Quick Answer: Eilat is a desert city with a hot-dry climate all year round. The coldest month is January (from 21°C during the day, 10°C at night, water 22°C). The hottest month is July (around 40°C on an average day, can reach 42-45°C during a heatwave, water 28°C). Best seasons for a vacation: March-May and September-October (26-37°C, water 21-28°C, less crowded, affordable accommodation prices). Eilat is the driest city in Israel — only about 22 mm of rain per year, compared to 550 mm in Tel Aviv. Chosen a season? See properties with a private pool in Eilat.
Last updated: July 2026 · Data based on historical averages from the Israel Meteorological Service
Livo — an Israeli vacation rental platform. This guide is part of the content we write to help Eilat guests plan a complete vacation — what to wear, when to swim, when to go on a trip, and what to do in each season. If you are booking an apartment or villa in Eilat through Livo — it's worth cross-referencing your vacation dates with the full table below.
Why is Eilat's weather different from the rest of the country?
Eilat sits at the southern tip of Israel, at the northern strait of the Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba), surrounded by mountain ranges in Sinai, Jordan, and the Negev. Three geographical factors shape the weather:
- Southern latitude (29.5°N) — much closer to the equator than the north. The sun is higher in the sky and radiates more intensely throughout the year. Sunshine is almost guaranteed 330+ days a year.
- Location in a "rain shadow" — the Sinai, Jordan, and Red Mountains block most clouds from the Mediterranean Sea. Rain stops in the mountains, and Eilat receives only the crumbs — about 22 mm annually. Almost as dry as the Atacama Desert.
- Deep enclosed gulf — the Gulf of Eilat is very deep (up to 1,800 meters), with slow water exchange with the open Red Sea. The result: water temperature remains relatively high all year round (20-28°C), making Eilat the only open swimming destination in Israel in winter.
Important point: Eilat's climate is desert-dry, not desert-cold like the Negev. Negative frost does not occur on winter nights; in summer it is dry (not humid) — which makes the heat less oppressive than the same temperature in Tel Aviv.
Full Climate Data Table — Month by Month
| Month | Day | Night | Water | Rainy Days | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 10°C | 22°C | 2 | 32% |
| February | 23°C | 12°C | 21°C | 2 | 28% |
| March | 26°C | 15°C | 21°C | 1-2 | 25% |
| April | 31°C | 18°C | 23°C | 1 | 19% |
| May | 36°C | 23°C | 25°C | 0-1 | 16% |
| June | 39°C | 25°C | 26°C | 0 | 15% |
| July | 40.4°C | 27°C | 28°C | 0 | 17% |
| August | 40°C | 27°C | 28°C | 0 | 18% |
| September | 37°C | 25°C | 28°C | 0 | 23% |
| October | 33°C | 22°C | 27°C | 0-1 | 27% |
| November | 28°C | 16°C | 25°C | 1 | 29% |
| December | 23°C | 12°C | 23°C | 2 | 33% |
Source: Israel Meteorological Service, multi-year averages. Sea envelopes: temporary quantities of the central sea to Eilat. Relative humidity is daily average, can drop to 10-15% during a heatwave.
Month-by-Month Guide — What to Do and Why?
January — Deep Winter, and a Hint of Spring
Typical weather: Day from 21°C, night around 10-11°C. Sunny most days, sometimes morning fog. Light rain possible (average 2 rainy days per month).
Why visit Eilat in January? It's the cheapest month for a vacation in Eilat — vacation rental prices are at their lowest range of the year. A favorite destination for experienced divers (best water visibility in winter, fewer swimmers), for couples seeking a quiet vacation, and for guests from the north escaping the rain.
Recommended in January: Scuba diving in clear waters, spa treatments, desert and Petra tours (the heat is bearable), elegant dinners at recommended restaurants in Eilat, couples' getaways (for a quiet stay for two — suites in Eilat). For swimming with children — an apartment or villa with a private pool, and ask the host if the pool is heated.
What not to expect: Intense tanning (the sun is relatively low), vibrant nightlife (a quieter season).
February — Desert Blooms Begin
Typical weather: Day from 23°C, night 11-12°C. The sun is already strengthening. The sea is around 21°C — the lowest of the year.
Recommended in February: Desert tours to Shchoret Stream, Amram Stream, Gev Sa'ad, and Timna — desert blooms begin (anemones, tulips). Diving and snorkeling, spa, chef restaurants. Guests booking a vacation apartment with a jacuzzi or heated pool enjoy a perfect combination.
