Cyprus Holidays | Cyprus Travel Series | Move to Cyprus | Tourism & Hospitality
3 years May 12, 2020
Cyprus Climate, Weather & the Best Time of Year to Visit
Whether you are relocating to the Republic of Cyprus permanently or simply planning on visiting for a short holiday, it’s important to know about the island’s climate and average weather forecast for any given time period.
While Cyprus is notorious for boasting an average of 330 sunny days per year, when it rains, it pours. Read on for a seasonable breakdown of what to expect and make sure you aren’t caught without an umbrella in the rainier, winter months.
The seasons in Cyprus aren’t classically divided by orangey-red autumnal leaves, snowy winters and mild spring; rather they range from extremely hot and humid weather to slightly cooler weather, to rainy months typically during January and February.
During the summer months, Cyprus enjoys an abundance of sunshine, cloudless skies and an average of 12 hours of bright sunshine per day. The sea breeze creates pleasant temperatures along the coastal cities, while Nicosia and the city of Larnaca can grow unbearable in July and August. Humidity is also quite high year-round, which makes you feel warmer in the sun, and colder in the rain.
While much of the island never gets cold enough to see snow, even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below 6 degrees even in December. However, visitors and residents can enjoy an ample skiing season by visiting the Troodos mountain range, only a 2-hour drive from most major cities, and only an hour away from Limassol for those who enjoy winter sports. Snow usually falls on Troodos from late December to Early February. Click to read more about visiting Troodos here. Isolated thunder showers in the afternoon are common mainly over the mountains year round, and can be a welcomed respite for residents during the unbearable summer months.
Cyprus Climate: Average Temperatures & Weather Conditions
- Daily temperatures during the hottest months of July and August range between 30° C on the coast and up to 40° C inland.
- 24° C on the Troodos Mountains.
- The average maximum temperatures for these two months range between 38° C and 27° C.
- In the coolest months such as January, the indicative daily temperature is approximately 9° C on the coast and up to 12° C inland.
- 3° C on the Troodos Mountain range, while the average minimum temperatures range between 5° C – 0° C.
Sea Temperatures
The island of Cyprus sits in the Mediterranean sea, the warmest ocean in Europe and the Middle East; thereby retaining warm temperatures for swimming year round. Temperatures in the open sea hovers above 22° C from June to November, climbing to 27° C in August. Even during the three coolest months of January to March, average sea temperatures are a tolerable 16° – 17° C.
Humidity
During the days in winter – and at night throughout the year – humidity ranges from average to lower (65% – 95%). During summer it is very low near midday, ranging from 15% to 30% inland. Fog sometimes occurs during the early morning and is burnt off by lunchtime during springtime and summer.
Sunrise & Sunsets
A colourful sunset is caused when molecules change the direction of light rays in the atmosphere, causing them to scatter. There are an abundance of beautiful colours most evenings on the island; when the sun is low on the horizon at sea level, sunlight passes more air through. Watch breathtaking views year round at Aphrodite’s rock.
Seasonal Activity & Clothing Suggestions
Spring Months (March to May)
Days are pleasantly warm during this period but can get a slightly cold and ca get a little bit windy at nights.
The weather is moderate, with plenty of sunshine and nature at its best. All outdoor activities can be enjoyed, with this time of year being preferable for tourists who enjoy city breaks more. March is an excellent time for visiting one of the islands many trials and nature walks with coastal views, as the countryside is green, and flowers are in full bloom.
What to Wear
Medium-weight and summer apparel.
Summer Months (June to August)
The warmest months of summer are ideal for swimming and all beach and water-sport activities. For more weather dependent water-sports such SUP paddling and windsurfing, we would recommend checking the official Accuweather website which details wind strength and direction. Humidity can make any physical activities after 12pm extremely difficult, especially for younger children. The island becomes very dry and dusty, with many cities declaring a drought depending on the amount of rainfall from the previous spring.
What to Wear
Very lightweight summer clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen for even a few minutes out of the shade.
Autumn Months (September to November)
Characteristically, the long summer makes Autumn the shortest ‘season.’
This season is characterized by warm days and cool October evenings. This time of year is the most popular time of year for residents and tourists alike. Many visiters like visiting during this time to prolong their summer for a few weeks due to the islands pleasantly warm days. Lunch in the open–air can still be enjoyed, and even sunbathing and swimming can too, along with most outdoor sports.
What to Wear
Lightweight apparel for the day, sometimes a light jacket is needed on the coast in the evening.
Medium-weight apparel for the evenings in late October-November.
Winter Months (December to February).
November to the end of February are considered to be the winter months for Cypriots, however feels like autumn for many foreign visitors from Russia, the UK and most of Europe. It will rain occasionally, and can be gloriously sunny 2 minutes later and often comes in monsoon style downpours. Outdoor activities and excursions can still be enjoyed.
What to Wear
Heavy coats are not necessary unless you are heading up to Omodos or Troodos. Winter clothing and light woolies are required; and taking a rain mac or an umbrella for the heavy downpours is advised.
The weather is unpredictable, with the possibility of warm days and occasional rain. Whilst temperatures are the forerunners of spring, it can be quite cold in the evenings. Almond trees are in bloom and a lot of other beautiful winter fauna can be found along the coast. Generally due to the heavy rain, the scenery is green and thriving.