Jerusalem's summers are hot and arid. During the summer months, Jerusalem experiences "sharav" (a hot desert wind). Sharav occurs through the year, but is especially common during the warm spring and autumn months. During June, July, August and September, the average temperature usually exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
From September through March, Jerusalem experiences winter; cool temperatures and increased precipitation characterize the season. Storms are unusual and, even in January and February (considered the wettest months), precipitation rarely exceeds 5 inches. Higher levels of humidity also mark the cooler months.
The average daily temperature during the summer months (May through September) is 75 degrees F, while the average winter temperature is about 50. For January and February, the average high temperature is 54 degrees F, while the average low temperature is 39 F. For the months of July and August, the average high temperature is 86 F, while the average low temperature is 64 F.
Annually, Jerusalem experiences about 24 inches of rain. Snow is rare, and when it occurs, it is very light. Precipitation is almost exclusively limited to the winter season. The yearly humidity average is around 60 percent during the day, though during the summer months it may stay around 30 percent to 40 percent.
Because of Jerusalem's elevation and the presence of little industry, air pollution has little effect on weather and climatological patterns. Car and transit pollution is also minor for the city. The average angle of inclination for the sun is 80 degrees, which makes exposure a serious climate consideration.
