I will be on a tour in Israel form April 22 to May 3rd. I have been told this will be early summer. Should I expect any rain? What fabrics (cotton, model?) should I pack?
Pam from Bath
From what I see at weather.com, 75-100F seems to be the range for the high temp. that time period.
The 'average' rainfall in April is 1.2"
I would pack for 'summer'. If it does rain, just stand there and enjoy it. You should be dry in about 30 minutes ! :-)
I was in Israel in 2014 from April 28-May 8. It was warm/hot most of the days, and I am from a place where it's regularly over 100 degrees so I'm somewhat used to that. You may already know that depending on the sites you plan to visit you may need to dress modestly. At most religious sites your knees and shoulders must be covered, no shorts or tank tops. I wore capris or maxi skirts, never wore full length pants. And for tops I packed shirts of merino wool or other quick dry, lightweight materials. Some days were VERY hot and sweaty and it was nice to have something that dried quickly when I was able to go inside and cool off in the AC. I did take one lightweight sweater for early morning or evenings.
For shoes I took one pair of lightweight tennis shoes (for visiting ruins, hiking, riding camels, etc.) but most of the time I wore a pair of sturdy walking sandals (mine are Merrels, but anything with a thick, supportive soles and good straps so they don't come off would probably do) because my feet were too hot for the tennis shoes. Sunscreen is a must, as is a decent hat or scarf to cover your head in the sun. I don't remember having any rain when we were there, but I suppose it could happen. Always check the weather predictions right before you leave, just in case. Hope you have a great trip.
I got back home to Tel Aviv in mid-February and I have only worn sandals since then. It has been unseasonably warm.
By mid-April, we don't expect any cold weather and more than a light shower or two would be unusual (welcome, but highly unlikely). Expect sunny days, high temps in the 20's to low 30's, and possibly cool evenings and early mornings, especially in Jerusalem, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea. I prefer cottons, the most important thing is that the fabrics "breathe" and are light weight. It is possible that we'll have a hamsin while you're here - very hot, dry conditions and haze. They usually only last 2-3 days.
As Allie said, you need sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat. I always use a lip balm with sunscreen. I also carry a folding fan - which often comes in handy. You can wear sandals everywhere, but if you're going to visit archaeological sights or nature parks, you'll want trainers or hiking shoes and socks. I always carry some moleskin with me, lots of walking, especially when it's hot, can cause blisters. Use the moleskin when you first feel rubbing to avoid them.
If you are going for a dip in the Dead Sea, you should bring water shoes (it's a really bad idea to go in barefoot) and a bathing suit that you don't care much for - the high mineral salts content can do unpleasant things to some fabrics. If you have any open sores (cuts, scrapes) the salts will burn (no shaving at least 24 hours beforehand). There's a reason for the expression "rubbing salt in an open wound."
A few churches require women to wear skirts - they usually provide wrap-arounds to tie on over your pants. As long as shoulders and knees are covered, you'll be okay in religious sites. Some women carry a scarf to put over their shoulders, I find it awkward if you're trying to take photos. Except for religious women, you won't see many skirts here, but I think they can be more comfortable.
If you are going to the Temple Mount, you have to wear clothing that covers most (if not all) of your legs, as well as a scarf to cover your head. If you are not wearing these things, you will be able to go up. But, once up there, having waited in a possibly long security line and taken a long walk up the ramp, you will be told (not gently) that you can buy expensive scarves there to cover the "offending" portions, or leave. So, wear your most concealing outfit for that part of your sightseeing, and don't forget your headscarf.