When to hike and in what direction - General - Israel National Trail Data Project

Israel National Trail General INT Q&A General When to hike and in what direction

1/14/2009 6:42 PM

	Yankale
283 posts

When to hike and in what direction

Early September to mid May. Winter is mild and few rainy days (very common on the AT or other trails) are not a problem if you carry light raingear.

Summer is a problem. Hiking the desert in summer can be dangerous. Avoid the INT in summer.

In fall and winter you will hike from north to south. From late February to May it is better to hike from south to north, although at least 50% of Israelies hike from north to south in spring too.

1/16/2009 7:17 AM

	spunkt
12 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

I am planning to walk the trail in autumn during a three months period beginning in end of September in the direction south to north. What kind of weather could I be expecting during that period? Or would it be better to start earlier in autumn?

1/27/2009 6:53 AM

	spunkt
12 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

I am planning to walk the INT during a three month period in autumn 2009, October - December in the direction from north to south. Or is it too late in the season? Should it be better to start earlier? Are there any special weather conditions I should take in to consideration? How cold would it be in the nights?

1/28/2009 9:22 AM

	Yankale
283 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

Modified By Yankale on 2/24/2009 10:56:38 AM)

You are OK. No major problems with weather. Some rain delays (1-2 days) are expected, but nothing to be concerned about.

For an average rainfall by area and detailed average temps. by month and by area check page 18 in the guide.

5/13/2009 10:18 PM

	ajbarlow02
3 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

I have the opportunity to hike the trail the second half of June and July. I love the desert, and really don't want to leave that out. Is it possible to hike the whole trail in those months? And can I do it North to South?

Thanks!

2/3/2010 2:45 AM

	Yankale
283 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

Modified By Yankale on 2/3/2010 3:47:22 AM)

Sorry for the late answer: Avoid the desert between the end of May until early September. It is extremely hot and dangerous.

2/23/2010 1:38 AM

	Boges
1 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

Due to logistical considerations (being in Israel for something else), I would only be able to hike the trail starting in the second half of July, probably around July 24th. Is there any way this would be safe/recommended? I'm assuming at the very least, it should be a North-South (which I would prefer anyways), there should be plenty of water drops in the South, one should carry a cell phone (and I actually have a SPOT device, which I assume has coverage on the INT)...

I've been leading hiking trips for a freshman orientation program at my university for three/four years now, as well as other hiking trips. In terms of hiking in desert, I've done a rim (South) to river and back in the Grand Canyon, but it wasn't especially hot as it was only early June.

3/5/2010 3:43 AM

	Yankale
283 posts

Re: When to hike and in what direction

Modified By Yankale on 3/5/2010 4:45:18 AM)

To start the hike in late July is not recommended. It's nothing compared to the south rim to the Colorado river and back in June. Temperatures are ranging from 90-95 in the north to 105-110 in the south.Hiking in summer is dangerous and potentially life threatening, not only because of dehydration but also due to danger of Hyperthermia which is a potential threat in the north too.

You cannot drop water just anywhere you want, these are made in specific places. In the north you can find shade to rest between 08:30-16:00, in the desrt there is absolutely no shade.

The INT is very beautiful and it is worth a separate trip in the right season.

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