Eilat, at the very southern tip of Israel, is a resort city on the Gulf of Aqaba, the northern arm of the Red Sea, where the red granite mountains of the Eilat range drop to a short strip of coast between Jordan’s Aqaba to the east and Egypt’s Taba to the south. It is Israel’s sunshine destination: rain is almost unknown, about 23 mm (0.9 in) a year, winters are warm and summers are scorching. The city’s long northern beach is lined with resort hotels, a lagoon marina, malls and a lively promenade, while the southern coast has the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, which protects a shallow coral reef said to be the northernmost in the world, the Underwater Observatory Marine Park and the Dolphin Reef. Snorkeling and diving here are excellent and easy, often straight from the shore. Inland, the desert is close: Timna Park’s copper mines and sandstone formations, the Red Canyon and mountain hikes with views across four countries’ coastlines. Eilat is also a VAT-free zone, so shopping and some services are cheaper than elsewhere in Israel. About 52,000 people live in the city, which is served by Ramon Airport about 20 minutes to the north. Eilat has an extreme desert climate: mild, sunny winters with average highs of about 22–24 °C (71–75 °F), and very hot summers with average highs of about 40–41 °C (104–106 °F).
Right now in Eilat
- Wed 20–31°C 68–88°F Mostly clear
- Thu 21–33°C 70–91°F Clear
- Fri 23–32°C 74–90°F 1 mm Mostly clear
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch
Top tours in Eilat
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Eilat at a glance
- Best months: October to May, when days are warm and sunny; March, April, October and November are ideal. June to September is very hot.
- Time needed: two days for Coral Beach, the Underwater Observatory and the Dolphin Reef; four days with diving, Timna Park and a desert hike; a week for a dive course or a relaxed beach holiday.
- Getting there: fly to Ramon Airport (ETM) from Tel Aviv or on some international routes, or drive about four hours from Tel Aviv. Visitors from visa-exempt countries need an ETA-IL before traveling.
- Costs (as of October 2026): Coral Beach charges a small entry fee; city beaches are free; Eilat’s VAT exemption lowers shop prices.
- Before you go: the ETA-IL, money and transport are covered in our Israel travel guide.
Eilat areas and who each one suits
The North Beach and the lagoon
The heart of resort Eilat, with large hotels, the promenade, the marina, the Mul Hayam mall and the Ice Mall. Busy, convenient and close to restaurants and nightlife. Good for families and first-time visitors.
The city center
On the hillside above the North Beach, the center has the central bus station, shops, local restaurants, apartments and cheaper hotels. Practical for budget travelers.
The South Coast
The road south toward Taba passes the Dolphin Reef, the Underwater Observatory, the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, dive centers, beach camps and a few resorts. Quieter and closer to the reefs; the best base for divers and snorkelers.
The northeast shore
East of the lagoon, beaches such as Thai Beach have shallow water and a more remote feel, close to the Jordanian border fence. Popular for camping and photography.
Where to stay in Eilat
- North Beach: big resort hotels with pools and the promenade outside.
- City center: budget hotels, hostels and apartments.
- South Coast: dive hotels and resorts near the reefs.
- Desert: a few lodges and camping areas near Timna and the Arava.
Eilat is busiest on Jewish holidays and in Israeli school vacations, when prices rise steeply; winter weekends are popular with Israelis escaping the cold.
Top things to see in Eilat
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve
The reserve protects about 1.2–1.5 km (0.7–0.9 miles) of shoreline and the shallow-water coral reef just offshore, which Eilat’s tourism site calls the world’s northernmost. Bridges lead over the reef flat to deeper water, where snorkelers see corals, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and sometimes turtles. Entry costs a small fee, snorkeling gear can be rented, and dive centers next door offer guided dives. The beach is accessible for wheelchair users.
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Next to the reserve, the park’s underwater observatory lets you look out at a living coral reef from several meters below the surface, and its aquariums display some 850 species of marine life. There’s also a sea turtle pool, a shark tank and an observation tower with views over the gulf.
