Efrat
Climate Characteristics of Efrat
General Overview
Efrat enjoys a distinct Mediterranean mountainous climate. Due to its high elevation, it is considered one of the coldest and rainiest settlements in the Judean Hills region. The weather in the town is characterized by clear, dry mountain air throughout most of the year, with very cold winters and comfortable summers.
Summer Season and Warm Months
Summer in Efrat is characterized by significantly more comfortable temperatures than the rest of the country. Despite strong daytime solar radiation, humidity is very low, which prevents a sticky feeling. In the evenings, temperatures drop rapidly, and the mountain breeze creates a cool atmosphere that often requires long sleeves even at the peak of summer months.
Winter Season and Precipitation
Winter in Efrat is among the coldest and stormiest in Israel. The settlement receives respectable amounts of precipitation, averaging about 600 mm per year. Due to the high altitude, Efrat experiences snow events almost every year, and sometimes it accumulates into a significant layer that remains on the ground for several days.
Transition Seasons and Special Phenomena
Transition seasons in Efrat are characterized by sharp temperature shifts between day and night. Spring brings spectacular mountain blooms and green growth throughout the Gush Etzion region. Autumn features excellent visibility and a very rapid drop in temperatures toward the evening hours.
Weather in Efrat by Month
January
January is the coldest month of the year in Efrat. Daytime temperatures range around 12°C (54°F), and at night they drop to an average of 6°C (43°F), with frost events being very common. This is the peak of the rainy season, and the chance of accumulated snow is at its yearly high.
February
Winter continues in full force with low temperatures and high precipitation. February is similar to January in terms of cold, and the mountain landscape around the settlement turns green and blooming. Snow is also very common this month if a cold system arrives from the north.
March
Spring begins to show its first signs with a gradual rise in daytime temperatures to about 16°C (61°F). Despite daytime warming, nights remain very cold, and significant rain systems accompanied by strong winds can still occur.
April
Particularly pleasant spring weather visits Efrat in April. Temperatures climb to 21°C (70°F) during the day, and nights are cool (about 12°C/54°F). Humidity is low, and visibility from the Judean Hills toward the lowlands and coast is at its best.
May
Temperatures rise to about 25°C (77°F), and days become warm and clear. Rain almost completely disappears, and the atmosphere becomes summer-like but dry. Mountain dryness maintains a very comfortable feeling in the shade and during evenings.
June
June opens the comfortable summer season in Efrat. Average daytime temperatures range around 27°C (81°F), and the sun is very strong throughout the day. The mountain breeze in the afternoon begins to appear, significantly relieving the heat.
July
A very hot and dry month during the day (about 29°C/84°F), but very comfortable at night. Nights in Efrat remain cool (about 18°C/64°F), allowing for comfortable sleep without air conditioning most of the month. Heat stress is felt only during the afternoon hours.
August
The warmest month of the year, yet still much more pleasant than the national average due to the elevation. Temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F) during the day. Nights remain slightly warmer (about 19°C/66°F) but still pleasant, and there is no chance of precipitation.
September
The start of autumn brings a slight temperature drop to 28°C (82°F). Nights become cooler, and humidity remains very low. The air becomes particularly clear and high-quality after the summer months.
October
Significant relief from the heat with temperatures of about 24°C (75°F) during the day. Nights become cool (about 15°C/59°F), and the first rains ("Yoreh") may occur toward the end of the month. The sky fills with partial cloudiness that moderates the sun's radiation.
November
Temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) during the day, and the atmosphere becomes truly wintry. Rainfall increases significantly to an average of about 60 mm, and winds strengthen. This is the transition month when warm clothes are worn again.
December
Winter officially returns to Efrat. Temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night. Rainy days become frequent, and the sky is cloudy most of the time. The area fills with mists and low clouds, giving a European feel.