October is the first autumn month of the year, bringing along moderate weather, foliage, and the first rainfall of the year. As a month that is usually filled with important days and holidays, it is a special time to be in Israel, as you can find plenty of music festivals, great events, and holiday-related activities during October in Israel.
Weather in Israel in October
October is still a warm month, but it gets a bit cooler than the previous summer months. On the coastline, the average temperature during the day is 27 Celsius/80 Fahrenheit, and in the mountains, the temperature drops considerably compared to the month of September, to around 19 Celsius/66 Fahrenheit during the day and 11 Celsius/52 Fahrenheit during the night. The first rainfall of the year usually occurs in October, but the average amount of rainy days in the entire month is less than 5.
In October, we still often go to the beach and the pool — you can start to feel a bit of a chill around sunset, but the water is still pleasant for a swim, at least for us. During the day we wear short sleeves, and in the evening we add a jacket or a light long-sleeve layer. For travelers, we think the weather is truly ideal for exploring Israel — the intense heat of June to August is behind us, and you can enjoy a nice breeze and low humidity.
Best things to do in Israel in October
As October brings good weather, it’s a great time to go out and explore the natural wonders of Israel. Whether it’s the desert, the Galilee, or the Golan Heights, October is a comfortable month for travel throughout the country, with very little chance of rain, long days, and plenty of sunshine.
In addition, October is known as the official month of festivals in Israel, with plenty of high-quality festivals throughout the country, giving you a great chance to immerse yourself in Israeli culture. From great music and film festivals to many events for kids, anyone can find their ideal event in October in Israel.
Holidays in October
Traveling in Israel during the holidays has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it can be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot in the Holy Land — deeply meaningful holidays that always fill us with a sense of reverence for our Jewish heritage. On the other hand, some places may be closed or operate on a limited schedule, and if they are open, they’re often crowded with local travelers. Hotels also tend to be more expensive and fully booked during the holidays, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Yom Kippur
One of the holiest days of the year in Judaism, Yom Kippur is a day that is dedicated to atonement and reflection. On this day, it is customary to stay around the house, take long walks, or ride bicycles, since it is forbidden by the Jewish religion to drive during Yom Kippur, which makes it a very quiet and peaceful day throughout the country. It is also one of the official days of fasting in Judaism, and many people above 13 years old will completely avoid eating and drinking during the 24 hours of Yom Kippur.
It’s important to know that almost the whole country is shut down in Yom Kippur. There’s no public transportation, no stores are open, and almost no service operates as usual, except for emergency services. While it is not illegal to drive, it is very rare to see a car on the road on this day, and driving inside a city can be very dangerous, as many kids go out and ride bicycles on main roads throughout the country on Yum Kippur.
If you visit Israel on Yom Kippur, we would recommend spending the day in one of the major cities, like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, where you can walk to most places, not worry about transportation, and experience this unique day to the fullest. Alternatively, you can go out to nature, and spend the day in a quiet, empty natural spot.
Sukkot
One of the three major Jewish holidays, Sukkot is a 7-day holiday, that is celebrated 3 days after Yom Kippur. The symbol of Sukot is the Sukka, a temporary tent, which is made in most yards and verandas around the country. Traditionally, during the 7-day holiday, people do most of their daily activities inside the Sukka, like eating and sleeping.
During the holiday, families and relatives tend to visit each other and dine in each other’s Sukka. The first and last days of Sukkot are public holidays, in which there’s no public transportation and most shops are closed. On the days in between, most people in the country are on vacation, which means that many nature reserves and other attractions can get very busy.
Israel Festivals in October
InDnegev Music Festival
InDnegev is a 3-day festival in the heart of the desert, near Mitzpe Gvulot, that features a multitude of live shows by indie singers, bands, and DJs of various styles. The festival includes multiple different stages, in which you can see live shows from the early morning until very late at night. Those include some of the most popular Israeli indie singers, as well as young, up-and-coming artists. It also offers yoga classes, lectures, and great food stalls.
The InDnegev Festival takes place for 3 days, during which you can stay in a dedicated campsite with your own tent, or rent a tent. It is also possible to attend the festival for 1 or 2 days without spending the night there. The festival is especially known for its unique atmosphere, as it mostly attracts young, spiritual people, who make it an incredible experience to remember, much beyond the festival’s great music and dancing.
Hatamar Festival
Hatamar Festival is a music festival in the desert, that features local artists and is considered to be the biggest multi-day music festival in Israel, and the one that attracts the best Israeli mainstream artists. The festival, which has been held every year since 1999, lasts several days during Sukkot and usually spans several locations in the Negev, including Mount Masada.
The festival succeeds in bringing a wide range of artists from a diverse musical spectrum. and is mainly suitable for those looking for the complete experience of music combined with powerful nature, as the breathtaking desert setting adds a lot to the experience. Pro tip: don’t miss the festival’s sunrise shows.
Tel Aviv Piano Festival
The largest music festival in Israel, which includes some of the best musicians in Israel, features more than 250 artists, musicians, and bands in a variety of styles, in 4 days of spectacular musical celebration. The festival combines local and international performances, ensembles with many participants, and solo performances.
It also includes young artists who are just starting out, who manage to stand out with original work, mainstream artists, and indie bands, alongside rock, pop, children’s, and even musical stand-up shows. The festival shows take place in Heichal HaTarbut, the Cameri Theater, and the various spaces of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Haifa International Film Festival
The oldest international film festival in Israel, the Haifa International Film Festival was founded in 1983 and since then has become a popular film event with a great international reputation, that attracts visitors from all around the country. The festival is held every year in the Haifa Auditorium in Haifa. During the ten days of the Sukkot holiday, over 280 films are screened at the festival in four halls from morning to midnight, alongside special events, lectures, and meetings with well-known creators from Israel and the world.
