What's the weather like in Jerusalem in October
Temperature
The weather finally begins to cool in October, as the long summer winds down to an end in Jerusalem. As Autumn begins, the average daily temperature is a comfortable 19°C (66°F). During the heat of the day, the average high temperature is 24°C (75°F). The evenings bring cooler weather, with a low of 14°C (57°F). The days will cool as the month continues and winter approaches.
Rainfall
With a relatively dry climate, there is very little rain in Jerusalem in October. The month typically sees just three days of rain. Similar to its coastal neighbor, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem will receive a cumulative total of just 20 mm of rain (less than an inch).
Sunshine Hours
The days begin to shorten just a bit in October, though there is still plenty of sunlight to explore the city. With approximately 10 hours of sunshine each day, visitors will appreciate the clear skies and lack of rain to take full advantage of the sunny weather.
Wind
A light breeze blows in Jerusalem at approximately 10 km/hour (6 miles/hour) will blow throughout the month of October. Though humidity can be about 60 percent, most travelers will find the wind keeps the weather comfortable.
Sea Temperature
The waters begin to cool just slightly as autumn temperatures drop in Israel's arid, desert climate. The Dead Sea remains warm, with a daily mean water temperature of 29°C (84°F) in October. The average low can cool down to 25°C (77°F) while the average high water temperature can still get up to 32°C (90°F). The Mediterranean Sea near Tel Aviv has slightly cooler water temperatures, with an average daily temperature of 26°C (79°F).
Jerusalem Hotels in October
Jerusalem Hotel
To experience a piece of Israeli history up close, visit the Jerusalem Hotel. With a prime location near to the Garden Tomb, the spot was once a Byzantine-era church before becoming a police station during the Ottoman empire. It later became a home for a wealthy family, a school, and finally, a guest house in 1950. The boutique hotel offers just 14 rooms, each unique due to the architecture of the building, and with their own hand-designed furnishings to showcase the history of the building. A restaurant is onsite as well.
Ambassador Hotel
The Ambassador Hotel is located further north in Jerusalem, near the Mount of Olives, providing guests with easy access to many nearby historical sites. Guests will enjoy the clean and crisp rooms, many of which have great Old City views, as well as the service at the Ambassador. Concierge, dry cleaning, housekeeping and room service are all part of helping guests feel at home. The hotel offers a garden terrace, a bakery, and a highly rated Israeli restaurant all onsite. A fitness center and sauna are also included.
The American Colony
Luxury interiors, classic architecture and sunny gardens are all part of the experience at The American Colony Hotel. The choice hotel for celebrities throughout the years, such as Winston Churchill, Bob Dylan and Uma Thurman, The American Colony Hotel is located near the northern wall of the Old City. With 94 rooms and suites in four buildings, all guests have access to amenities like the cellar bar, the pool and fitness center, and the dining rooms. This hotel is a quiet retreat with easy access to the busy city.
Eldan
The prestigious King David Street is home to Eldan Hotel, with easy access to some of the main sites in the New City of Jerusalem. The hotel takes advantage of its location with special experiences for its guests, like its own tasting tour of the nearby Mahane Yehuda Market. A daily happy hour of pastries and coffees is free for guests every evening, as they return from a long day of exploring. The 75 rooms range in size from a single to a large family room that can hold up to five guests.
Bars and Restaurants
Jahnun Bar
With two locations in the heart of Jerusalem, most visitors will come across Jahnun Bar on their visit to the Holy Land. The fast food spot serves Middle Eastern sandwiches, wraps and shawarma, but the most popular is the Memulawach and Malawach. Visitors to the Mahane Yehuda Market location can grab a wrap and then go to a nearby vendor for a local beer to top it off.
FishenChips
Another popular Mahane Yehuda Market option is FishenChips. The menu is simple and focuses on their most popular option: a bowl of fish sticks and chips served with a variety of dipping sauces. Quick service and an ideal location make FishenChips a great option for busy tourists. There are several types of fish available, like the halibut, cod, or salmon.
Lina
Lina is one of the most highly rated hummus and falafel restaurants inside of the Old City in Jerusalem. Located in the Christian Quarter on Al Khanka Street, the family has been operating a hummus restaurant for more than 60 years. Their traditional hummus is freshly made with olive oil, and guests can choose their hummus toppings from a range of spices, beans, and pickles; all served with pita bread.
Gourmandises
For a break from the Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine, head to Gourmandises by Yoel. The French-inspired restaurant serves classic French baked goods like baguettes and other breads, as well as pastries like brioche and chocolate croissants. Open all day, Gourmandises serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinnerll of which make it one of the most highly rated restaurants in Jerusalem. Guests are welcome to stop for a full meal or just a quick coffee and dessert.
Things to do in Jerusalem in October
Mamilla Cemetery
A historic Muslim cemetery, the Mamilla Cemetery is located just west of the Old City. In it lie those from the early Islamic period, Sufi shrines, Mamluk tombs, and tombs of Crusaders. Written about by Arab writers in the 11th century, it was an active burial site until 1927 when it became a historic site only. Several buildings have been erected on top of the grounds, destroying many graves and tombs. Also located in the cemetery is the Mamilla Pool, an ancient reservoir that was once a water supply for Old City residents.
Golden Gate
One of only two eastern gates into the Old City of Jerusalem, the Golden Gate has been sealed since Medieval times. While its exact age is unknown, it is believed to have been built during the Byzantine period. Its Hebrew name is the Gate of Mercy, and it may be the "beautiful gate" mentioned in Acts. Several important Biblical moments are believed to have occurred at this site, and archaeological digging is forbidden due to its religious significance.
Mount of Olives
A major religious site, The Mount of Olives stands just east of Jerusalem, between the city and the Judean Desert. Located on the mount is the famous Garden of Gethsemane. Key events throughout the life of Jesus are believed to have occured here, including the teaching of the Lord's Prayer, the time spent praying in the garden before being betrayed by Judas, and his ascension into heaven, which is said to have occurred at the summit of the mount. The name Gethsemane means "oil press" in Hebrew, and in the garden are eight ancient, gnarled olive trees. The oil derived from the trees is used for sanctuary lamps and the pits become rosary beads.
Day Trip to Bethlehem
Travelers looking to explore further from Jerusalem will enjoy a day trip to the nearby ancient cities, including the town of Bethlehem. From some high points throughout Jerusalem, travelers can see Bethlehem on clear days. Only nine kilometers (5.5 miles) south of central Jerusalem, the town is home to approximately 25,000 people. Bethlehem is most popular as the birthplace of Jesus, and has several ancient churches, including the famous Church of the Nativity. Several tours offer trips to the town from Jerusalem, whether a short half day trip or a full day through both Bethlehem and Jerichone of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
Church of Our Lady of the Spasm
An Armenian Catholic Church, the Church of Our Lady of the Spasm has many names, known also as the Church of Sorrows of Mary and Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The temple was built in 1881 and, as part of the Old City of Jerusalem, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Muslim Quarter, the building includes a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is also the site of the Armenian Hospice in Jerusalem.
