Weather in Cyprus

climate and weather in CyprusCyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean sea, set in the east Mediterranean to the east of Greece and south of Turkey. The island Republic depends heavily on tourism, being a favourite holiday destination for Europeans with its long, hot, dry summers and mild winters. The island enjoys around 3,500 hours of sunshine a year, responsible for its reputation as being the sunniest spot in the European Union.

Classified as having an intense Mediterranean Climate, the weather of Cyprus is not as wet as is typical for this type of climate , and there are fairly marked temperature differences between the coastal lowlands and the interior mountains in all seasons.

Summer begins in April, when temperatures reach around 23°C (73°F) during the day, with cooler nights, and the hot holiday season continues to see temperatures rise through to November. The hottest months of the summer are July and August, when the heat can be uncomfortable. Autumn brings warm, balmy days, followed by a winter still warm enough for basking on the beach.  Even during winter temperatures are mild (except on the Troodos Mountains) and can exceed 20°C (68°F), with Limassol being statistically the warmest spot on the island. In spring the sun gathers its full strength again, and sets the island ablaze with displays of wild flowers and orange blossom.

The Troodos Mountains receive snow between January and March, offering a relatively short but enjoyable ski season. Rainy days in Cyprus are rare, even during the wettest winter months, and are generally confined to the highlands.


When is the best time to go to Cyprus?

Peak holiday season in Cyprus is during the blazing hot months of July and August, when the tourist resorts are overrun with revellers. For enjoying the beaches more quietly the months either side of the main season are just as hot and sunny. In general though, a holiday in Cyprus is a pleasant experience at any time of the year.Bring some diving shoes for underwater excursions and at least one change of swimwear, with a sarong or light covering. 

What to pack for a holiday in Cyprus?

The dress code in Cyprus is casual, so T-shirts, shorts and sandals are the standard on most holidays; and sometimes people wear long sleeved shirts or sarongs for protection from the sun. Evenings can become cool and, especially in winter, an extra layer or two is always welcome in a nippy wind. In the cooler months, long sleeved shirts and light tops will do, along with a light raincoat for winter showers. Always have comfortable walking shoes, and sandals are superb in the summer– the freedom to kick them off and slip them on with ease is great at the beach. Finally, take along something smart for a special night out; as it's always fun to dress up in the Med.  


Weather in Cyprus in January

Average temperature in Cyprus in January: 12°C, 54°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in January: 16°C, 69°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in January: 90mm, 3.5in
Note:  January is one of the coldest and wettest months in Cyprus, but even so temperatures are mild (except in the mountains where the mercury can hit freezing or below) and the weather is mainly sunny. Hail and rain are possible, but rare, on the coast, and there can be snow at high altitude where you can ski in the Troodos Mountains.
 

Weather in Cyprus in February

Average temperature in Cyprus in February: 13°C, 55°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in February: 16°C, 69°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in February: 70mm, 2.7in
Note: February is mild to warm on the coast of Cyprus, with chilly nights and the possibility of a rainy day or two. Inland in the mountains conditions are cold and frosty. It’s a good month for exploring the countryside because by the end of February signs of spring are evident in the valley villages.
 

Weather in Cyprus in March

Average temperature in Cyprus in March: 16°C, 60°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in March: 17°C, 63°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in March: 60mm, 2.3in
Note: Spring bursts on Cyprus with wild flowers in bloom and temperatures creeping up all over the island, while the threat of rain diminishes. It’s sunshine all the way, and a good time to explore the countryside on foot.
 

Weather in Cyprus in April

Average temperature in Cyprus in April: 21°C, 69°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in April: 20°C, 67°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in April: 20mm, 0.7in
Note: No sooner has spring arrived in Cyprus than summer sets in, and by April the weather hots up appreciably on the coast, although nights can still feel chilly. Temperatures at the beach resorts reach the low 20s°C (around 68°F), and the sun shines brightly.
 

Weather in Cyprus in May

Average temperature in Cyprus in May: 27°C, 80°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in May: 22°C, 71°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in May: 10mm, 0.3in
Note: Early May brings some breezy days to Cyprus, but temperatures climb rapidly and in the interior can reach 30°C (86°F) as summer weather sets in. The countryside is still green, and the beach bars open for business.
 

Weather in Cyprus in June

Average temperature in Cyprus in June: 30°C, 86°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in June: 24°C, 75°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in June: 10mm, 0.3in
Note: Cyprus sizzles under the sun in June, with the sea refreshingly warm, but temperatures are not yet at their summer highs. It is cooler on the mountains, particularly at night. June in Cyprus offers perfect beach holiday weather, and is glorious for hiking in the highlands.
 

Weather in Cyprus in July

Average temperature in Cyprus in July: 31°C, 91°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in July: 26°C, 79°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in July: 10mm, 0.3in
Note:  Holiday-makers flood into Cyprus in July to enjoy the clear blue skies, endless sunshine and warm sea bathing – not to mention the lively nightlife in the resorts. Temperatures are blistering, reaching the high 30s°C (90s°F) inland, and not much cooler on the coast. The coolest place on the island is in the Troodos mountains, which are pleasantly mild.
 

Weather in Cyprus in August

Average temperature in Cyprus in August: 32°C, 90°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in August: 28°C, 81°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in August: 10mm, 0.3in
Note: With cloudless skies and around 12 hours of sunshine a day, Cyprus is holiday heaven during August, unless you are put off by intense heat and heavy crowds. Even the sea feels like a warm bath as temperatures soar, but there is some relief at night when the mercury drops by several degrees.
 

Weather in Cyprus in September

Average temperature in Cyprus in September: 29°C, 84°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in September: 26°C, 79°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in September: 10mm, 0.3in
Note: The bulk of the summer holiday-makers have left Cyprus by September, but the sunny, hot weather stays behind, the heat peaking at midday when it is best to stay indoors or in the shade. The Cypriot wineries offer tastings during September.
 

Weather in Cyprus in October

Average temperature in Cyprus in October: 24°C, 76°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in October: 24°C, 76°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in October: 30mm, 1.1in
Note: The weather in Cyprus in October is still summery and hot by day, but cooler evenings signal the fact that winter is on the way. It is still largely dry, and great beach weather.
 

Weather in Cyprus in November

Average temperature in Cyprus in November: 18°C, 64°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in November: 21°C, 68°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in November: 50mm, 2in
Note: Parched after the hot dry summer, Cyprus welcomes some rain in November as the wet winter arrives. Temperatures remain warm to mild by day, however, although there is a distinct chill after dark, particularly inland. By the end of November it is a little too cool for beach-going, but walkers enjoy the countryside and the autumn foliage on the mountain slopes.
 

Weather in Cyprus in December

Average temperature in Cyprus in December: 14°C, 57°F
Sea temperature in Cyprus in December: 19°C, 65°F
Average rainfall in Cyprus in December: 100mm, 4in
Note: The brief winter has taken hold of sunny Cyprus in December, bringing some cloudy days and rain on an average seven days during the month. The weather can be unsettled, but generally daytime temperatures are mild and even warm in some parts of the island, but at night the winter season chill is evident. There may be some frost in the interior.