The Dolphin Reef
On the South Coast, the Dolphin Reef lets visitors watch bottlenose dolphins living in a large sea enclosure from floating piers and observation points, and swim or dive with them under supervision. The beach, with shaded lounging areas, is one of Eilat’s prettiest; there’s an admission fee.
Diving and snorkeling
Eilat attracts tens of thousands of divers every year. Beyond Coral Beach, popular sites include the Japanese Gardens, reached by boat opposite the Underwater Observatory, with shallow dives to 10 m (33 feet) and deeper dives to 30 m (100 feet), and a sunken former navy vessel at 24 m (80 feet). Dive centers along the South Coast run try-dives and certification courses.
Timna Park
About 25 km (16 miles) north, this desert park has sandstone formations, including Solomon’s Pillars and the Mushroom rock, ancient copper mines, rock drawings of chariots, arches, a small lake and walking and cycling trails. Some formations are lit up at night.
The Red Canyon and the Eilat Mountains
A short hike through a narrow canyon of red and white sandstone north of the city, with ladders and handholds in places. The Eilat Mountains also have viewpoints such as Mount Tzfachot, which looks over the gulf toward Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The Eilat Birding Center
A short drive from the center, this park of ponds and planted areas has hidden observation spots for watching the birds that migrate through the region in spring and autumn. It’s free and open at all times.
Other things to do in Eilat
- Water sports: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skis, kitesurfing, parasailing and inflatable rides from Kisuski Beach and other North Beach spots.
- Glass-bottom boats and cruises: short boat trips over the reefs and sunset cruises from the marina.
- The Musical Fountain: a free fountain show with 350 jets reaching up to 30 m (100 feet), set to music.
- The Ice Mall: an air-conditioned mall opened in 2012 with an Olympic-size ice rink and about 150 shops and restaurants.
- Shopping: VAT-free clothing, electronics and cosmetics at the BIG Eilat center, the Mul Hayam mall and the Ice Mall.
- Camel Ranch Rope Park: a ropes course with zip lines and rope bridges in the desert at the edge of the city.
- Desert jeep and camel tours: half-day trips into the Eilat Mountains and the Arava.
Food and drink
Eilat’s restaurants line the promenade, the marina and the beaches, with fresh fish and seafood, grills, Israeli street food, and international and kosher options in the big hotels. Beach bars, such as the laid-back spots on the South Coast and the northeast shore, are good for sunset drinks. Many hotel restaurants are kosher and follow Shabbat rules, but many restaurants in town stay open. Alcohol is widely served.
Day trips and nearby
Timna Park and the Arava
North of the city, Timna Park and the kibbutz farms and date groves of the Arava valley make an easy half-day trip.
The Ramon Crater
About 2.5 hours north on the road to Tel Aviv, the Ramon Crater near Mitzpe Ramon is a huge erosion crater with hiking, jeep tours and stargazing. See our Israel guide.
Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra
The Yitzhak Rabin (Wadi Araba) crossing to Jordan is about 10 minutes from the city, and Aqaba lies just beyond it; Wadi Rum and Petra are about 1 and 2 hours farther. Visa rules apply and the crossing can close at short notice, so check its status before you go. See our Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra guides.
Taba and Sinai
The Taba crossing to Egypt is at the southern end of Eilat’s coast. Egyptian border charges are paid in cash and have changed at short notice in 2026, and the crossing’s hours can change, so check before you go. See our Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh guides.
Nearby destinations
- Aqaba6 km
- Wadi Rum46 km
- Petra (Wadi Musa)100 km
- Dahab125 km
- Sharm El Sheikh199 km
- Jerusalem249 km
- El Gouna271 km
- Hurghada278 km
Getting there and getting around
Ramon Airport (ETM)
Ramon Airport, about 20 minutes north of the city, has domestic flights from Tel Aviv and some international routes, mostly seasonal. Domestic flights from Tel Aviv take about an hour. Since early 2026, regional tensions have led to periodic airspace closures, so flights can be delayed or canceled at short notice; check your flight with the airline before you travel.
