Climate and weather in Cyprus

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers that begin in mid-May and last until mid-September, as well as a mild winter from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are short and characterized by pleasant weather. Almost all year round, clear skies and sunny days provide daylight hours ranging from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June.

The climate in Cyprus is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The difference between summer and winter temperatures is around 18 °C inland and about 14 °C on the coast. The difference between day and night is also significant: 8–10 °C in winter in lower altitudes and 5–6 °C in the mountains; in summer, 16 °C inland and 9–12 °C in other regions.

During the day, temperatures in July and August, the hottest months, range between 29 °C (central plain) and 22 °C (Troodos Mountains). Average maximum temperatures are between 36–27 °C. In the coldest month, January, daytime temperatures are 10 °C in the plains and 3 °C in the mountains; average minimum values drop to 5 °C and 0 °C, respectively.

In all open sea areas, the water temperature exceeds 22 °C from June to November and reaches up to 27 °C in August. Even in the coolest months from January to March, it does not fall below 16–17 °C. Near the coast (3–4 m depth), the temperature is almost identical and fluctuates between 15–17 °C in February and 23–28 °C in August. Throughout the day, the water temperature hardly changes, except in very shallow areas under 1 m.

During the day in winter and at night in the other seasons, humidity is usually between 65% and 95%. In summer, it is very low at noon: 15–30% in the central plain. Fog is rare and usually occurs in the early morning. Visibility is generally very good, except for a few days in spring when Sahara and desert dust is in the air.

Cyprus is one of the sunniest regions in Europe: more than 11.5 hours of sunshine per day in the summer months. Even in December and January, there are about 5.5 hours of sunshine daily.

The winds are changeable and depend on altitude, terrain, and temperature.

April–May: warm days, cool nights. Recommended: spring/summer clothing, light jacket. June–August: very light summer clothing. September–October: warm days, cooler evenings. Light clothing during the day, long sleeves in the evening. November: warm days, suitable for light jackets and sweaters. December–January: very mild, but rain possible. Winter clothing necessary, but no heavy coats. February: warmer, spring is approaching; still cool in the evenings. March: changeable, light winter clothing recommended.

When is the best time to travel?

For a beach holiday: May–October. For sightseeing: almost every month, but avoid July and August due to extreme heat. Combination of beach and excursions without crowds: September–October (velvet season).

A perfect time to travel: warm, quiet, everything is blooming. Ideal for hiking and cycling tours.

March: 20–22 °C during the day, cooler nights – bring warm clothing. April: up to 25 °C, still cool in the mountains – sun protection required. May: start of the bathing season, 30 °C air, 20–22 °C water, hardly any rain.

Full high season with many tourists. On the coast, the heat is bearable due to the sea breeze; inland, it is often up to 40 °C. The west of the island is the coolest. Almost no rain.

Essential: sunscreen, headgear.

June: 29–32 °C, 19–22 °C in the evening, water 25 °C. July: consistently over 30 °C. August: hottest month, often 40 °C. Ideal: Troodos Mountains for cooling off.

Less heat, still many tourists. September–October = perfect velvet season. Nature recovers thanks to small amounts of rain. November: cooler nights.

September: 24–26 °C, full beach life. October: sea still warm, ideal for excursions; small thunderstorms possible. November: 17–20 °C during the day, cooler nights, more frequent rain, storm warnings possible.

Mild and short. Snow only in the Troodos Mountains (skiing possible). In winter, Cyprus is popular with tourists from cold countries – sunbathing, excursions, shopping. Many nature lovers visit the island to observe migratory birds, including pink flamingos.

December: 15–17 °C during the day, 5–10 °C at night, sea 15 °C, stormy winds possible. January: wettest month, but rarely continuous rain; 12–15 °C, water slightly cooler. February: rainy at the beginning, from mid-month spring begins – blossoms and fragrance everywhere.