Exploring Israel in Autumn: Foliage, Migrating Birds, and Desert Blooms
As autumn arrives in Israel, cooler weather and seasonal transformations offer ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring blooming landscapes from the Golan Heights to the Negev desert.
Autumn has arrived, bringing cooler temperatures, changing foliage, and unique opportunities to explore nature across Israel as seasonal transitions unfold.
Foliage in the Golan Heights
While the Mediterranean scrub across northern and central Israel remains predominantly green year-round, Merom Golan in the northern Golan Heights offers a rare display of autumn foliage. Situated at an elevation of 977 meters, the kibbutz features numerous deciduous trees imported over the years from colder climates. Guided tours led by local landscape manager Hanoch Schenk showcase species such as Japanese maples, ginkgo biloba, American sweetgums, and bald cypresses, running on weekends through the autumn season.
Bird Migration Along Sharon Waterways
Autumn migration brings hundreds of millions of birds through Israeli airspace as they travel toward Africa to escape the European winter. Newly established water reservoirs and wetlands in the Sharon region—such as Agmon HaHefer, Vika Lookout, and Agmon Poleg—serve as vital resting and feeding stations, offering accessible wildlife observation for visitors alongside walking paths and viewpoints.
Desert Blooms and Hiking Trails
In the Negev desert, the blooming of large autumn-flowering sternbergia plants marks the changing season. Known locally as the desert gold, these yellow geophytes bloom in rocky crevices around the Yeruham Sternbergia Reserve before winter rains arrive. Meanwhile, recent rainfall has filled desert wadis and rock pools, creating optimal conditions for desert trekking along routes such as Nahal Yamin and Nahal Hatakhira, ending near Ein Yorkeam.
Family Trails in Britannia Park
For family-friendly outings, Britannia Park in the Judean Lowlands offers the Ells Trail near Moshav Srigim. The 2.5-kilometer circular route highlights three native pistachio tree species—including the Atlantic pistachio, which displays autumn foliage—alongside ancient agricultural installations, olive groves, and panoramic viewpoints.
