Holocaust memorial and museum) requires emotional and physical stamina - the cooler weather and lower crowds in February mean you can move through at your own pace without feeling rushed or overheated. The Israel Museum, with the Dead Sea Scrolls and extensive archaeology collections, is another excellent rainy-day backup. Tower of David Museum offers covered sections and the open-air ramparts are actually pleasant in February's cool weather. These aren't just backup plans - they're genuinely better experiences when you're not competing with peak-season tour groups.
Mahane Yehuda Market Food Tours
The Mahane Yehuda market (locals call it 'The Shuk') transforms completely between day and evening, and February's cool weather makes both experiences comfortable. During the day (8 AM-4 PM), it's a produce and spice market with 250+ vendors. Thursday and Friday mornings are most vibrant as locals shop for Shabbat. After dark, the market becomes a bar and restaurant scene. February means you can walk the crowded aisles without the oppressive heat and you'll find seasonal items like fresh halva varieties, winter citrus, and warming spiced soups. The market is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Old City - take the light rail or walk in 25-30 minutes.
Bethlehem and West Bank Cultural Sites
February's cooler weather makes the 11 km (6.8 mile) trip to Bethlehem more comfortable, and you'll encounter far fewer pilgrims than during Easter season. The Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Field, and Banksy's Walled Off Hotel are all manageable in a half-day trip. The political situation requires some navigation - you'll cross through a checkpoint, which takes 10-30 minutes depending on day and time. Midweek mornings are fastest. The experience gives crucial context for understanding modern Jerusalem that staying only in Israeli areas misses. Temperature in Bethlehem runs similar to Jerusalem, maybe 1-2°C warmer.
Jerusalem Light Rail and Neighborhood Exploration
The light rail system, opened in 2011 and expanded through 2024, offers an easy way to see Jerusalem beyond the Old City in February's comfortable weather. A day pass costs 13.50 ILS (3.50 USD) and connects the German Colony, Mahane Yehuda market, city center, and various neighborhoods. The German Colony is particularly nice in February - tree-lined streets with cafes and restaurants where you can sit outside comfortably with a jacket. Nachlaot neighborhood offers narrow streets and local character without tourist crowds. Ein Kerem, the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist, sits outside the light rail route but makes a lovely half-day trip with churches, art galleries, and hillside views - much more pleasant to explore in February's 14°C (57°F) than summer's heat.
February Events & Festivals
Tu BiShvat (Jewish New Year for Trees)
Tu BiShvat typically falls in late January or early February (February 12 in 2026 by the Hebrew calendar). It's not a major tourist event, but you'll notice special fruit platters in restaurants featuring the seven species mentioned in the Torah - wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Some hotels offer Tu BiShvat seders (ritual meals). Tree planting ceremonies happen around Jerusalem, and you might see families hiking and picnicking in the newly green hills. It's a minor festival but gives a glimpse into Israeli environmental consciousness and connection to the land.