Tel Dothan Archaeological Site

Ancient archaeological mound identified with biblical Dothan

Tel Dothan is an archaeological mound in the West Bank linked to biblical narratives; visitors and researchers come for ancient ruins, excavated walls and the site's long historical layers.

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Tel Dothan at a Glance#

About Tel Dothan#

Tel Dothan is identified with an ancient tell in the northern West Bank that is referenced in biblical texts. It is known in tradition as the setting for episodes involving Joseph and later the prophet Elisha.

The site is a raised archaeological mound with surface remains and visible stratigraphy typical of Bronze and Iron Age tells. It is visited mainly for its biblical associations and as an archaeological locality rather than for large, restored monuments.

Tel Dothan appears in the Hebrew Bible and has been identified by scholars with the archaeological mound in the area; the site shows occupation layers from ancient periods including Bronze and Iron Age phases. Over time the location retained significance in local historical and religious traditions.

Located in the northern West Bank region associated with the administrative area around Jenin, the tell sits within a rural landscape of cultivated fields and low hills.

  • Access considerations: Located in the northern West Bank region, access can be affected by local travel restrictions and requires checking current conditions before visiting.

How to Get to Tel Dothan#

Tel Dothan is in the West Bank near the modern city of Jenin. Access depends on local conditions and permissions; visitors should arrange travel through local guides or tour operators familiar with the area and check current security and access information before travel.

Tips for Visiting Tel Dothan#

  • Bring archaeological or biblical-historical maps if exploring the site in detail - modern signage may be limited.
  • Coordinate with local authorities regarding access and safety if visiting archaeological remains in contested areas.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid heat and to maximize available light for photography of ruins.

Best Time to Visit Tel Dothan#

Spring and autumn generally provide the most comfortable conditions to visit archaeological sites in this region.

Spring
March-May · 15-25°C
Temperate weather and good visibility for exploring the tell and surrounding landscapes.
Autumn
September-November · 18-28°C
Clearer days after summer heat; less chance of dust storms.

Weather & Climate near Tel Dothan#

Climate

Tel Dothan'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 6°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (542 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 67 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 6° - 15° 10° 139 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.4 m/s 0.5 low 10.1h
February Good 7° - 16° 11° 106 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
March Very Good 8° - 18° 13° 68 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.9 m/s 1.2 high 11.9h
April Excellent 12° - 23° 17° 21 mm some cloud 70% 2.9 m/s 1.7 very high 12.9h
May Ideal 15° - 27° 21° 5 mm mostly sunny 67% 3.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.7h
June Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 0 mm clear 68% 3.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.1h
July Ideal 20° - 31° 26° 0 mm clear 69% 3.4 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.9h
August Ideal 21° - 31° 26° 0 mm clear 69% 3.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
September Ideal 19° - 30° 25° 0 mm clear 67% 3.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 16° - 27° 22° 15 mm mostly sunny 66% 1.9 m/s 1.2 high 11.2h
November Very Good 11° - 22° 17° 70 mm mostly sunny 64% 2.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
December Good 8° - 16° 12° 118 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.3 m/s 0.5 low 9.9h

Nearby Attractions to Tel Dothan#