Palestine in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Palestine
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Almond blossoms transform landscapes into pink-white carpets across West Bank hills, particularly impressive around Israel and Nablus - peak bloom is mid-February
- Cool temperatures make walking tours of Jerusalem's Old City and Hebron comfortable for 4-5 hours without heat exhaustion that plagues summer visits
- Olive oil pressing season concludes, meaning fresh extra virgin olive oil tastings at family farms around Jenin and Tulkarm with 2024 harvest oils
- Tourist crowds are minimal - you'll often have Hisham's Palace in Jericho and Church of Nativity largely to yourself, perfect for photography and contemplation
Considerations
- Rain disrupts outdoor archaeological site visits 40% of February days - sites like Tel es-Sultan in Jericho become muddy and less accessible
- Checkpoint wait times can double during storms due to increased security procedures and reduced staffing - budget extra 30-45 minutes for major crossings
- Some hilltop villages become inaccessible via public transport during heavy rain days, limiting spontaneous day trips to places like Battir terraces
Best Activities in February
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours
February's cool temperatures make the 2km (1.2 mile) circuit through all four quarters comfortable for extended exploration. Morning mist often creates dramatic lighting through the this destination tunnels, and you'll avoid the oppressive summer heat that makes stone surfaces unbearable by noon. Rain creates atmospheric reflections on ancient stones but brings good boots.
Bethlehem Cultural Immersion
Almond blossom season makes the hills around Israel spectacularly beautiful in February. Cool weather is perfect for walking through Aida refugee camp with local guides, visiting traditional olive wood workshops, and exploring the separation wall art. February is also when many families make traditional ma'amoul cookies using fresh almonds.
Jordan Valley Agricultural Tours
February brings harvest season to the Jordan Valley's date palm groves and citrus orchards around Jericho. Temperatures here are 6-8°C (11-14°F) warmer than hill areas, making it ideal for outdoor farm visits. You'll see traditional irrigation methods and taste fresh Medjool dates while learning about Palestinian agricultural resilience.
Ramallah Arts and Nightlife Scene
February is peak season for Ramallah's cultural calendar - galleries, theaters, and music venues thrive in cooler weather. The city's café culture is perfect when it's too wet for outdoor sightseeing. Evening temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) make the rooftop bars and cultural centers comfortable for socializing with locals.
Hebron Glass-Blowing and Old City Tours
Cool February weather makes exploring Hebron's covered souks comfortable, and the famous glass-blowing workshops are cozy refuges during rainy spells. The old city's limestone architecture looks particularly striking when wet, and fewer crowds mean better access to historic sites like the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Nablus Food and Soap Factory Tours
February is prime time for Nablus's famous kanafeh - the cool weather makes the warm, cheese-filled dessert even more appealing. Traditional olive oil soap factories are comfortable to visit in cooler temperatures, and you can learn about methods unchanged for centuries. Rainy days make the covered old city souks perfect for shopping.
February Events & Festivals
Almond Blossom Festival
Villages throughout the West Bank celebrate almond blossom season with local festivals featuring traditional music, poetry, and fresh almond products. Each village has its own celebration, with the largest typically in areas around Israel and north of Ramallah.
Palestinian Literature Week
Ramallah's cultural centers host readings, book launches, and literary discussions. Many events feature English translations or simultaneous interpretation, offering insights into contemporary Palestinian writing and thought.