In January, when Tel Aviv is 8 degrees and rainy, Eilat is at 22°C and sunny. It's not magic — it's geography. Eilat is located at the southernmost tip of Israel, on the Red Sea, with a Mediterranean desert climate that doesn't experience a real winter.
Weather — Facts
| Month | Avg. Day Temp | Avg. Night Temp | Water Temp | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 10°C | 22°C | 25/31 |
| February | 23°C | 12°C | 21°C | 24/28 |
| March | 27°C | 15°C | 22°C | 26/31 |
| July | 40°C | 27°C | 27°C | 31/31 |
Conclusion: January and February are comfortable for many more people than July and August.
Planning to visit even before January? See the guide to Eilat weather in December, including what to wear and Hanukkah vacation.
And if you're already packing — see what to bring to Eilat, with a packing list for winter and every season.
Why Winter > Summer for a Trip to Eilat
Prices — Significant Difference
A vacation apartment that costs from 1,200 ₪/night during Passover costs from 700 ₪ in January. A 4-star hotel that costs from 1,400 ₪/night in summer — from 900 ₪ in winter. A saving of 30-45%.
Crowds — No Comparison
North Beach in July: an umbrella every 50 cm. North Beach in January: choose a spot for free. Coral Beach Nature Reserve in summer — a 30-minute queue. In January — you enter directly.
Quality of Life on Your Trip
In 42°C heat — you walk from the apartment to the car, from the car to the sea, and from the sea to the apartment. In January — you can walk in the port, sit at an outdoor cafe, go jeeping at 12 PM without worry.
Snorkeling Specifically
22°C water in winter — with a thin neoprene suit (3mm) you can stay in the sea for an hour or more. In summer the water is too warm (27-28°C) for a suit, and for children, it's more comfortable in winter.
What's Open in Winter?
Open: Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Dolphin Reef, Aquarium, Bird Park, jeep tours to the Red Canyon, all beaches, all restaurants, the port, the mall.
Shorter hours: Coral Beach Nature Reserve closes an hour earlier (17:00 instead of 18:00 in summer). Check schedules beforehand.
Not recommended: Snorkeling without a wetsuit in January — 22°C water feels cool after 20 minutes. Intense water sports might have lower prices.
What to Do in Eilat in Winter That You Can't Do in Summer?
Jeeping and Desert by Day
In winter, a jeep tour to the Red Canyon at 12 PM = an amazing experience. In summer — impossible (47°C in the desert).
Migratory Birds
January-March is migration season. Eilat's Bird Park fills with birds you don't see in the rest of Israel.
Running and Outdoor Sports
The Eilat Desert Marathon takes place in November (2026: 27.11). Challenge Israman (triathlon) — January. The climate — ideal for outdoor sports at both these times.
Cafes and Restaurants Without Queues
Any chef restaurant that requires booking a month in advance in summer — in winter they will welcome you without a reservation.
Search for Vacation Apartments in Eilat for Winter
A vacation apartment with a south-facing balcony — January in Eilat means morning coffee outside, 20°C and sunshine. Livo presents hundreds of properties with immediate availability, including special winter prices.
Quick Planning — Eilat in January for a Weekend
Thursday Evening: Arrival, check-in, evening at Eilat Port (chef restaurant + promenade stroll).
Friday Morning: Coral Beach Nature Reserve — 2 hours of snorkeling. Afternoon: jeep tour to the Red Canyon. Shabbat — Shabbat dinner at the port.
Saturday: Dolphin Reef in the morning. Afternoon: pool at the apartment, sunset from the balcony.
Sunday Morning: Aquarium, lunch at the market, drive back.
A 3-night trip, minimal cost, maximum sea and experience.
FAQ
How hot is Eilat in January?
Daily average of 21-23°C, nights 10-12°C. Sunshine on 80%+ of days. Water is 22°C — comfortable for snorkeling and swimming for most people.
Is the sea open in Eilat in winter?
Yes. The sea is open all year round — the Red Sea is not a distant sea. Coral Beach Nature Reserve is open, Dolphin Reef is open, all beaches are open. Opening hours are shortened by one hour in winter.
What to do in Eilat when it's cold (at night)?
Eilat in winter at night = 10-12°C — a sweater is enough. The port, restaurants, bars, and pubs — all are fully operational. This is the season to enjoy the port without sweating.
Is it worth going to Eilat in January?
Absolutely. Prices are 30-40% lower, the sea is accessible, there are no crowds, and while everyone else is in the cold — you're in the warmth. Most Israelis who discover Eilat in winter return every year.
What to wear in Eilat in January?
During the day: summer shorts and a light shirt. In the morning and evening: a light sweater or jacket. For the sea: a regular swimsuit — the water is 22°C. No need for a heavy winter jacket.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026