AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Jericho sits roughly 400 meters below sea level, making it the hottest city in Palestine by a comfortable margin. Come July, the thermometer climbs past 38°C and the Jordan Valley air shimmers like a mirage. Jericho Waves is the local answer to that relentless heat: a water park in the Nuweimeh neighborhood just north of the city center where families and visitors alike dive into cool pools after a morning of walking between ancient ruins.↗↗↗
If you are planning a day that includes the cable car up to the Mount of Temptation or a wander through Hisham's Palace mosaics, Jericho Waves works perfectly as an afternoon reset. The park is easy to reach from central Jericho by shared taxi, and it keeps the family-friendly energy alive for anyone traveling with children who have reached their limit of stone ruins and interpretive signs.↗↗
Good to know
- Water park
- Open daily10 AM–11 PM
- 4 kmfrom Jericho center
- Wheelchair accessentrance
- Parking
- Good for kids
- Restroom
- 4.4 / 5138 reviews
- Jericho
Why a Water Park Makes Sense Here
Palestine's only true tropical-feel city is Jericho, thanks to its elevation below sea level and surrounding mountains that trap heat. Locals have long used the city as a winter escape from the cooler highlands, but in summer the situation reverses: everyone needs water. Jericho Waves taps into that demand, offering a straightforward splash-and-relax experience for a town where public swimming options are plentiful but the afternoon heat is unforgiving.↗↗
Fitting Jericho Waves Into Your Day
A smart summer itinerary in Jericho pairs morning sightseeing with a midday water break. Start early at Tell es-Sultan, the UNESCO-listed Neolithic mound, or take the cable car before the queues build up. By one or two in the afternoon, temperatures peak and the desire for shade and water becomes urgent. That is when you hop in a shared taxi toward Nuweimeh and settle into the pools for a couple of hours of floating, cooling off, and letting the kids expend their remaining energy before heading back for an evening walk on the main street.↗
For travelers arriving from Jerusalem or Bethlehem, Jericho Waves also works as a final stop on the way back. The drive through the Jordan Valley is hot but scenic, and pulling into a pool for an hour before retracing your route up to the highlands turns an otherwise draining return day into something pleasant.↗
What makes it special
A little planning goes a long way
- The park phone number is 0595992222 — call ahead to confirm opening hours, especially outside peak summer months when Palestinian water parks may operate reduced schedules↗
- Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat if you plan to combine the pool with morning sightseeing; Jericho's UV intensity is noticeably stronger than in the West Bank highlands↗
- Shared taxis within Jericho cost around 2 Israeli shekels, making Nuweimeh a budget-friendly hop from the central roundabout↗
About this guide
Compiled with AI assistance from the sources below; this is not a first-hand visit. Place details collected October 5, 2026. Hours, access and ratings can change; confirm with the venue before visiting.