I'll be traveling to Israel for a wedding in late December, then touring Jordan. The weather should be around 45/50 at night and 65/70 during the day. I would normally pack long layers and a jacket plus whatever I need to wear at the wedding. However, I'm not sure what is acceptable to wear as a woman in Jordan or at some of the sites in Israel. Do I need skirts? scarves?
Thanks for your input.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15794 posts
While summer weather (May-Oct) is pretty predictable, winter weather here is not. A couple years ago it snowed just before Christmas in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Rain is always a possibility in December though it's not one of the rainiest months. When it rains, even if it's in the 50's, it can feel horribly cold. Most people in Jerusalem will be wearing winter coats, hats and gloves. Because of the altitude, Jerusalem and Jordan are usually colder than the balmy coast where I live and rarely wear more than a fleece. The Dead Sea will be warmer but Petra can be really cold. Average temps are useless. 50 is an average of 30 and 70. Also, at the end of December it's dark by around 4.30, and especially at elevation it gets cold rapidly and it takes a few hours for the morning chill to dissipate. You could have midday temps of 65/70 in Jerusalem, but that might only be for 3-4 hours.
Russian Orthodox churches generally require women to wear a skirt. They usually have some kind of wrap-around to put over slacks. Mosques require women to cover their heads (hat/scarf). Married women are expected to cover their heads in synagogues, but no one is going to ask you if you are married if you are seeing it as a 'sight.' If you are attending a service, and you're married, you should probably wear a hat.
What is appropriate at an Israeli wedding depends on how religious it is. For very religious weddings, you'd need a skirt/dress and, if married, head-covering. For non-religious wedding, you can wear just about anything. For a "modern-Orthodox" wedding, you probably don't need to cover your hair but even dressy pants might be frowned upon.
If you are going to dip in the Dead Sea, you should take swimming shoes.
Posted by
Houston, TX
487 posts
Jordan is not as conservative as some other Muslim countries. You will not have to wear a head scarf and most clothing is fine. You can wear a bikini on the beach at the Dead Sea (Israel or Jordan) and if it is warm enough you could wear a tank top at Petra. I would still err on the side of conservative but in December what is comfortable for the weather should have no problems.
Posted by
London, UK
71 posts
When I was there a few years ago, the temperatures were similar. I am usually a dress person but wore pants each day. I never had to cover my head anywhere in Israel or Jordan. That said, I find that packing a scarf is always helpful. Enjoy!
Posted by
8322 posts
I did Israel in late December and didn't take enough warm clothing. It was cold in the evening and I had to wear extra layers of shirts. You do need to take a warm jacket. Scarves would be good, especially for Jordan.
Posted by
Germany
1117 posts
One thing you may also want to keep in mind is that houses in that part of the world usually are built for hot weather and not for cold. Heating systems - as far as they exist (we've seen hotel rooms that could only be "heated" with the A/C) - may not be the most efficient, and you may be glad to have an extra fleece sweater and warm socks in your suitcase for evenings in your hotel room.