Packing for Israel

December 17th, 2025
by Paul Aragon

March is an excellent time to visit the Holy Land, which balances great weather, natural beauty, with manageable tourism levels.

Weather Overview in March

Coastal Netanya: 65–72°F daytime, low 50s at night
Galilee/Tiberias: 70–77°F daytime, low to mid-50s at night
Dead Sea: 75–82°F daytime, mid-60s at night
Jerusalem: 60–70°F daytime, upper 40s–low 50s at night
Possible light rain early in the trip (20% chance some days), mostly sunny later

Spring time in the Jezreel Valley looking from the top of Tel Meggido

Luggage and Bags for international flights from the US to Israel.

Checked Luggage: Most allow one bag up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Excess weight can cost $100+ per bag. Aim for a durable, wheeled suitcase.
Carry-On: One bag (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches) plus one personal item (e.g., purse or backpack). This is crucial for essentials—pack valuables, medications, a change of clothes, and snacks here in case of delays.
Tips: Use packing cubes for organization. Weigh your bags at home.
For security at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, expect thorough checks—pack liquids in a quart-sized bag (3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz max per container if in your carry-on bag).

Packing List (mix modest + comfortable)

Clothes

6–7 short-sleeve breathable shirts/tops
3–4 long-sleeve lightweight shirts or thin sweaters
2 pairs lightweight pants or jeans
1–2 pairs knee-length shorts or women, capris, length skirts or maxi dresses
1 light waterproof/windproof jacket
1 fleece or light sweater (Jerusalem evenings can feel chilly)
1 scarf/pashmina (women for shoulder/head covering at religious sites)
1 modest swimsuit (Dead Sea float; one-piece recommended)
7–10 pairs underwear & socks (quick-dry is best)
Night wear
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders, knees for women, and hat for men at some places);

Footwear

Prioritize 1-2 pair of broken-in shoes — your feet will thank you after Caesarea, Masada, and the Old City of Jerusalem! (you’ll walk 3 or so miles many days on uneven stones)
Water sandals or Flip-flops (Dead Sea, Jordan River)

Accessories & Gear

Toiletries

Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste
Prescription meds + basic first-aid (band-aids, ibuprofen, Imodium, motion-sickness pills for airplane or boat, sleep aid such as melatonin
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Lip balm with SPF
Tissues/small pack of toilet paper (some sites have limited facilities)

Electronics

Documents & Money

Passport and a printed copy of the passport
Printed flight & tour info
The official currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS); U.S. dollars are often accepted in tourist spots, but carry some cash (around $300 USD equivalent) for markets, vendors, and small purchases.
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely used, including contactless options like Apple Pay/Google Pay; ATMs are plentiful for withdrawals, but notify your bank of travel to avoid blocks.
Exchange money at airports, banks, or authorized spots for better rates; debit cards work at ATMs but not always for purchases.
Bring single-dollar bills to purchase bottles of water on the bus.
Haggling is common in markets; tipping 10–15% in restaurants is expected when eating outside hotels.
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, but learning basic Hebrew phrases like "shalom" (hello/goodbye) is appreciated.
Tipping the tour guide and bus driver at the conclusion of the trip is appropriate.

Optional but Helpful