March — The Turning Point of Spring
Typical weather: Day from 26°C, night 15°C. Full sun. A heatwave is possible (2-3 days a month) — the temperature can jump to 32°C.
Excellent time for: Long desert hikes, Bird Festival Eilat (March-April, large bird migration), outdoors, comfortable swimming begins, family vacations before the Passover rush.
April — First Peak Season
Typical weather: Day from 31°C, night 18°C. Full sun, water 23°C — comfortable swimming for children already.
Important point: Passover in April brings a large crowd — accommodation prices are at the upper range, attractions are busy, beaches are full. If you are not coming for a family vacation with school children, consider pre-Passover (late March) or post-Passover (late April) — almost identical weather, half the crowd.
Recommended in April: Snorkeling at Coral Beach, catamaran cruises, activities with children, half-day trips (after 15:00 the heat is already reasonable for a trip).
May — Ideal for a Beach Vacation
Typical weather: Day from 36°C, night 22°C. Water 25°C — warm and inviting. Almost no rain.
Why is May special? The dates after Independence Day (until the end of May) are considered by many to be peak season — although the heat is still bearable, prices are in the mid-range, and there isn't the extreme summer rush of July-August. Water at a perfect temperature for prolonged swimming, a pleasant pool, warm evenings without the need for a jacket.
June — Summer Begins
Typical weather: Day from 39°C, night 25°C. Water 26°C. A heatwave can raise temperatures to 43-45°C.
Important point: June before the start of the summer vacation (June 19 for middle and high schools, July 1 for elementary schools) is a good time — the heat is already truly summer, but attractions are not yet crowded. From late June — crowds increase.
Recommended in June: Sea, pool, spa and body treatments in Eilat, nightlife awakens, water activities (razor, jet ski, catamarans).
Must-do in June: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, drink 3+ liters per day, avoid field trips between 11:00-16:00.
July — Peak Summer
Typical weather: Day from 40°C (can reach 44-46°C during a heatwave), night 27°C. Water 28°C — the warmest of the year.
Who loves July in Eilat? Those who love bath-warm water, vibrant nightlife, fully active children's attractions, and a classic summer vacation atmosphere. The positives: the warmest sea of the year, the sun rises around 05:50 and sets around 19:40 (about 14 hours of daylight), and you can go to the beach even in the evening.
Disadvantages: Extreme heat, peak humidity levels in sea compressors, accommodation prices at the upper range of the year. Many Israeli guests prefer a vacation abroad in summer and choose Eilat in the shoulder seasons.
August — Summer Continues
Typical weather: Very similar to July — day from 40°C, night 27°C, water 28°C. The sun is still very strong; only at the end of August does a slight decrease begin.
Important point: August is full summer vacation in Israel — peak family crowds with children. An advantage for those with school children; a disadvantage for those who want peace and quiet. It is recommended to book an apartment with a private pool if you want to avoid beach crowds.
September — Autumn Gem
Typical weather: Day from 37°C, night 25°C. Water 28°C. Fewer heatwaves, the sun begins to descend (sunrise around 06:20, sunset around 18:45).
Why September is best for many: Prices already drop after the end of the big vacation, but the sea is still warm and the daytime heat is still summery. The best value for money of the year for a beach vacation — especially in the last two weeks of the month.
Recommended in September: Diving (good visibility), prolonged swimming, romantic couple's vacation, Sukkot in Eilat (at the end of the month, holiday crowds).
October — The Autumn Ideal
Typical weather: Day from 33°C, night 22°C. Water 27°C. The sun is pleasant, not scorching. A one-off heatwave may occur.
Recommended in October: Everything. This is the month the ultimate guide would recommend to most guests — warm enough for the sea and pool, cool enough for tours and Petra, affordable prices, less crowded.
Visiting in October with family or friends? On the villas in Eilat page, Livo only displays villas that hosts have marked as such. The listings there are not filtered by dates — enter your dates in the site search to see only what is available.
November — Entry into Winter
Typical weather: Day from 28°C, night 16°C. Water 25°C. The sun is at a low angle — less strong. Possibly light rain.
Important point: Sea swimming is still comfortable for adults; for children it's already cool. The pool in the apartment must be heated for a good swimming experience.
Recommended in November: Tours and Petra (perfect heat), diving (visibility starts to be excellent), couples' vacations, nightlife still active.
The complete guide to Eilat weather in November centralizes sea temperatures, monthly events, and vacation apartments available for booking during this period.
