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The Dead Sea region is one of the driest in the world, with high air temperatures all year round. From November to April average maximum temperature are in the 20-29c (68-84f) range; during the intermediate months of May and September/October average maximum temperatures are 32-37c (90-99f); and in June/July temperatures hover around 38-39c (100-102f). Even in the middle of the winter days are warm and nights pleasantly cool. In fact, night temperatures rarely drop below 10c (50f) for more then two weeks in the entire year. Humidity is low (34-50%), atmospheric pressure high and rainfall sparse rarely more then 50 mm (2 inches) a year. These climatic factors are the cause of the high rate of evaporation from the Dead Sea, creating a unique haze that hangs over the entire area. Due to the high concentration of bromide in the Dead Sea's water, this haze contains large quantities of bromine (a component of many sedatives), which has an extremely relaxing effect on the nervous system. At the same time, the very low humidity, allied to the high rate of evaporation, has a bracing effect, since it increase the metabolic activity of the body. The Dead Sea region, the lowest place on earth, is also the richest in oxygen- 10% more then at Mediterranean Sea level. The absence of polluting factors such as industry, heavy traffic or allergens (due mainly to the climate), contribute to the remarkably pure air, a major boon for people suffering from respiratory ailments. |
The Dead Sea is the only place on
earth where they can sunbathe for extended periods with little or no
sunburn because harmful ultraviolet rays are filtered through three
natural layers: an extra atmospheric layer, an evaporation layer that
exists above the Dead Sea, and a rather thick ozone layer. It is
recommended, however, that guests to the Dead Sea maintain careful and
progressive exposure to the sun. No bigger then the state of New Jersey
10,840 square miles (27,800sq.km.) and only 85 miles (137km.) at the
widest point, Israel's geography is amazingly varied.
Mountains and plains, fertile fields and desert are often minutes apart. Its balmy Mediterranean character comes from a coastline stretching almost the entire length- from Egypt in the south to Lebanon in the north - with long white sandy beaches, a warm tranquil sea, and cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa and Nahariya. Another distinctive region is formed by the verdant hills of the Galilee, the Sea of Galilee, the mountains of the Golan, it can snow in Jerusalem and Safed, and there's skiing on Mount Hermon. I the south, away from green fields and orange groves, It's all desert.. Major attractions here are the Dead Sea - a mineral -rich source of health and beauty at the lowest point on earth-and Eilat, a winter paradise on the Red Sea, famous for its corals and marine life. |