Month guide · Jerusalem · Israel
Jerusalem in January
What January is really like in Jerusalem: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: אורי אלוני, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
January is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 12°C (54°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 10.3 hours of daylight. The coldest month, with rain, wind and chilly stone interiors; snow falls in some years. Sights are quiet.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 12°C (54°F) / 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Jerusalem: days average 12°C (54°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with December (14°C (57°F)), January is cooler; by February highs stay near 13°C (55°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:39
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 16:57
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
Winter (December–February). Cool, wet and sometimes cold, with occasional snow; few crowds and Christmas celebrations in the Christian Quarter.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 2 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in April). That makes January one of the better-value months to book.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Jerusalem, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Old City
Old City walls and Ramparts Walk
Start at Jaffa Gate and take the northern section towards Damascus Gate for the best views into the Christian and Muslim quarters.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Museum · Jaffa Gate
Tower of David Museum
The citadel beside Jaffa Gate has layers from the Hasmonean, Herodian, Crusader, Mamluk and Ottoman periods and now houses the Jerusalem history museum, which reopened in 2023 with new galleries.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Rainy day
- After dark
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Neighbourhood · Jewish Quarter
Jewish Quarter, Cardo and Hurva Synagogue
Climb to the Hurva's balcony for one of the best views across to the Mount of Olives.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Views
Viewpoint · Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives
The ridge east of the Old City gives the classic view across the Kidron Valley to the walls and the Dome of the Rock.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- History
What to pack
For highs near 12°C, lows near 6°C and 9 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Jerusalem?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, April–June and September–November are better overall. Compare every month.
Jerusalem in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Jerusalem?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. The coldest month, with rain, wind and chilly stone interiors; snow falls in some years. Sights are quiet.
+How warm is Jerusalem in January?
Average highs are around 12°C (54°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Jerusalem in January?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.