By road
Eilat is about four hours’ drive from Tel Aviv and about 3 hours 45 minutes from Jerusalem, on Route 90 through the Arava or Route 40 through the Negev and Mitzpe Ramon. Intercity buses run from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba; book seats in advance, especially before weekends and holidays. There is no train to Eilat; the nearest station is Beersheba. Fill up with fuel in Eilat, where it is cheaper because of the VAT exemption.
Border crossings
The Yitzhak Rabin crossing to Jordan and the Taba crossing to Egypt are each about 10 minutes from the center. Both can close at short notice, including on some holidays; check their status, opening hours and visa rules before you travel.
Getting around
Eilat is small. City buses link the center, the North Beach and the South Coast, and taxis are easy to find; agree the fare or use the meter. Bikes and e-scooters are handy along the promenade. You’ll need a car or a tour for Timna Park and the desert.
When to go and how long to stay
Eilat is a winter sun destination. October to May brings warm, dry days, with average highs of about 22–24 °C (71–75 °F) from December to February, perfect for the beach in sheltered spots, and 27–34 °C (81–93 °F) in spring and autumn. June to September is very hot, with average highs of 38–41 °C (100–105 °F) and warm nights; plan diving and outdoor activities for early morning, and the sea is at its warmest. Rain is very rare, but sudden storms can cause flash floods in the desert wadis around the city.
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 °C (71 °F) / 11 °C (51 °F) | 4 mm (0.1 in), 1 day | Mild, sunny; winter sun |
| February | 24 °C (74 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in), 1 day | Mild, sunny; good |
| March | 27 °C (81 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in), 0 days | Warm; excellent |
| April | 32 °C (89 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in), 0 days | Warm to hot; very good |
| May | 36 °C (97 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F) | 1 mm (under 0.1 in), 0 days | Hot; good diving |
| June | 39 °C (103 °F) / 25 °C (78 °F) | under 1 mm, 0 days | Very hot |
| July | 41 °C (105 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F) | under 1 mm, 0 days | Very hot; early starts |
| August | 40 °C (105 °F) / 28 °C (82 °F) | under 1 mm, 0 days | Very hot; early starts |
| September | 38 °C (100 °F) / 26 °C (78 °F) | under 1 mm, 0 days | Hot; warm sea |
| October | 34 °C (93 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F) | 4 mm (0.1 in), 0 days | Warm; excellent |
| November | 28 °C (83 °F) / 17 °C (62 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in), 0 days | Warm; excellent |
| December | 23 °C (74 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in), 0 days | Mild, sunny; winter sun |
The figures are the 1991–2020 climate normals the Israel Meteorological Service submitted to the World Meteorological Organization for its Eilat station: average daily highs and lows, average monthly rainfall and days with at least 1 mm of rain.
Events worth planning around
- Bird migration: spring and autumn, when huge numbers of migrating birds pass over the Eilat Mountains.
- Jewish holidays and school vacations: Passover, Sukkot and July–August are very busy; book early.
- Winter season: November to March, when Israelis and European visitors come for the sun.
- Festivals: Eilat hosts music, sports and other events through the year; check the city’s calendar.
How long to stay: 2, 4 and 7 days
- Two days: snorkeling at Coral Beach, the Underwater Observatory, the Dolphin Reef and an evening on the promenade.
- Four days: add boat dives, Timna Park and the Red Canyon.
- Seven days: add a dive course, a desert jeep tour and the Ramon Crater on the way back north.
Typical costs in Eilat
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, converted at about ILS 3.06 per US dollar.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Coral Beach Nature Reserve entry | small fee, about ILS 35–50 (about US$11–16) |
| Underwater Observatory Marine Park, adult | about ILS 120–150 (about US$40–50) |
| Dolphin Reef, adult | about ILS 80–100 (about US$26–33) |
| Guided shore dive with equipment | about ILS 250–350 (about US$80–115) |
| Snorkel gear rental, per day | about ILS 30–60 (about US$10–20) |
| Bus ride in the city | about ILS 5–8 (about US$1.60–2.60) |
| Dinner on the promenade | about ILS 100–200 (about US$33–65) |
| Mid-range hotel double, per night | about ILS 600–1,200 (about US$195–390) |
Eilat’s shops don’t charge VAT, which makes clothes, electronics and cosmetics cheaper than elsewhere in Israel.
