When To Go

There's really no bad time to visit this region. Spring (April and May) and fall (October and November) are balmy and crisp, making them the most pleasant seasons for travelers. Summer (June to September) is hot, but there's no humidity, and soft sea and mountain breezes cool things down. Winter (December to March) brings cold weather (sun interspersed with rain), while the sea makes the wind chilly.

As in the rest of Israel, hotels and other lodgings are often booked solid on weekends. On Saturdays and national holidays, Israelis hit the road, so it's best to avoid north-to-south travel out of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. If you're taking a few days to explore the region, traveling Sunday to Thursday will guarantee you plenty of peace and quiet. If you can only go on Friday and Saturday, make reservations well in advance. Prepare for big crowds at the beaches and tourist sights.