World Guide

Jerusalem

City in Palestine

Jerusalem
Photo: askii, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and has a population of about 1.05 million as of 2024. The city is known for its religious sites, cultural institutions, and government buildings.

What to see

The Old City of Jerusalem contains religious sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall. Nearby locations include the Garden Tomb, the Golden Gate, and the Cenacle. Sites such as Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, the Church of Mary Magdalene, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, and the Tomb of Absalom are situated around the Mount of Olives. Visitors may also tour the City of David and the Tower of David. In West Jerusalem, major institutions include the Israel Museum, the Knesset, and the Supreme Court of Israel. Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl serve as sites of remembrance.

When to go

Jerusalem has hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. July and August are the warmest months, with daily highs around 32 °C and minimal rain. Those preferring milder weather may visit during April and May, or in October, when temperatures range from 10 °C to 27 °C. Winter months, particularly December and January, are the coldest and wettest times of the year, with temperatures dropping to lows of 4 °C and regular rainfall.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located 42 km from the city.

Top sights in Jerusalem

  1. KnessetKnesset
  2. Church of the Holy SepulchreChurch of the Holy Sepulchre
  3. GehennaGehenna
  4. Dome of the RockDome of the Rock
  5. Yad VashemYad Vashem
  6. Western Wall
  7. GethsemaneGethsemane
  8. CenacleCenacle
  9. Holy LandHoly Land
  10. West JerusalemWest Jerusalem
  11. Old City of JerusalemOld City of Jerusalem
  12. Mount HerzlMount Herzl
  1. City of David
  2. David's Tomb
  3. Supreme Court of Israel
  4. Tower of David
  5. Israel Museum
  6. Tomb of the Virgin Mary
  7. Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery
  8. Garden Tomb
  9. Golden Gate
  10. Kidron Valley
  11. Church of Mary Magdalene
  12. Temple Institute
  13. Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem
  14. Tomb of Absalom
  15. Church of All Nations

Weather by month

The warmest month is August, with an average high of 32 °C. The wettest is January, with about 162 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C121317222730323230261914
Average low, °C44610131618191715106
Rainfall, mm1621479120810021871112
Rainy days121073101003711

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Jerusalem (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

  • 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza
  • Abbey of the Dormition
  • Ades Synagogue
  • Baka, Jerusalem
  • Bethphage
  • Bible Lands Museum
  • Broad Wall
  • Burnt House
  • Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem
  • Chamber of the Holocaust
  • Chapel of the Ascension
  • Chords Bridge
  • Christ Church, Jerusalem
  • Church of Saint Anne, Jerusalem
  • Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem
  • Church of the Flagellation
  • Church of the Holy Archangels, Jerusalem
  • Church of the Pater Noster
  • Church of the Seat of Mary
  • Church of the Visitation
  • Dominus Flevit Church
  • Greek Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist, Jerusalem
  • Jason's Tomb
  • Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
  • Lifta
  • Little Western Wall
  • Mamilla Cemetery
  • Mar Elias Monastery
  • Monastery of Saint Mark
  • Monastery of Saint Saviour
  • Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem
  • Nachlaot
  • Nebi Akasha Mosque
  • Rockefeller Archeological Museum
  • Solomon's Stables
  • St Andrew's Church, Jerusalem
  • St. George's Cathedral, Jerusalem
  • Sultan's Pool
  • Tomb of Lazarus
  • Tomb of the Prophets

Other cities in Palestine