What to Do in Eilat in Winter: Ideas for Days, Evenings and Any Weather
In short: Eilat in winter is a pleasant destination: sunny, cool days without the summer heat. It is a great time to hike the mountains and craters, visit attractions, stroll the promenade and catch local events. Combine the sea with warm layers, and bring a jacket for the evenings.
You head out in the morning to the promenade with a hot cup of coffee, the sun is already warming your back, and the sea is as blue as it is in summer. That is exactly why so many Israelis escape to Eilat in winter.
What is the weather like in Eilat in winter?
On many days winter in Eilat is lovely: sun during the day, with cool nights and early mornings. Rain is rare, but it does happen, and in the desert even rain far away can send water rushing through the dry riverbeds.
Before every hiking day, check the Eilat weather forecast. If you are deciding on a month, we have a separate guide: when to visit Eilat, month by month.
Local tip: Dress in layers. At midday a T-shirt is enough, and in the evening you will want a light jacket or sweater.
What to do in Eilat in winter: 12 ideas
Here are ideas that suit the winter season:
A morning walk along the promenade, with photos of the sea and the marina.
Pleasant hours at the beach with a towel, a hat and a warm layer by your side.
A hike in the Eilat Mountains, during the hours when the heat is still comfortable.
A visit to Timna Park and its red landscapes.
Snorkeling at the reef, with a wetsuit if the sea feels cool to you.
A visit to the Underwater Observatory or a meeting with dolphins.
A relaxed boat ride on the gulf.
An evening at the mall by the sea.
A long lunch at an outdoor restaurant, in the sun.
A show, festival or event taking place in the city.
A short drive to a viewpoint over the gulf.
A rest day in your apartment, with coffee by the window.
Eilat in winter: beaches and the sea
The sea in Eilat is cooler in winter, but plenty of people still go in. Others prefer to sit on the beach, read and relax in the sun.
If you want to swim, come at midday, when the sun is high. After the water, a big towel and a dry shirt will be waiting for you.
Is snorkeling possible in winter?
Yes, for many people it is, with a thin or full wetsuit. The reef stays beautiful in winter too, and the Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a good fit if you want to see it up close.
Just starting out? Our guide to snorkeling in Eilat for beginners explains how to do it safely.
Hiking in Eilat in winter
This is the best season for hiking in Eilat. You can walk for hours without getting dehydrated, and see the mountains in their most beautiful colors in the morning and at sunset.
Easy trails near the city: Suitable for beginners and families too. Here are the easy hiking trails around Eilat.
Timna Park: A landscape of red rock and unusual formations. Official information about Timna Park.
Lookouts and viewpoints: A short drive, and you are looking down on the gulf.
Local tip: Do not enter a dry riverbed after rain in the area, and do not start a trail without checking the forecast. Water can come down from far away.
Eilat attractions worth visiting in winter
Eilat attractions operate most of the year, and winter is a good time to visit: less heat, and you can be outdoors without suffering. Among the well-known ones are Dolphin Reef and the Underwater Observatory.
Opening hours and bookings change from season to season, so check the official website of each attraction in advance. We also have a full guide: 10 Eilat attractions you must do.
Events in Eilat in winter
In winter the city fills with events, mostly on weekends and holidays. There are music festivals, shows and sports events, and sometimes a jazz week in the city at the Jazz Festival.
Dates change from year to year, so check before you book. It is worth looking at the Eilat events calendar and choosing a weekend that suits you.
What to do in Eilat in the evening in winter
The evenings are cool but pleasant. Take a promenade walk in a sweater, have something warm to drink, enjoy a meal and take your time. All the evening ideas are here: what to do in Eilat in the evening.
What to do when it rains or gets cold
Even in winter there is the occasional cloudy day. Here are ideas that do not depend on the sun:
The mall and an indoor restaurant.
An indoor or partly indoor attraction.
A long meal in the apartment, in your own kitchenette and at your own table.
A rest day, a movie, coffee and good sleep.
Save money: Having breakfast in the apartment instead of at a restaurant every day saves money. The kitchenette has a fridge, a kettle and a microwave.
Eilat in winter with kids
Kids enjoy winter in Eilat: it suits the beach, an easy hike and attractions without the heat. Ideas by age are here: what to do in Eilat with kids.
Where to stay
City Apartments Eilat are in the city center, behind the Club Hotel, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the promenade, North Beach and the mall by the sea. In winter that is convenient: you walk to the promenade without a car, and come back to a warm, comfortable apartment.
[Studio 1](https://www.cityeilat.com/studio1?lang=en): 18 sqm, up to 4 guests, 6 Zofit St.
[Garden Apartment 7](https://www.cityeilat.com/garden7?lang=en): 37 sqm, private garden, up to 5 guests, 23 Nevi'ot St.
[Palmore Suite 15](https://www.cityeilat.com/palmore15?lang=en): about 60 sqm, huge balcony, up to 5 guests, with a pool and gym on the complex, 3 Topaz St.
The apartments have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, linens and towels, and a kitchenette. All the apartments are shown here.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the sea in Eilat in winter?
Yes, many people go in the water in winter too. The sea is cooler, so it is best to come at midday and bring a big towel. If you want to snorkel, a wetsuit helps.
What is the weather like in Eilat in winter?
Usually sunny, pleasant days with cool mornings and evenings. Rain is rare. Always check the forecast before a hike.
Which Eilat attractions are open in winter?
Most attractions operate in winter too. Opening hours vary, so check the official website of each attraction before you go.
What can you do in Eilat when it rains?
Pick an indoor attraction, the mall, a restaurant or a quiet day in the apartment. Put off riverbed hikes to a dry day.
What events are there in Eilat in winter?
There is music, shows, sports events and festivals, sometimes with jazz. Dates vary, so follow the events calendar.
Want a winter in Eilat with sun, the promenade and a cozy place to come back to? Check availability and prices on our website. Booking direct at cityeilat.com gives you an automatic 5% discount.
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