As the second and last official month of the Israeli spring, April is a time of moderate and pleasant weather throughout the country. It is a great time to go out to nature and enjoy the last time of the year when the fields of Northern Israel are still green and blooming, before the dry summer months. It is also usually the time of Passover, which brings upon interesting cultural experiences, alongside some restrictions. Here is everything you should know about visiting Israel in April.
Weather in Israel in April
The average temperature in the coastal areas reaches 23 Celsius/73 Fahrenheit. In the inland areas, the temperature is just a bit higher, while in the mountains it gets to about 15 Celsius/59 Fahrenheit. April is usually characterized by a major temperature drop at night time, so make sure to bring some warm clothes with you for your journey in Israel.
April is the last rainy month before summer, and it sees a major decrease in the amount of rainfall compared to March, with an average of less than 5 rainy days in the entire month, and only 2-3 rainy days along the coastline.
Best things to do in Israel in April
April is a great month to go outside and explore the great natural wonders of Israel. It is the best time of the year to go north, to the Galilee and the Golan Heights, as the desert can get a bit too hot at this time of the year. For that reason, we would highly recommend exploring the beautiful hikes of Northern Israel, like Mount Meron, Nimrod Fortress, and more.
In addition, the weather in the cities along the Mediterranean is ideal in April, making it the best time to go for a road trip along the coast, from the cliffs of Rosh Hanikra and all the way to Tel Aviv, through the magnificent historical cities of Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, and more.
Spending Passover in Israel
What is Passover Holiday?
Passover, also known as the Spring Holiday and the Holiday of Liberty, is one of the most important holidays in Judaism. Passover marks the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the land of Israel. According to the Bible, the Israelites left Egypt on the night of the first day of the holiday, after the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. The last and seventh day of Passover marks the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea.
The night that opens the Passover holiday is called Leil Haseder, and it is considered to be the most important night of Passover. On Leil Haseder night, people gather, usually in a family setting, and follow the Passover traditions. They tell the story of the exodus from Egypt, drink four cups of wine, eat the traditional matzah, and sing traditional Passover songs.
Important things to know about visiting Israel during Passover
According to tradition, it is forbidden to eat and own Chametz products during the seven days of Passover. Chametz products are things made of 5 different grains: wheat, spelt, barley, rye, and oats. For that reason, most restaurants in Israel will not serve those products during the holiday. In addition, items containing those grains will be harder to get in supermarkets.
Beyond that, it’s important to know that public transportation will not operate during the first and last days of Passover. During the 5 days in between, most restaurants and sites are open, but are often quite busy, as most people are on holiday and Passover is the most popular time of the year for Israelis to visit nature reserves in the country. The times of the first and last days of Passover are similar to Shabbat in Israel, as most people meet their families and most places are closed.
Although Passover brings some restrictions for travelers in Israel, it is also a very happy and special time to be in Israel. If you get a chance to Join a Passover dinner or attend Leil Haseder during your visit, you will have an incredible cultural experience.
Other holidays and festivals in April
Mimouna Holiday
The Mimouna, a folk holiday of Jews of Middle Eastern descent that is especially prominent among Jews of Moroccan origin, is celebrated on the seventh evening of Passover. The origin of the holiday is a blessing for the new year after Passover.
The Mimuna celebration includes gathering around a big table with traditional Jewish Maghrebi food, including Mouffleta, Sfinge, and several kinds of mini-sweets. On the Mimouna, it is customary to wear luxurious traditional clothes, identical to the Mimouna clothing of Moroccan Jews, such as Moroccan kaftans and colorful turbans. The holiday also includes several traditional songs, blessings, and dances.
The Mimouna celebrations are always held with warm hospitality and an open door, as everyone, including strangers, is invited to join the Mimouna celebrations throughout the country and enjoy listening to sermons, singing, dancing, and tasting the sweet treats that are placed on the tables.
Haifa International Children’s Theater Festival
An incredible event for visitors with kids, the festival in Haifa offers visitors dozens of international high-quality children’s plays and spectacular street theater performances. The festival, which is free for all, features shows from dozens of different countries, including original productions that are being held for the first time here.
During the three days of the festival, which is held during Passover, you can see dozens of wonderful plays and performances for children from the best children’s theaters in Israel and the world, including musical plays, accessible plays, plays in the Arabic language and plays for preschoolers. So if you are looking for a unique experience for your kids during your visit, it’s hard to find a better option than this special festival.
What’s Blooming in April?
In April, we say goodbye to the winter’s anemones and cyclamens, making way for flowers with an even more impressive presence:
Gilboa Iris & Samaria Iris: Members of the “royal family” of Israeli wildflowers. These are large, dark, and striking flowers that bloom for a very short window.
Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus): Often confused with the anemone, but the Buttercup blooms later, featuring a shiny red color (resembling nail polish) and sepals that sit right against the flower.
Pink & White Rockrose (Cistus): The shrubs that paint the Mediterranean scrubland in white and pink. Their petals are delicate and “crinkled” like tissue paper.
Red Everlasting (Dam HaMaccabim): The iconic small red flower that grows on long stems. Its name in Hebrew literally translates to “Blood of the Maccabees.”
Blue Lupine: While finishing its season in most of the country, you can still find vibrant blue carpets in higher, cooler elevations.
Horned Poppies: Splashes of orange and yellow along roadsides and open fields.
Recommended Spots for Flower Spotting in April
1. Mount Gilboa: The Kingdom of the Iris
This is the most famous destination for April (specifically late March to early April).
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What to see: The purple-crimson Gilboa Iris.
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Where exactly: The “Iris Path” near Mount Barkan. It is an easy, family-friendly trail offering breathtaking views of the Harod Valley alongside rare blooms.
2. Ramat Menashe: The “Tuscany of Israel”
An area that looks like a yellow desert in July transforms into a green, blooming paradise in April.
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What to see: Carpets of Red Buttercups, yellow mustard flowers, and pink Rockrose.
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Where exactly: Givat HaRakafot (despite the name “Cyclamen Hill,” the Buttercups dominate here in April) and Emek HaShalom (Valley of Peace) near Yokneam.
3. Jerusalem Hills & Sataf
At higher altitudes, spring arrives a bit late, making April the perfect time for a trip to the Jerusalem area.
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What to see: Rockrose (pink and white), various wild orchids hiding between the rocks, and Red Everlasting.
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Where exactly: The Sataf Springs Trail or Mount Eitan. The view of the lush green terraces combined with the wildflowers is among the most beautiful in the country.
4. Northern Golan Heights
Here, spring is at its peak while the rest of the country is already starting to heat up.
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What to see: Blue Lupines (which stay late due to the cold), wild fruit tree blossoms, and the blue Syrian Cornflower.
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Where exactly: The Iris Reserve at Mapalim Junction (Golan Iris) or the Bashanit Ridge.
5. The Sharon Plain: Last Blooms by the Sea
For those who prefer not to drive far north, the coastline offers unique blooms that survive thanks to the sea’s moisture.
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What to see: Mountain Tulips (at the start of the month), the Coastal Iris (at the very end of its bloom), and Buttercups.
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Where exactly: Hof HaSharon Nature Reserve (Ga’ash) or Tel Dor
