Tel Aviv-Yafo Travel Forum

Hi,
I am planning a trip to TA, between 3-16 April. Is the weather warm enough at this time of year? My wife likes hot weather! Also what is the country like at Passoevr? Will it be difficult to book accommodation? Will Tiberias, Jerusalem and all the other touristy places be very busy?
Would it be better to come in May? (In May, I can only come for 9 days)

Thanks very much,
Rhonsie

The weather in April is likely to be comfortably warm, not yet hot. It may still rain once or twice, but basically the rainy season is over.

Passover is very busy indeed. People sometimes reserve hotels as much as a year in advance, especially in Jerusalem. If you have not already reserved, best check immediately if there are any rooms left!

On Passover Eve - Thurs, 8 April everything closes down by 3 - 4 pm. No public transportation, restaurants, shops etc. Most hotels will serve food for their guests. Fri 9 April is Passover day, and the evening when it ends, begins the Sabbath, so again most places will be be closed down till after dark on Sat, 11 April. This is not necessarily true of Tel Aviv, BTW.

The end of the Passover week, evening of Wednesday 14 April till after dark on Thursday 15 April, will be a repetition of the beginning (8/4-9/4).

Foods served on Passover are limited. There is no yeast used during this period. Bread, rolls and yeast based products are unavailable in the Jewish areas.

If you enjoy experiencing other cultures and new experiences, you might very well enjoy Passover in Israel (if you can still get rooms!). Otherwise, although a shorter visit, you may be happier visiting in May.

4 May is Memorial Day in Israel. There is a 2 minute silence when all traffic, all pedestrians all shops, everything, stops and the siren sounds all over the country.

The very end of May, 28-29 is another holiday, Shavuot - or Festival of Weeks in the Christian calendar.

Welcome and Enjoy!

In addition to UnaS;'s answer, after Memorial Day comes Israeli Independence Day. I have yet to be fortunate to be in the country during this time--but I understand it is special.

During Passover, not only are things booked they are more expensive. Tourism is both from overseas and internal. Schools are all closed.

BTW the weather is hotter the closer to the summer you get.

Thanks for both those answers. After looking at prices, I think it would be better to visit in May. I have managed to get an extra 2 days off work so my visit in May will now be for 12 days. I'm really looking forward to it. I may be back with some more questions. Thank you!

Good choice. Happy to answer any questions you might have. Feel free.