Things to Do in Haifa in December

December Weather in Haifa

19°C (67°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather on Mount Carmel - cool mornings at 12°C (53°F) ideal for 3-4 hour nature reserve trails without summer's oppressive heat
Festival of Festivals transforms downtown with free outdoor concerts and street performances - December's mild evenings let you enjoy shows until 10pm comfortably
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season, with sea-view rooms typically ฿2,800-3,500 instead of summer's ฿4,500-6,000
Crystal clear Mediterranean visibility for underwater photography at Bat Galim beach - winter storms clear sediment, creating 15-20m (50-65ft) visibility

Considerations

Ten rainy days means outdoor plans need flexibility - sudden downpours can last 2-3 hours and shut down cable car operations to Stella Maris
Shortened daylight hours (sunset by 4:45pm) limit afternoon sightseeing - you'll need to start Baha'i Gardens visits by 2pm for good photos
Many beachfront cafes reduce hours or close weekdays entirely during winter months, limiting dining options along the German Colony

Best Activities in December

Mount Carmel National Park Hiking Trails

December's cool mornings make the 8km (5-mile) main trail network perfect for hiking. Start at 8am when temperatures are 12°C (53°F) - by afternoon it's a comfortable 19°C (67°F). Winter rains create seasonal waterfalls and wildflower blooms impossible to see other months. The Druze village trails offer cultural encounters with locals preparing winter olive harvests.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-guided trails. Guided nature walks available through park rangers typically cost ₪80-120 ($25-35). Check weather morning-of since trails close during heavy rain. Start early to avoid afternoon showers.

Baha'i Gardens Winter Illumination Tours

December evenings bring special lighting displays across the terraced gardens, visible from 4:30pm sunset onwards. Cool weather means comfortable walks up the 700-step path without summer's heat exhaustion risk. Winter's clear air provides stunning Mediterranean backdrop photos. Local guides share stories about winter maintenance of the 19 terraces.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided access daily. Guided tours typically ₪60-100 ($18-30) and should be booked 5-7 days ahead through official Baha'i center. Evening illumination tours run 5:30-7:30pm December only. Check current tours in booking section below.

German Colony Food Walking Tours

December's mild weather perfect for 3-hour walking food tours covering 2km (1.2 miles) of historic neighborhood. Winter specialties include seasonal citrus from local groves and warming Druze coffee traditions. Smaller crowds mean better access to family-run establishments and longer conversations with vendors about traditional recipes.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead, tours typically ₪150-220 ($45-65) including 5-6 tastings. Morning tours (10am-1pm) work better than afternoon due to restaurant schedules. Look for tours including Druze and Arab neighborhoods for authentic cultural diversity.

Stella Maris Cable Car and Monastery Complex

December's clear weather provides unobstructed panoramic views across Haifa Bay and Lebanon mountains. Cool temperatures make the clifftop monastery grounds comfortable for extended exploration. Winter lighting creates dramatic photography opportunities of the underground grotto and Byzantine mosaics without summer's harsh shadows.

Booking Tip: Cable car runs weather permitting - high winds and rain cause closures. Round-trip typically ₪35-45 ($10-13). Monastery free entry but donations welcomed. Check morning weather forecast since afternoon rain often suspends cable car service.

Akko Day Trips via Train

December's comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring Akko's Crusader tunnels and Ottoman architecture. Winter crowds thin out, giving you intimate access to underground chambers and better interaction with local artisans in the souk. Cool weather perfect for walking the ancient city walls - a 2km (1.2-mile) circuit impossible in summer heat.

Booking Tip: Train from Haifa costs ₪20-25 ($6-7) each way, runs hourly. Akko entrance fees typically ₪40-60 ($12-18) for main sites. Allow full day trip. Guided walking tours of old city available through local operators, typically ₪120-180 ($35-50).

Wadi Nisnas Cultural Quarter Evening Strolls

December evenings come alive in this Arab-Christian neighborhood as cool weather brings families outdoors. Holiday season creates unique cultural fusion with Christmas decorations alongside traditional Middle Eastern winter foods. Local musicians perform acoustic sets in small venues, and family-run eateries serve seasonal specialties like ma'amoul cookies and warming teas.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free. Cultural center occasionally offers guided evening walks for ₪60-80 ($18-24). Check December programming at local community centers. Evening visits 6-9pm capture best atmosphere when families gather outdoors.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Haifa International Film Festival

Israel's premier film festival showcases international cinema across multiple venues. December's cool evenings perfect for venue-hopping between screenings. Red carpet events and director Q&As provide cultural immersion beyond typical tourist activities. Many films feature English subtitles.

Throughout December

Festival of Festivals Holiday Arts Market

Month-long celebration transforms Ben Gurion Boulevard with artisan stalls, live music, and international food vendors. December weather allows comfortable evening browsing until 10pm. Local and regional artists sell handmade crafts, ceramics, and jewelry. Free outdoor concerts most evenings.

Mid to Late December

Christmas Celebrations in Wadi Nisnas

Arab-Christian quarter hosts traditional Christmas markets and midnight mass services. Unique Middle Eastern Christmas traditions include ma'amoul cookie workshops and traditional Arabic Christmas carols. Church services conducted in Arabic create authentic cultural experience rarely accessible to tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - Mount Carmel trails become muddy and slippery after December's 10 rainy days

Packable down jacket for evening activities - temperatures drop quickly after 5pm sunset, especially along the waterfront

Quick-dry long pants - comfortable for temple visits and protection during unexpected rain showers lasting 2-3 hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite winter season - UV index reaches 8 and Mediterranean reflection intensifies exposure

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - afternoon showers strike suddenly and last 30-90 minutes

Layers for temperature swings - morning starts at 12°C (53°F) but afternoons reach 19°C (67°F)

Waterproof phone case - December humidity at 70% plus rain risk threatens electronics during outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - limestone steps in Baha'i Gardens and German Colony become slick when wet

Light wool or fleece pullover - evening temperatures combined with Mediterranean wind create chill factor

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - high humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during active sightseeing days

Insider Knowledge

Local families flock to indoor malls and museums during December's rainy afternoons - join them at Horev Center or National Maritime Museum for authentic winter culture

Haifa University students return from winter break mid-December, transforming nightlife scene - Masada Street comes alive with budget-friendly bars and late-night falafel stands

Municipal heating systems in older buildings often inadequate - book accommodations built after 1990 or verify heating systems when booking German Colony guesthouses

December's seasonal citrus harvest means incredible fresh juice stands throughout Wadi Nisnas and downtown - locals line up at specific vendors known for daily-pressed varieties

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Mediterranean climate means warm December weather - pack for temperature swings from 12-19°C (53-67°F) and frequent rain

Planning beach activities without checking winter conditions - Mediterranean can be rough with strong winds, limiting swimming and water sports

Booking accommodations in hilltop areas without considering December fog - Mount Carmel locations often shrouded in mist, blocking famous city views