December — Warm Year-End
Typical weather: Day around 23°C, night around 12°C. Water 23°C. Almost no rain — according to the Meteorological Service, an average of about half a rainy day in December. Sunrise around 06:30, sunset 16:45.
December in Eilat is the gem of the civil year: European and Russian guests escaping winter at home, Israelis looking for a warm year-end, couples preferring a quiet atmosphere. Hanukkah brings family crowds — before and after Hanukkah — a quiet vacation and reasonable prices.
Large families or two families arriving together for Hanukkah (December 4–12, 2026) usually need an entire house rather than several separate rooms. On the villa for rent in Eilat page, only villas that Livo hosts have marked as such are displayed, and the listings are not filtered by dates — to see only what is available for Hanukkah, enter your dates in the site search.
The complete guide to Eilat weather in December centralizes sea temperatures, Hanukkah dates, and what to wear in the evenings.
Sharav and Hamsin — What is it, how to protect yourself?
Sharav (Arabic: "Hamsin") is a weather condition where dry, hot wind from the great desert (Sahara, Arava) raises the temperature 5-10°C above average, and lowers humidity to 5-15%. In Eilat, Sharav usually appears:
- March-April (2-4 events)
- October-November (2-3 events)
- Summer — sometimes also in June-August, when the temperature crosses 42-45°C.
Signs of Sharav: Dusty air, "yellow" skies (instead of blue), dry hot wind, sharp drop in humidity.
How to protect yourself during Sharav:
- Drink plenty of water — 3-5 liters per day. Low humidity makes you forget the feeling of thirst.
- Stay in air conditioning between 10:00-17:00. Water, pool, restaurant, spa — indoor activities.
- Avoid physical exertion. Running, hiking, tennis — not during Sharav.
- Wear light cotton clothes — not synthetics.
- Always use sunscreen — dust does not block UV.
Sunsets and Sunrises — Full Schedule
The sun in Eilat reaches higher in the sky than in central Israel (almost at its zenith in summer) — which causes different shadows and stronger sun intensity.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 06:35 | 17:00 | 10:25 |
| February | 06:20 | 17:30 | 11:10 |
| March | 05:45 | 17:45 | 12:00 |
| April | 06:15 | 19:05 | 12:50 |
| May | 05:50 | 19:25 | 13:35 |
| June | 05:40 | 19:40 | 14:00 |
| July | 05:50 | 19:40 | 13:50 |
| August | 06:10 | 19:20 | 13:10 |
| September | 06:25 | 18:45 | 12:20 |
| October | 06:40 | 18:10 | 11:30 |
| November | 06:05 | 16:45 | 10:40 |
| December | 06:35 | 16:45 | 10:10 |
Important point: Sunsets in Eilat are especially spectacular due to the color of the mountains in Jordan reflecting the setting sun. The North Promenade and the North Lagoon are the top spots to watch the sunset. Sunrise over the Edom Mountains is also special — something for couples looking for a romantic experience.
What to Wear — By Season
Summer (May-September)
- Swimsuit + hat mandatory
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every two hours)
- UV sunglasses
- Light shirt, shorts, sandals
- Only a light jacket for evenings and air conditioning in restaurants
- In dry summer — no need for rain gear or an umbrella
Shoulder Seasons (March-April, October-November)
- Layers — short-sleeved shirts for day, sweater or jacket for evening
- Swimsuit for midday
- Sunscreen always
- Long pants for evening
Winter (December-February)
- Layers! — about an 11°C difference between day and night
- Medium winter jacket for evening
- Short wetsuit or rash guard for children who want to swim
- The pool in the apartment must be heated for a good swimming experience
- Small umbrella — sometimes rain, not much
For all seasons: Water shoes (Eilat's beaches are stony, not sandy like the Mediterranean) — see the full beach guide.
Recommended Activities by Weather
According to the heat and who you are:
- Too hot for a trip (July-August midday) → Spa, aquarium, snorkeling at Coral Beach, pool at the apartment
- Pleasantly warm (April-June, September-October) → All attractions: boat trips, diving routes, morning or evening tours
- Cool-pleasant (March, November) → Long desert hikes, Petra, jeep tours
- Cold (December-February) → Scuba diving with a wetsuit, elegant chef dinners, spa, jacuzzi, Petra (perfect heat for a trip)
How to Plan Your Eilat Vacation According to the Weather?
Question #1: What is the purpose of the vacation?
- Swimming and pool → May-October
- Tours, desert, Petra → November-March
- Romantic couple's getaway → March-May, September-October
- Budget-friendly → December-February, June
- Children on holiday → April (Passover) or July-August — see vacation properties for families in Eilat
- Nightlife → July-September
Question #2: What type of accommodation are you looking for?