Safety in Eilat
Eilat has low crime and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The main risks for visitors come from the heat, the sea and the regional situation.
- Heat: from June to September, temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) are normal. Drink plenty of water, avoid the midday sun and hike only at dawn.
- Sea safety: don’t touch, stand on or break the coral, wear reef shoes against sea urchins and stonefish, use reef-safe sunscreen and dive with licensed centers. Watch for boats and jet skis off the North Beach.
- Desert and flash floods: in the Eilat Mountains and Timna, carry plenty of water, tell someone your plans, and stay out of wadis and canyons when rain is forecast.
- Official alerts: follow instructions from the local authorities, including official alerts sent to phones.
- Border areas and roads: the crossings to Jordan and Egypt can close at short notice, and some roads near the border are sometimes closed; use the main Route 90 and check status before you travel.
- Flight disruptions: airspace can close at short notice; check your flight with the airline before you travel.
- Shabbat: intercity buses don’t run from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening; plan your travel days.
- Emergencies: police 100, ambulance 101, fire 102.
Practical tips for Eilat
- Time zone: UTC+2, with daylight saving time (UTC+3) from late March to late October.
- Weekend: Friday and Saturday, when Israelis fill the hotels and beaches.
- Money: cards are accepted everywhere; carry US dollars in cash if you plan to cross to Taba.
- Power: 230 V, with type H sockets that also take two-pin European plugs.
What to pack for Eilat
Pack swimwear, a rash guard or long-sleeved swim shirt, reef shoes, a mask and snorkel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Add light clothes, closed shoes and a large water bottle for desert hikes, a light jacket for winter evenings and a plug adapter.
Eilat travel FAQ
How do I get to Eilat?
Fly to Ramon Airport, about 20 minutes north of the city, or drive or take a bus from Tel Aviv in about four hours.
Is Eilat good for snorkeling?
Yes. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve has a reef right off the shore, with bridges leading out to deeper water and gear for rent.
When is the best time to visit Eilat?
October to May, especially March, April, October and November. Summer is very hot.
Is shopping in Eilat tax-free?
Yes. Eilat is a VAT-free zone, so clothes, electronics and cosmetics cost less than elsewhere in Israel.
Can I swim with dolphins in Eilat?
At the Dolphin Reef, visitors can watch the dolphins from piers and swim or dive with them under supervision.
How far is Timna Park from Eilat?
About 25 km (16 miles) north, a half-hour drive.
Can I visit Petra from Eilat?
The Yitzhak Rabin crossing to Jordan is about 10 minutes away and Petra about two hours beyond it, but visa rules apply and the crossing can close at short notice; check before you go.
Does it rain in Eilat?
Rarely. Eilat averages about 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain a year, but storms can cause flash floods in the surrounding desert.
Do buses to Eilat run on Shabbat?
No. Intercity buses stop from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.
Do I need a visa for Eilat?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries need an ETA-IL before traveling. See our Israel guide.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. Coral Beach’s reef and facilities, the Underwater Observatory’s species count, the Dolphin Reef, the Japanese Gardens and navy-vessel wreck dive sites, Timna Park, the Birding Center, the Musical Fountain, the Ice Mall, the rope park, VAT-free shopping, drive times, the airport’s distance, and the Yitzhak Rabin and Taba crossings’ distances come from Eilat’s official tourism website (eilat.city; secondary); Taba border charges from GOV.UK’s Israel travel information (updated 22 July 2026), which is also the source of the practical safety facts and emergency numbers; the ETA-IL from the Population and Immigration Authority; airspace disruption from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency; climate normals from the Israel Meteorological Service via the World Meteorological Organization; population from Wikidata. The reserve’s length, the Red Canyon and Mount Tzfachot, flight times, bus details, events, and all entry, dive, transport, meal and hotel prices are general references or estimates and flagged for checking. For entry rules and money, see our Israel travel guide.
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