Top Tips for Touring Israel in November

November 3rd 2016

Even the seasoned traveler might be thrown for a loop traversing the Israeli terrain during the early winter months. Things aren’t what they seem and certainly not what you’re used to when the November hits this area, so check out this guide to traveling during this tricky time. You’ll be glad you did!

Layers, Layers, and More Layers

Here’s what you can expect: Early mornings are moist with freshly fallen dew, which gradually gives way to pleasant, brisk weather that borders on hot depending on how much sun you’re standing under. As soon as the sun starts to set though, the air takes on an entirely different personality. Cool breezes whip at your neck, and you had better be wearing a sweater at the very least or you’ll be shivering come nightfall.

These weather extremes can be disconcerting and put-offish if you don’t know how to handle them properly. Fortunately, Israeli travelers have the easy answer: layers! Wear thin, lightweight layers that you can easily peel off and store during the warmer hours, taking them out once more when the weather gets nippy. Zip up sweatshirts that you can tie around your waist or handbag; spandex shirts and leggings are good options to try.

Keep it Compact, Keep it Handy

The collapsible umbrella was certainly designed for Israeli travel. When space is limited (and it always is in this country!) and mobility is vital, nobody wants a bulky, cumbersome umbrella weighing them down. A compact umbrella collapses neatly into a handy device barely larger than the size of your smartphone, an easy piece to tote and take wherever you go. And since rain is so sporadic and sudden in Israel, that umbrella will surely come in handy throughout your trip!

Drink Up

The famous Israeli slogan is drink, drink, drink. The Israeli summer sun is brutality dehydrating, and many uneducated tourists land themselves in the hospital, sun-dried and parched for water. So people have grown accustomed to carrying large bottles of water around with them during the spring and summer. What’s surprising to most folks is the power that even the winter sun has over the body. Just because the temperatures have dropped doesn’t mean there’s no threat of sun stroke or dehydration. So keep plenty of water around, and stop your activities periodically to rehydrate yourself.

Take advantage of the in-between weather while it lasts because once winter hits in earnest, travel is a whole other ball game!