- Vacation apartment with a heated pool → Suitable all year round
- Apartment without a pool → Recommended May-October (most buildings have a shared pool)
- Villa with a private pool → All year round, especially for couples in winter. See villa in Eilat with a pool — from October to March, ask the host if the pool is heated
Undecided between months or types of accommodation? Send us a WhatsApp message with the month you are planning and the number of people — and we will help you choose, or call 050-780-1370.
You can book an apartment or villa in Eilat through Livo here — enter dates in the site search to see only available properties.
Quick Summary
- Hottest: July-August (around 40°C during the day on average, 44°C and above during a heatwave)
- Coldest: January (from 21°C during the day, 10°C at night)
- Warm water: May-November (24-28°C)
- Cool water: December-April (21-23°C)
- Driest: Eilat with 22 mm annually
- Ideal months for a vacation: March-May, September-October
- Budget months: December-February, June
- Heatwave risk: March-April, October-November, summer
Further Reading
FAQ
What is the temperature in Eilat in January?
January is the coldest month in Eilat: average maximum temperature around 21.3°C during the day, average minimum around 10.4°C at night. Water temperature around 22°C — suitable for swimming, but relatively cool for children and prolonged swimming. The sun almost always shines even in January; rainy days in Eilat throughout winter are usually only 4-6.
How much rain does Eilat get per year?
Eilat is the driest city in Israel — an annual average of only about 22 mm of rain (for comparison: Tel Aviv gets 550 mm, Jerusalem 550 mm). June to September — zero rain is almost always guaranteed. The sparse rain usually falls in December-February, sometimes in short, intense events that cause flash floods in wadis (it is important to avoid hiking in desert wadis if a warning has been issued).
When is it hottest in Eilat?
July-August are the hottest months: average maximum temperature around 40°C during the day (July 40.4°C). During a heatwave, temperatures can reach 42-45°C at their peak. It is not recommended for outdoor activities or open-air tours between 11:00-16:00 in summer — risk of heatstroke. Instead: sea, pool, indoor activities with air conditioning, and going on tours after 17:00 or before 07:00.
Can you swim in Eilat in winter?
Yes — the water temperature in Eilat in winter is around 20-22°C. Adults swim comfortably (especially at midday after the air has warmed up), and for scuba divers with a proper wetsuit, this is an excellent season (high water visibility in winter). For small children and prolonged swimming — a short wetsuit or rash guard is recommended. The pool at the hotel or vacation apartment is almost always heated in winter.
What is the most comfortable season to visit Eilat?
April-May and September-October are considered the ideal seasons: daytime heat of 31-37°C, warm water (23-28°C), fewer crowds on beaches and at attractions, and relatively affordable accommodation prices. Avoid July-August if you are not heat-resistant, and mid-October to mid-December if you want to swim in warm open sea water.
What is a Sharav in Eilat and when does it occur?
A Sharav (or Hamsin) is a weather condition where dry, hot wind from the desert raises the temperature 5-10°C above average, and lowers humidity to only 5-15%. In Eilat, Sharav usually occurs in March-April and October-November, lasting 2-4 days. During a Sharav, it is recommended to drink plenty of water (2-4 liters per day), avoid exertion, and stay in air conditioning during midday hours. Even in June-August, heatwaves can occur, raising the temperature to 45°C.
Is there high humidity in Eilat?
No — Eilat is very dry. The average relative humidity in Eilat ranges around 15-33% (lowest in May-June), and can drop below 10% during a Sharav. This is the opposite of Tel Aviv-Haifa (where summer humidity is 60-80%). The advantage: Eilat's heat is dry and less oppressive on the body than the same temperature in a humid Mediterranean environment. The disadvantage: the body dehydrates faster — it is essential to drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty.
When is it recommended to book a vacation apartment in Eilat according to the weather?
For a sea and pool vacation: May-October (water 25-28°C, long days, sun until 19:00 in summer). For desert and Petra tours: November-March (bearable heat 21-28°C during the day, cool nights, desert blooms in February-March). For savings: December-February and mid-June (accommodation prices in the lower range). For romantic couples: March-May and September-October (comfortable heat, fewer crowds, long and spectacular sunsets).
Can I consult with someone before booking accommodation in Eilat?
Yes. Write to us on WhatsApp or call 050-780-1370 with the month you are planning and the number of people, and we will help you choose suitable accommodation for the season.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026