Jericho Travel Guide
City Ancient city in West Bank, Palestinian Territory
Jericho’s palm groves and Tell es‑Sultan ruins attract archaeologists and pilgrims alike; a cable car climbs the Mount of Temptation, while local date farms and oasis pools mark its long history.
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Why Visit Jericho? #
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, Jericho offers palm‑lined oasis landscapes alongside archaeology like Tell es‑Sultan and the cliff‑perched Mount of Temptation monastery. Date groves and local markets selling dried dates define the area’s agricultural rhythm, and nearby hot springs and access to the Dead Sea add a restorative layer to any visit. The city’s deep historical layers make it an evocative stop for travelers interested in biblical archaeology and desert life.
Top Things to Do in Jericho
All Attractions ›
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- Hisham's Palace (Khirbet al-Mafjar) - Hisham's Palace (Khirbet al-Mafjar) archaeological site with ornate mosaics and carved decorations.
- Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) - Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) ruins and the Ain es-Sultan spring, one of oldest settlements.
- Monastery of the Temptation - Monastery of the Temptation reached by cable car, perched on the Mount of Temptation cliff.
- Sycamore tree of Zacchaeus - Sycamore tree traditionally linked to Zacchaeus, a quiet spot with biblical associations.
- Orange groves - Fresh orange groves around Jericho offering seasonal fruit stands and shaded walks.
- Greek Orthodox Saint George - Greek Orthodox church of Saint George, small historic church by the city center.
- Dead Sea - Dead Sea shores for floating, mineral mud treatments, and stark desert vistas.
- Qumran Caves - Qumran Caves archaeological site where Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, short drive away.
Best Time to Visit Jericho #
Best to visit Jericho in spring and autumn when temperatures are comfortable for walking ancient sites. Summers are extremely hot; winters are mild but wetter.
Best Time to Visit Jericho #
Jericho's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 49 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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How to Get to Jericho
Jericho is reached entirely by road - there are no airports or rail lines in town. International visitors typically arrive via Jerusalem (Israel) or Amman (Jordan) and continue overland, taking into account border and permit procedures.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Queen Alia International (AMM): Jericho has no commercial airport; international travellers generally fly into Ben Gurion (TLV, Israel) or Queen Alia (AMM, Jordan) and continue overland. From TLV or AMM you will need onward ground transport and should check border crossing requirements and permits in advance.
Jerusalem / Bethlehem approach: Many visitors arrive overland from Jerusalem or Ramallah via Palestinian or Israeli transport links; flights do not serve Jericho directly.
Train: There is no passenger rail service to Jericho.
Bus / Shared minibus: Jericho is accessible by Palestinian buses and shared taxis from Ramallah, Nablus and Jerusalem; service patterns depend on political and security arrangements. From Jerusalem the public bus services / Palestinian carriers and shared taxis reach Jericho in under two hours depending on route and checks; prices vary and services may be subject to timetable changes.
How to Get Around Jericho #
Jericho’s Old City and archaeological sites are walkable, though the city is surrounded by agricultural land so longer trips require taxis or organized tours. Shared minibuses and private drivers can take you to nearby sites like Hisham’s Palace. Be aware of checkpoints and ID requirements when crossing certain areas; plan transfers in advance and confirm pickup points with drivers.
Where to Stay in Jericho #
- Budget guesthouses (Booking search) - Simple local guesthouses
- Small inns and hostels (Tripadvisor) - Basic, often family-run
- The Andeleh / local mid-range hotels (listings) - Comfortable, locally managed hotels
- Mid-range hotels (Booking search) - Good base for exploring Jericho
- Limited luxury hotels in Jericho - Higher-end stays are rare locally
- Private villas / luxury guesthouses (listings) - Arrange ahead for premium comfort
Where to Eat in Jericho #
- Jericho Old City Market - Dates, olives and fresh produce
- Local family restaurants - Mezze, grilled meats and salads
- Cafés and teahouses - Mint tea and Arabic coffee
- Date shops and stalls - Local varieties and sweets
- Street-food vendors - Falafel, shawarma and snacks
- Local bakeries - Fresh flatbreads and pastries
Nightlife in Jericho #
Nightlife in Jericho is very limited. Evenings are typically quiet with a few cafés and restaurants open for locals and visitors. There is no active club scene; cultural or social life tends to revolve around family gatherings and community venues.
Shopping in Jericho #
Shopping in Jericho is focused on local markets and small shops. The souk sells produce, dates and everyday goods; you can also find simple souvenirs and traditional food products in market stalls. Expect a local, no-frills shopping experience rather than large retail centers.
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