Tabun Cave
Cave Paleolithic cave with early human archaeological remains
A prehistoric cave on Israel’s Carmel coast, Tabun Cave contains long sequences of Paleolithic deposits and hominin remains; archaeologically minded visitors see the Nahal Me’arot site and learn about human evolution in museum displays.
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Tabun Cave is a Paleolithic rock shelter on Mount Carmel in northern Israel, notable for a long archaeological sequence. It is one of the principal caves in the Nahal Me’arot cave complex and has been central to studies of early humans in the Levant.
The site contains stratified deposits representing repeated occupations during the Lower and Middle Paleolithic, including stone-tool assemblages and human remains. The cave is important for comparisons between Neanderthal and early modern human occupations in the region.
Excavations at Tabun were led by Dorothy Garrod in the late 1920s and early 1930s and have continued with later archaeological work; the stratigraphy recovered there has been widely published and studied. Findings have shaped understanding of Paleolithic chronology and behaviour in the eastern Mediterranean.
Tabun sits on the western slopes of Mount Carmel near Haifa, within a protected nature area. The cave is accessible from nearby roads and is part of a cluster of archaeological caves on the Carmel ridge.
- Excavation: Excavated by Dorothy Garrod in the late 1920s and early 1930s, forming a key stratified sequence for Paleolithic research in the Levant.
- Archaeological significance: Part of the Nahal Me'arot cave complex on Mount Carmel, with deposits spanning Lower and Middle Paleolithic occupations.
How to Get to Tabun Cave #
Tabun is accessed from the Mount Carmel area near Haifa. From Haifa, drive or take local buses toward the Carmel National Park and follow signage for the Nahal Me’arot caves; the site is part of a protected park complex with trails.
Tips for Visiting Tabun Cave #
- Visit the Nahal Me'arot caves with a guide to understand the archaeological context and to see curated finds.
- Wear sturdy shoes - the cave approaches are rocky and can be slippery after rain.
- Combine with the Carmel National Park trails for broader landscape context and picnic sites.
Best Time to Visit Tabun Cave #
Visit in spring or autumn for comfortable hiking conditions and to combine with other Carmel attractions.
Weather & Climate near Tabun Cave #
Tabun Cave's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (551 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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