Israel Braces for Sukkot Rain and Cooler Temperatures

The weather in Israel will remain pleasant for the first two days of the intermediate period of Sukkot, known as Chol HaMoed, but is expected to change significantly afterward. According to the meteorological service, light rains are anticipated to begin on the northern part of the country starting Monday evening, September 28. By Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29-30, updated weather models suggest these rains could extend to central Israel, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours, particularly on Wednesday.

Alongside the rainfall, a cooling trend will commence on Wednesday, persisting through the final day of the holiday. Temperatures in Jerusalem and mountainous regions are forecast to drop to around 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the lowest readings since spring 2025. The meteorological service also indicated a possibility of renewed, potentially heavier, rainfall on Saturday, October 3, the last day of the holiday, though this forecast remains tentative.

Despite the upcoming weather shift, the initial pleasant conditions allowed many Israelis to enjoy outdoor activities at the start of Sukkot. On Saturday, September 26, approximately 70,000 people visited parks and nature reserves across the country. Visitors observed early signs of autumn, including blooming sea daffodils and sea lilies, and noted the ongoing bird migration over Israel. Popular destinations included national parks such as Gan Hashlosha (Sachne), Ashkelon, HaYarkon (Tel Afek), Caesarea, and Ein Hemed, as well as nature reserves like Banias, Ein Gedi, Dor HaBonim, and Almogim. An additional 3,700 individuals spent the eve of Sukkot camping in sites managed by the Nature and Parks Authority, including locations like Maayan Harod, Horshat Tal, Achziv, and Khan Be'erot.