What Should You Pack for Jerusalem?
Jerusalem’s weather is comfortable most of the year, but the key is layering! Spring and fall are mild, so light clothing with a sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings is ideal. Summers can be hot, so breathable fabrics are best for sightseeing during the day. For winter, be sure to pack a warm coat and scarf, as it can get chilly with rain. No matter the season, bring comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the Old City and other historical sites.
Make sure you’re prepared for: Exploring the Old City, visiting the Western Wall, touring the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walking through Mahane Yehuda Market, and visiting Yad Vashem.
Dress Code
In Jerusalem, modest attire is important, especially when visiting religious sites like the Western Wall and churches. Women should wear long skirts or pants, and men should avoid shorts when in holy areas. If you’re planning to explore the Old City or visit religious landmarks, it’s best to have a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders. For general sightseeing, smart-casual clothing is perfect, and you can dress a bit more relaxed in non-religious areas like Mahane Yehuda Market or modern cafes.
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Spring
55 – 75°F
(13 – 24°C
)
Summer
65 – 85°F
(18 – 29°C
)
Fall
60 – 80°F
(16 – 27°C
)
Winter
40 – 60°F
(4 – 16°C
)
Spring: Mild and breezy
Summer: Hot and dry with cool evenings
Fall: Warm days and cool nights
Winter: Cool with rain and occasional chilly winds
Spring
1.4 inches of rain
Summer
0.0 inches of rain
Fall
1.5 inches of rain
Winter
4.6 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Great for warm days exploring the Old City—I loved how breathable mine were!
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for more modest areas like religious sites.
3. Sweaters: Ideal for layering during cool evenings at Mahane Yehuda Market.
4. Tank Tops: Useful for wearing under layers or relaxing at your hotel.
5. Casual Jacket: Great for cool mornings and evenings, especially in spring and fall.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Comfortable and appropriate for exploring historical sites like the Western Wall—I really liked how versatile these were for sightseeing!
2. Leggings: Great for layering under dresses or for casual sightseeing.
3. Shorts: Best for casual outings outside of religious sites, like walking around the newer parts of the city.
4. Dresses: Perfect for dining out or exploring non-religious sites like the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens—I loved wearing dresses for their comfort and style!
5. Skirt: Modest and comfortable for exploring the Old City and visiting religious landmarks.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the Old City’s cobblestone streets—I couldn’t have managed without mine!
2. Sandals: Great for hot summer days and casual strolls through Mahane Yehuda Market.
3. Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is perfect for sun protection while exploring the city’s outdoor sites.
4. Sunglasses: Must-have for shielding your eyes from the bright Jerusalem sun.
5. Swimsuit: Ideal if you plan to visit the Dead Sea or nearby resorts.
6. Sarong: Practical for modesty at religious sites or relaxing after a day trip to the Dead Sea.
7. Beach Coverup: Great for lounging by the pool or beachside at nearby resorts.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Perfect for a weekend getaway or short trip, keeping essentials nearby.
2. Daypack: Ideal for carrying water, snacks, and essentials while exploring Jerusalem’s historical landmarks.
3. Purse: A practical and stylish option for dinners and shopping at Mahane Yehuda Market.
4. Tote Bag: Handy for carrying layers, snacks, and any shopping finds from the local markets.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Modest clothing: Jerusalem is conservative in many areas, so pack long skirts, pants, and tops that cover your shoulders for visiting religious sites.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot through cobblestone streets and uneven terrain in the Old City, so pack sturdy footwear.
- Sun protection: The summer sun is strong, so bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to stay protected.
- Layering options: Temperatures can change from day to night, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Jerusalem Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JERUSALEM?
The best months to visit Jerusalem are April to May and September to October, as the weather is warm (60-80°F or 16-27°C) and ideal for exploring outdoor and historical sites. September’s also great because the tourist crowds lessen, and you can enjoy key sites like the Old City and Western Wall without the summer heat!
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN JERUSALEM?
Jerusalem Light Festival (June): A large tourist event with stunning light displays around the Old City, perfect for families and couples.
Jerusalem Film Festival (July): A major international film festival, great for solo travelers and cinema enthusiasts.
Jerusalem March (October): A cultural event with people from all over the world marching through the city’s streets, perfect for families and groups.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN JERUSALEM?
Jerusalem offers a mix of history, culture, and spirituality. One of my favorite spots is the Old City, where you can visit the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Don’t miss Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, for a moving experience. For a more modern take on the city, visit Mahane Yehuda Market to experience local food and vibrant nightlife. The Mount of Olives provides stunning views of the city’s skyline.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT JERUSALEM?
A 4-5 day trip allows you to explore Jerusalem’s historical and religious sites, markets, and neighborhoods at a comfortable pace.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, explore the Old City, visit the Western Wall, and walk through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On day two, tour Yad Vashem, stroll through Mahane Yehuda Market, and enjoy dinner in the German Colony.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, visit the Mount of Olives and explore the City of David archaeological park. Spend day four at the Israel Museum and visit the Shrine of the Book. On day five, take a day trip to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, visit Ein Kerem, a charming village with churches and monasteries. Spend day seven relaxing with a day trip to the Dead Sea for a floating experience and mud baths.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, explore the streets of Mea She’arim, one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods. Spend day nine visiting the Tower of David Museum and the Ramparts Walk. On day ten, take a day trip to Masada for hiking and history.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, visit the Biblical Zoo and spend the day exploring nature. Spend day twelve taking a trip to the Sea of Galilee. On days thirteen and fourteen, tour Tel Aviv to experience Israel’s modern side and beaches.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN JERUSALEM?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 4 Dresses
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR JERUSALEM?
High heels: Jerusalem’s streets are uneven, and you’ll walk a lot, so comfortable shoes are better.
Revealing clothing: Modesty is important, especially at religious sites, so avoid sleeveless tops or short skirts.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO JERUSALEM ?
Airfare: $600-$1,200 depending on departure location and season. Peak prices during major Jewish holidays.
Accommodation: $100-$300 per night for hotels or guesthouses.
Transportation: $20-$50 per day for taxis, buses, or rideshares.
Meals: $30-$70 per day, with affordable options at local markets.
Activities: $20-$100 per day, depending on whether you’re visiting museums, archaeological sites, or taking day trips.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN JERUSALEM? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Yes, tipping is customary in Jerusalem. It’s standard to tip 10-15% at restaurants and cafés, and small tips for hotel staff, tour guides, and taxis are appreciated.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT JERUSALEM BEFORE I VISIT?
- Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites in the Old City—long sleeves and covering shoulders are recommended.
- Be aware of Shabbat: Many businesses and public transportation close from Friday evening to Saturday evening for Shabbat. Plan your travel accordingly.
- Carry cash: Many smaller markets and local vendors prefer cash, especially in the Old City.
- Stay hydrated: Jerusalem’s summer can get hot, so always carry water, especially when exploring outdoor areas.