Things to Do in Jerusalem in January

January Weather in Jerusalem

12°C (54°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

137mm (5.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major sites - Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre are 40-50% less crowded than peak season, allowing for more meaningful spiritual experiences
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year - luxury properties in the Old City that cost ₪800+ in December fall to ₪500-600 range by mid-January
Perfect hiking weather in Judean Desert - temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) in desert areas make Ein Gedi and Masada comfortable for full-day exploration
Indoor museum season aligns with world-class exhibitions - Israel Museum and Yad Vashem extend operating hours and debut major exhibitions in January after holiday closures

Considerations

Rain disrupts outdoor plans 30% of days - sudden downpours can close archaeological sites like City of David tunnels and make Western Wall plaza slippery
Early darkness limits afternoon activities - sunset at 5:15pm means outdoor sites effectively close by 4:30pm, reducing time for exploration
Some rooftop restaurants and terraces close - popular evening venues in Mamilla and German Colony operate limited outdoor seating due to cold and wet conditions

Best Activities in January

Underground Archaeological Tours

January's rain makes this the perfect time to explore Jerusalem's extensive underground networks. Western Wall Tunnels, City of David tunnels, and Roman-era Cardo remain comfortable 16°C (61°F) year-round. Fewer crowds mean you can spend more time examining Second Temple period stones and Byzantine mosaics without being rushed.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead through official sites. Tours cost ₪30-75 ($9-23) and last 60-90 minutes. Book morning slots (9-11am) for smallest groups. Look for English-speaking archaeological guides with Jerusalem municipality certification.

Dead Sea and Masada Day Trips

January transforms the desert into ideal hiking conditions. Masada temperatures reach comfortable 18°C (64°F) by midday - perfect for the Snake Path climb. Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters feel warm against cool air, and hotels offer heated pools. Desert air is crystal clear with 30km+ (18+ mile) visibility.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ₪200-350 ($60-105) including transport, Masada entry, and Dead Sea access. Book with operators providing warm towels and changing facilities. Departure by 7:30am maximizes daylight hours.

Indoor Market and Food Walking Tours

January rain drives locals into Mahane Yehuda Market, creating authentic energy. Vendors serve hot winter specialties like malawach with hard-boiled eggs and jachnun. Covered sections stay dry, and indoor tastings at spice shops and bakeries become social hubs. Friday afternoon pre-Shabbat shopping creates incredible atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ₪150-250 ($45-75) for 3-4 hour experiences. Morning tours (10am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain. Look for guides who speak Arabic and Hebrew to translate vendor interactions. Some tours include cooking classes.

Museum and Cultural Institution Tours

January is prime museum season when institutions debut major exhibitions. Israel Museum's winter hours extend to 9pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yad Vashem's new installations are less crowded, allowing emotional processing time. Underground locations like the Burnt House stay consistently comfortable.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost ₪54-98 ($16-29) per site. Tuesday-Thursday visits offer extended hours and fewer tour groups. Book guided tours through museum websites 1-2 weeks ahead. Audio guides available in 8+ languages.

Old City Religious Site Experiences

January's cooler weather makes lengthy religious site visits comfortable. Church of the Holy Sepulchre's stone interior feels pleasantly cool rather than cold. Via Dolorosa walking becomes meditative without heat stress. Fewer pilgrimage groups mean better access to prayer areas and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but authorized guides cost ₪200-300 ($60-90) for 2-3 hour tours. Morning visits (8-10am) offer best lighting and smallest crowds. Dress warmly - stone buildings feel 5°C (9°F) cooler than outside temperature.

Bethlehem and Palestinian Territory Day Trips

January's mild weather makes Bethlehem walking tours comfortable. Church of the Nativity visits are less crowded post-Christmas season. Palestinian craft workshops and olive wood carving demonstrations move indoors, creating intimate cultural exchanges. Checkpoint crossings are typically faster in low season.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ₪180-280 ($54-84) including transport and guide. Israeli tour operators cannot enter Palestinian areas - book Palestinian guides through Bethlehem operators or see booking options below. Allow 6-8 hours total including travel time.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Jerusalem International Book Fair

Annual book fair featuring Hebrew, Arabic, and English publications about Middle Eastern history and culture. Local authors host readings and signing sessions. Educational panels about Jerusalem's religious and cultural heritage draw both locals and visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - limestone streets become extremely slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 7°C (44°F) at dawn to 12°C (54°F) afternoon, plus indoor heating in restaurants can reach 22°C (72°F)

Compact umbrella - sudden 15-20 minute downpours are common, and Old City's narrow alleys offer limited shelter

Warm jacket for evening - after 5pm temperatures drop quickly, and many outdoor dining areas close or become uncomfortable

Modest clothing for religious sites - long pants and covered shoulders required at Western Wall, churches, and mosques, regardless of weather

Portable phone charger - indoor navigation apps drain batteries in cold weather, and you'll rely heavily on maps in winding Old City streets

Hand warmers for outdoor site visits - touching ancient stones and metal handrails becomes uncomfortable during morning visits

Sunglasses despite clouds - UV reflects off light-colored Jerusalem stone even on overcast days with UV index of 3

Waterproof bag for electronics - protect cameras and phones during sudden rain while exploring outdoor archaeological sites

Comfortable day pack - you'll carry water, snacks, and layers while walking between sites that can be 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) apart

Insider Knowledge

Friday afternoon Mahane Yehuda Market visits (1-3pm) offer the most authentic local experience as families shop for Shabbat meals, but arrive early as vendors close by 3pm

Western Wall morning prayers (6:30-8am) provide powerful spiritual experiences with fewer tourists - bring warm layers as pre-dawn temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F)

Jerusalem Light Rail operates heated cars during winter months - use it to travel between Central Bus Station and Old City when rain makes walking unpleasant

Many rooftop restaurants in Mamilla and German Colony offer 50% discounts on weekday dinners in January to attract customers during slow season - call ahead to confirm winter menus

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold stone buildings feel - churches and underground sites can be 8-10°C (14-18°F) colder than outside temperature, making shorts and t-shirts uncomfortable even on mild days

Not checking site closures during rain - heavy downpours close outdoor archaeological areas like City of David excavations and can flood Western Wall plaza access points

Booking too many outdoor activities - with only 7 hours of daylight and frequent rain, trying to see 4+ outdoor sites daily leads to rushed, uncomfortable experiences