Does it snow in Bethlehem? This is one of the questions individuals keep asking themselves since this place is famous.
Without a doubt, Bethlehem ranks as one of the most recognized destinations in the world.
After all, it is the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Does it, however, snow in Bethlehem? You might be surprised by the answer!
Bethlehem, the historical birthplace of Jesus, is on Palestine’s West Bank.
The city is located about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem on a landmass of 10.611 square kilometers and has a population of 25,000 people.
Bethlehem is situated in the southern Judean Mountains, at an altitude of 2,543 feet (775 meters).
In this article, I will answer in detail the question “does it snow in Bethlehem?” the birthplace of Jesus Christ?
Read on to learn more about snow in Bethlehem and its history. Let’s get started.
Does it Snow in Bethlehem?
The answer is YES, It does snow in Bethlehem.
Snow in this famous destination happens during the winter period that runs from December to February.
However, some snow is still experienced during the month of March.
History of Snow in Bethlehem
Having answered the question, does it snow in Bethlehem, let’s look at the history of snow in this destination.
While snow is frequently linked with Christmas, it is a rather uncommon phenomenon in Bethlehem.
The city is situated in the Judean Hills, which provide some shelter from the cold winds that blow in from the Mediterranean Sea.
The hills, nevertheless, are not sufficiently high to keep all moisture out of the city, and snowfall is most likely during protracted periods of cold average weather.
Furthermore, due to the city’s average elevation, it frequently encounters what is commonly referred to as a “white out,” in which snow falls so densely that visibility is restricted.
As a result, snow has pleased and upset Bethlehem inhabitants for ages during the rainy month.
Surprisingly, the history of snow in Bethlehem is inextricably linked to the city’s Christian background.
One of the most renowned Nativity Scene paintings, for example, portrays Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus covered by a layer of snow.
The image has been copied numerous times, and it has contributed to the widespread association of Christmas and snow.
In actuality, the relationship between Bethlehem and snow is even more complicated.
While snow does fall in city areas on certain occasions, it is by no means guaranteed.
Nonetheless, for numerous individuals around the world, the idea of Bethlehem as a snowy wonderland is a vital aspect of the Christmas tale.
Climate of Bethlehem
Summers in Bethlehem are long, warm, arid, and clear, while winters are cold and mainly clear.
Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 41°F to 86°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 35°F or rising over 92°F.
The hot season lasts 4.5 months, from the end of May 24 to early October, with daily high temperatures averaging more than 79°F.
August is the hottest month, with average highs of 85°F and lows of 66°F.
From early December to early March, the cool season lasts for approximately 3 months, with a mean daily high temperature of less than 60°F.
January is the coldest month, with a mean low of 41°F and high of 54°F.
When Does it Snow in Bethlehem?
The majority of Bethlehem’s snowfall occurs in December, January, and February.
Although being a winter month, March is an outlier because it receives little snow.
Let’s take a closer look at Bethlehem’s snowy winter months.
December
In Bethlehem, December marks the beginning of winter.
During this time of year, temperatures in Bethlehem are moderately warm and rarely drop below freezing.
The mean high temperature in the city is 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius), while the mean low temperature is 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).
Bethlehem experiences snow for the first time in December, with the city recording one snowfall day during the month.
January
Bethlehem’s coldest month is January.
Temperatures in the city dip further from those experienced in November.
For the month, daily temperatures in Bethlehem range from 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).
The days are gloomy, and the city receives an average of 6 hours of sunlight every day.
Although January has the highest rainfall in Bethlehem, the city only has one snowy day during the month.
February
Given that very little snowfall is recorded in March, February is preferably the last month of winter in Bethlehem.
During the month, there is a small increase in daily temperatures.
The current average temperature ranges from 55.4 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).
The number of gloomy days and, as a result, rainfall levels are lower than in January.
Snow falls in Bethlehem for one day, just as it did the previous month.
What Are Winters Like in Bethlehem?
Winter in Bethlehem can be extremely chilly with snowfall on occasion.
In December, January, and February, the average temperature ranges from 5°C to 12°C, with nighttime temperatures plunging to below freezing.
Pack warm gear, such as jackets, scarves, and gloves, and wear sturdy shoes to handle the potentially ice walkways.
Despite the cold, Bethlehem is a popular winter trip due to its rich history and religious significance.
Visitors can explore the city’s old churches and sacred monuments, such as the Church of the Nativity, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth.
Winter is also a fantastic time to savor traditional Palestinian cuisine, such as hearty stews and hot beverages such as tea and coffee.
Overall, while Bethlehem may be cold in the winter, its cultural offers and historical significance make it a great winter destination.
Skiing in Bethlehem
It’s not surprising that Bethlehem lacks a skiing landscape, let alone a ski resort.
Bethlehem’s high low temperatures, which seldom go below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, ensure that any snowfall in the city melts quickly.
The city, on the other hand, is never dull during the winter because it contains various tourist attraction places that will pique your interest as a travel enthusiast.
If you want to go skiing or snowboarding in Bethlehem, you must travel to Mount Hermon Ski Resort located in Northern Israel.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Bethlehem?”
Does it snow in Bethlehem? The answer as seen from above is YES.
Despite being shielded from the cold Mediterranean winds by the Judean Hills, the city does receive snow during the winter period that runs from December to March.
Unfortunately, due to the little amount of snow experienced, there are no ski resorts in the area for lovers of winter sports.
So, if you want to experience snow in the birthplace of Jesus Christ, book your flight and head over to Bethlehem for a unique experience!