Dead Sea

The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty, and has been estimated to be the second saltiest major body of water in the world. Its name is derived from the fact that the water is far too salinated for marine inhabitation. 

The Dead Sea is naturally endorheic (no outlet streams) with the Jordan River being its only major source. The northern part of the Dead Sea receives scarcely 100 mm (4 inches) of rain a year; the southern section receives barely 50 mm (2 inches). Due to the man-made reduction of the Jordan River (the river waters are 70-90 % used for human purposes) and the high evaporation rate of the Dead Sea, the sea is shrinking. All the shallow waters of the southern end of the sea have been drained and are now salt flats. 

Although the Dead Sea would never entirely disappear (because evaporation slows down as surface area decreases and saltiness increases), measures are currently being proposed to siphon water from the Red Sea through a series of tunnels or canals in order to replenish the rapidly shrinking waters and provide water and electrical solutions to the surrounding countries.

 

Climate 

The climate at the Dead Sea varies depending on the season. Temperatures during the tourist season can become extremely warm, ranging from 30°C (86°F) in the spring to upwards of 40°C (104°F) in the summer. The area receives an average of 330 days of sunshine per year, with rainy days occurring only during winter (if at all). 

Although the Dead Sea is very sunny the low altitude and extra atmosphere makes the sunlight weaker. It is therefore said that sunbathing here carries a lower risk of sunburn, but it is still advisable to take normal precautions using sunblock and adapt gradually. This quality of the Dead Sea sunlight is the real secret behind its mythological curing ability for several diseases, especially skin diseases. This is, in fact, natural phototherapy. 

Caution: During winter and spring there is a danger of floods on rainy days. The Dead Sea basin receives rainwater from relatively far-off areas like the Jerusalem Mountains. This means that sometimes during a sunny day a flood will suddenly and unexpectedly occur. Therefore, be careful when hiking to distant narrow places during these seasons and stay tuned to the weather news. The weather forecast always gives warnings if there is a possibility of flooding. Always do as national reserves staff order - they know the terrain very well. In 2007, several Israelis who had been "snappling" (rappelling) were killed by a flood because they did not obey national reserve staff orders. 

INTERESTING SITES 

The area of the Dead Sea is one of the most special and popular places for tourists visiting Israel. An hour-and-a-half drive from the northernmost point (near Jerusalem), to the southern one (on the road to Eilat), allows you to explore a primal desert, simple and almost untouched, surrounded by the wonders of nature. 

When you arrive at the Dead Sea, on a family tour, on a romantic vacation, or simply to hang out with friends, there are always plenty of possibilities to make the best out of this unique piece of land. 

Here's a brief description of three sites to visit when you come to the area of the Dead Sea: 

Arugot stream & David stream 

Two wonderful streams in the area of Ein Gedi, at the middle of the Dead Sea, invite you to hike by foot and enjoy freshwater waterfalls and magnificent desert plants. The walk lasts a few hours and is not difficult. Suitable for everyone. Minimum age: three. 

Metzokey Dragot observation point

About 15 miles south from Almog junction, at the northernmost point of the Dead Sea, you can find a breathtaking spot, Metzokey Dragot, which means “the Dragot cliffs”. Drive for a few minutes and you're up high above sea level, arriving at a spot that gives you the opportunity to see almost the entire Dead Sea and the red Jordanian mountains facing it. It is indeed one of the most amazing sites in Israel. By the way, this area also offers B&B. 

Ein Gedi botanical gardens

In the middle area of the Dead Sea, there is a small settlement offering many attractions to visitors to the area. One of them is a visit to the natural botanic gardens that were built by pioneers in the area. Thanks to the special minerals in the air, the garden contains plants from all over the world. It is truly an amazing "must-see" site. 

Naturally, there are many more sites to visit, such as Masada, Ein Fashha, Mineral beach, the Dead Sea scrolls etc. 

Make sure your plan is appropriate for the season. In the summertime, temperatures can get up to 40°C (104°F), which means that, between 10am and 4pm, it's best to stay somewhere cool.