Meitar Travel Guide

City City in Southern District, Israel

Meitar sits near the Negev’s rim and functions as a tidy base for desert hikes, Bedouin excursions and southern plain wineries. Expect modest guesthouses, local cafés and quick roads toward Be’er Sheva and the Negev tracks.

Costs

Midrange for southern Israel

Daily budgets around $70-120; fewer tourist services than big cities.

Safety

Mostly safe with routine vigilance

Generally safe but maintain usual Israel-travel awareness and avoid border flashpoints.

Best Time

March-May and September-November

Spring and autumn are mild; summers are very hot.

In This Guide

Why Visit Meitar?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

8,438

Infrastructure & Convenience

Car-dependent with limited public transit; Hebrew signage predominant.

Popularity

Primarily residential; not a tourist destination.

Known For

modern suburban development, commuter community, desert-adjacent landscapes, community centers, family neighborhoods, local shops, proximity to Beersheba, hiking nearby

Meitar grew rapidly from a planned community into a commuter town serving Beersheba and the Negev.

Why Visit Meitar? #

Positioned on the northern edge of the Negev, Meitar serves as a practical gateway to desert landscapes and agricultural highlands. Nearby trails and sandstone knolls offer hiking and stargazing, while Bedouin-run experiences introduce traditional hospitality and dishes like zarb and date-based sweets. Small-town markets showcase local produce, making Meitar a springboard for exploring southern Israel’s quieter natural side. It’s also close enough to regional towns for easy day trips.

Top Things to Do in Meitar

All Attractions ›

Masada

Ancient fortress atop desert plateau, historic siege site

Archaeological Site

Cave of the Patriarchs

Ancient subterranean shrine and biblical patriarchs' tombs

Tomb

Judaean Mountains

Mountain ridge south of Jerusalem with biblical significance

Mountains

Gath (city)

Ancient Philistine city and archaeological site in Israel

Archaeological Site

Tel Lachish

Ancient fortified Canaanite and Israelite archaeological mound

Archaeological Site

Tel Be'er Sheva

Archaeological tel with biblical and Ottoman layers

National Park

Mampsis

Nabatean caravan city ruins on Negev trade routes

National Park

Maresha

Ancient archaeological site in Israel with Hellenistic ruins

Archaeological Site

Don't Miss

Meitar Community Park - Well-kept municipal park with playgrounds, sports courts and shaded paths.
Local Farmers' Market - Periodic market showcasing organic produce and regional foods from Negev growers.
Meitar Cultural Centre - Community venue offering classes, local exhibitions and occasional performances.

Hidden Gems

Hiking Trails on the Northern Negev Hills - Quiet trails offering desert flora, short walks and panoramic vistas.
Local Olive Oil Producers - Small producers selling local olive oil and explaining regional pressing methods.
Bedouin Cultural Visits - Organized visits to nearby Bedouin communities presenting traditional crafts and hospitality.

Day Trips

Beersheba - Regional hub with markets and museums roughly 25-30 minutes from Meitar.
Tel Arad National Park - Desert archaeological site with ancient fortress and spectacular Negev views nearby.

Best Time to Visit Meitar #

Meitar experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Visit in spring or autumn for the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities; summers can be uncomfortably hot.

Winter

December - February · 8-17°C (46-63°F)

Mild, slightly wetter months with cool nights; days are pleasant for low-effort outdoor activities and cultural visits.

Summer

June - August · 30-40°C (86-104°F)

Extremely hot and dry - daytime outdoor activities are best early or late, and shade or air conditioning is essential.

Spring/Autumn

March - May, September - November · 18-28°C (64-82°F)

Warm days and comfortable evenings ideal for hiking, stargazing and exploring the Negev fringe without intense heat.

Best Time to Visit Meitar #

Climate

Meitar's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

45°

Warmest Month

-2°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

6° – 15°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

62 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

10.2h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

6° – 16°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

52 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

10.9h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

8° – 19°

66%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

43 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

12° – 25°

60%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

12 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

12.8h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

92 Ideal

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

14° – 28°

54%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

3 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

13.6h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

17° – 31°

56%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

0 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

14.0h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

19° – 32°

59%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

0 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

13.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

19° – 32°

62%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

0 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.1h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Warm

24°C

Temperature

18° – 30°

63%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

0 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.2h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.

91 Ideal

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

15° – 28°

63%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

7 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.2

UV Index

High

11.3h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

79 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

11° – 22°

63%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

32 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

10.4h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

76 Very Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

7° – 17°

68%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

52 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.0h daylight

How to Get to Meitar

By Air

By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Meitar #

Meitar is a small, walkable town but many visitors use cars to get around the surrounding Negev area. Shared taxis (sherut) and buses link Meitar with Beersheba and other regional centres; for flexibility a car is recommended when exploring beyond the town.

Where to Stay in Meitar #

Budget

No local budget options - stay in Be'er Sheva (₪80-200/night)

Meitar is a small town with practically no dedicated hotels. Budget travellers usually stay in nearby Be'er Sheva where more options exist.

Mid-Range

Be'er Sheva (nearest) - ₪200-450/night

There are no significant mid-range hotels in Meitar itself; Be'er Sheva (20-30 minutes) is the nearest centre with reliable mid-range chains and services.

Leonardo Hotel Be'er Sheva - Modern, convenient for region.
Isrotel Casa/Be'er Sheva (area) - Regional mid-range chain options.

Luxury

Be'er Sheva / Tel Aviv - ₪450+/night

Luxury hotels do not operate in Meitar. For upgraded rooms and conference facilities, base yourself in Be'er Sheva or head to Tel Aviv for top-tier choices.

Leonardo Hotel Be'er Sheva - Closest upscale option nearby.

Where to Eat in Meitar #

Local Food

Meitar offers small cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants. For broader culinary variety, nearby Beersheba provides many more dining options.

Local cafés and family eateries - Casual Israeli and regional dishes
Local bakeries - Fresh breads and pastries daily
Beersheba restaurants (nearby) - Wider dining options within short drive

Cafés & Takeaway

Casual cafés and grill stands serve shawarma, salads and baked goods. Regional Negev and Bedouin influences appear in local home cooking and specialty events.

Local coffee shops - Light lunches, sandwiches and pastries
Shawarma and grill stands - Common quick meal choices
Negev regional dishes - Bedouin-influenced stews and flatbreads

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Meitar's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Grill

Sushi

Burger

Noodles

Regional

Ice Cream

Nightlife in Meitar #

Nightlife in Meitar is limited to local cafés and restaurants - there are few late-night venues. For bars, live music and a fuller evening scene head into Beersheba.

Shopping in Meitar #

Shopping in Meitar is practical and local: grocery stores, pharmacies and small retail outlets cover daily needs. For department stores, larger supermarkets and more variety plan a trip to Beersheba.

Nearby Cities #