Timna ValleyAbout Timna Valley
Timna Valley is a geologic and archaeological valley in southern Israel, within a designated park north of Eilat, known for ancient copper mining and dramatic sandstone formations.
Timna has evidence of metallurgical activity dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages and shows intermittently long-term exploitation of local copper deposits. Later periods include Egyptian and regional presence tied to trade and resource use; the area is now conserved and interpreted as an archaeological landscape.
The valley lies in the Negev Highlands of southern Israel, inside Timna Park roughly north of Eilat, set in an arid desert landscape of sandstone and volcanic outcrops.
- Park services: The valley is within a protected park area north of Eilat, with marked trails and a visitor centre providing guided-route information and interpretive displays.
- Visiting seasons: The best time to visit is during the cooler months from autumn to spring when daytime temperatures are lower and walking conditions are easier.
What to See#
- Ancient copper mines: Solomonic-era copper-smelting remains and early mine workings with slag heaps and shaft traces dating to Bronze and Iron Age activity.
- Solomon’s Pillars and rock formations: The geologic sandstone formations known as “Solomon’s Pillars,” tall sculpted pillars and arches carved by erosion that are prominent natural landmarks in the valley.
- Timna Park visitor facilities: Timna Park visitor area with trails, an open-air museum and interpretive panels explaining the archaeology and geology of the valley.
Best Time to Visit Timna Valley
Timna Valley is most pleasant from October through April when desert temperatures are milder for outdoor exploration.
Weather & Climate near Timna Valley
Timna Valley's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 5° - 17° | 11° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 60% | 2.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Excellent | 7° - 19° | 13° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 10° - 22° | 16° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 49% | 3.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 14° - 28° | 21° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 3.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Ideal | 21° - 35° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 38% | 3.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 23° - 37° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 36° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 34° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 50% | 3.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 23° | 1 mm | clear | 52% | 3.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Ideal | 11° - 24° | 18° | 4 mm | clear | 52% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Excellent | 7° - 18° | 13° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Timna Valley
Timna Valley (Timna Park) lies north of Eilat in southern Israel, about 20-30 km from Eilat’s centre - a roughly 20-30 minute drive by car. The site is reached by road from Eilat; many visitors use rented cars or organized day tours from Eilat. There are occasional tourist buses and tour operators running shuttle services from Eilat that stop at the park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Timna Valley
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday desert heat-Timna Valley's trails and rock formations are far more comfortable and photogenic in cooler light.
- Start at the Timna Park visitor center: pick up the site map, watch the short introductory film and follow the marked loops to see highlights (Solomon's Pillars, ancient copper-mining sites, and rock art) efficiently.
- Allow time for the short walking trails and the open-air archaeological displays rather than rushing; if you want guided interpretation, book a guided tour via the visitor center in advance, especially during peak tourist season.