Travel to Palestine — everything you need to know
When to go to Palestine?
- Mar – May — Spring — ideal : Mild temperatures (15–25°C), wildflowers in the Judean hills, beautiful light.
- Sep – Nov — Autumn — excellent : Heat has eased, clear skies, perfect for visiting archaeological sites.
- Jun – Aug — Summer — hot but dry : Dry heat (30–35°C), more bearable than the Gulf countries. Very busy with tourists.
- Dec – Feb — Winter — cool and rainy : Cool in Jerusalem (5–12°C), frequent rain. Occasional snow on the heights.
Weather in Palestine
Check the weather city by city, starting with Ramallah (de facto).
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 13 to 30 °C depending on the season, 44 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 19 to 39 °C depending on the season, 17 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Palestine?
Palestine is a land steeped in millennia of history, the birthplace of three monotheistic religions and some of the world's oldest civilisations. The Palestinian Territories of the West Bank host sites of exceptional spiritual and archaeological importance — Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron — accessible to tourists within a complex political context. Gaza, under blockade since 2007 and devastated by successive conflicts, is not currently accessible to foreign travellers.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is one of the most venerated cities for Christians worldwide, the birthplace of Jesus according to the Gospels. The Church of the Nativity, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012, is built above the grotto traditionally associated with Christ's birth and is one of the oldest Christian basilicas still in use. Bethlehem's old town, with its mother-of-pearl craftsmen, souvenir merchants and lively cafés, deserves a long exploration.
Highlights : Church of the Nativity — 4th-century basilica on the site of Christ's birth, Grotto of the Nativity — crypt holding the silver star marking the birthplace, Manger Square — lively square in front of the church, Aida refugee camp — Banksy murals on the separation wall.
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with traces of occupation dating back 11,000 years. Located 258 metres below sea level in the Jordan Valley, it is also the lowest city on Earth. The Tel es-Sultan archaeological site, the cliffside Monastery of the Temptation and the nearby Dead Sea make it an essential stop on any trip to Palestine.
Highlights : Tel es-Sultan — archaeological site of the "oldest city in the world", Monastery of the Temptation — Orthodox monastery clinging to the cliff, Zacchaeus' Tree — ancient sycamore mentioned in the Gospel, Dead Sea beaches — swimming in the saltiest water on Earth.
Ramallah and Al-Bireh
Ramallah is the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority and the most modern, cosmopolitan city in the West Bank. Its lively centre, cafés, art galleries and trendy restaurants reflect a vibrant Palestinian cultural life despite the difficult political context. The city also hosts many cultural organisations and international NGOs, and its souq remains lively.
Highlights : Manara Square — Ramallah's lively heart, with its lion fountain, Mahmoud Darwish Museum — tribute to the Palestinian national poet, Yasser Arafat Mausoleum — burial place of the Palestinian founding father, Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre — Palestinian contemporary art centre.
Hebron (Al-Khalil)
Hebron is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world, venerated by all three Abrahamic religions as home to the Tomb of the Patriarchs — the presumed burial site of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Hebron's old town, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2017, is a stark example of forced coexistence: its historic centre is partly occupied by Israeli settlers under military protection, creating a unique and tense situation. The traditional blown-glass and blue-and-white ceramic souqs are particularly notable.
Highlights : Tomb of the Patriarchs (Cave of Machpelah) — holy site shared between mosque and synagogue, Old City of Hebron — medieval lanes on the UNESCO list, Souq al-Qattanin — traditional textile and craft market, Hebron glassworks — centuries-old tradition of coloured blown glass.
Travel budget for Palestine
Palestine mainly uses the Israeli Shekel (ILS) as its de facto currency, with the Jordanian Dinar accepted in some areas. Prices are generally lower than in Israel but comparable to Jordan. Tourism is concentrated in the West Bank; Gaza is inaccessible.
- Backpacker : 35–55 €/j — Simple accommodation, local restaurants, shared transport
- Comfort : 80–130 €/j — Charming hotel, good restaurants, guided excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Palestine
- Flight from Paris : Direct flights to Tel Aviv (4h30), then bus or taxi access to Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho via checkpoints.
- Visa : French citizens enter via Israel. No separate Palestinian visa for tourists. A Jordanian stamp on a loose sheet is advisable if continuing to other Arab countries.
- Currency : Israeli Shekel (ILS) used everywhere. Jordanian Dinar (JOD) accepted in some towns. Euros sometimes accepted.
- Language : Palestinian Arabic — English often understood in the tourism sector. French is rarely spoken.
- Electricity : Type C/H (230V) — Israeli type H sockets are specific, adapter recommended
- Health : No mandatory vaccination. Avoid tap water. Healthcare quality varies by area.
- Safety : West Bank: tense situation, frequent tensions, avoid demonstrations. Gaza: STRONGLY ADVISED AGAINST. Be sure to check your country's official travel advisories.
- Political context : Palestine has been recognised as a state by France since 2024. Tourism in the West Bank is possible but requires careful preparation and constant vigilance.
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