Cyprus Weather
by Month
A Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers with coastal highs near 32-34°C (90-93°F) and mild, wetter winters around 16-18°C (61-64°F). More than 300 sunny days a year, and winter snow for skiing on Troodos. Month-by-month climate and sea conditions below, or read the guide to the best time to visit.
A Mediterranean Climate
Beach Season
May - October
Hot, dry days and a sea that averages 21°C in May, 28°C in August and 25°C in October. July and August are the hottest months; June and September are a little gentler.
Mild Wet Winter
November - March
The coast stays mild at around 16-18°C, most of the year's rain falls now and the countryside turns green. Resorts are quieter, and the sea averages 17°C in February and March.
Wildfires and Snow
Fire risk April - October
The UK Foreign Office warns of a high risk of wildfires, particularly from April to October. Winter brings snow to the Troodos mountains, where the Cyprus Ski Club gives January to March as its usual season.
Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean and has more than 300 sunny days a year. Summers are long, hot, and dry, with coastal highs commonly around 32-34°C (90-93°F) and inland Nicosia hotter still. Winters are mild on the coast, around 16-18°C (61-64°F) by day, and almost all of the rain falls between November and March. The high Troodos mountains are cooler throughout the year and, in a usual winter, hold snow for skiing on Mount Olympus from January to March.
Seasons at a Glance
Weather by Month
Average temperature, rainfall, sea temperature and travel rating for every month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
NowDecember
Best Time to Visit for...
The ideal months depend on what you want to do
Beach & Swimming
May - Nov
Average sea temperatures run from 21°C in May to 28°C in August and back to 22°C in November (Deputy Ministry of Tourism figures for 2011 to 2020). Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras and Coral Bay near Paphos are sheltered bays with easy entry.
Diving & Snorkelling
May - Oct
The sea is warmest from June to October, at 24 to 28°C on average. The Zenobia wreck off Larnaca is for qualified divers (the official listing gives the required qualification as Advanced Open Water / Boat Diver), while Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas are snorkelling spots.
Sailing & Boat Trips
May - Oct
Long, dry summer days suit boat trips along the coast, such as the Blue Lagoon cruises from Latchi. The sea is not always calm: the UK Foreign Office warns that there can be strong waves and currents, so check the forecast on the day.
Budget Travel
Nov - Mar
The mild, wetter winter months are the quiet season, when room rates are often lower. The sea averages 17 to 19°C from December to March, cool for long swims, but days are often sunny enough for sightseeing.
Hiking & Nature
Mar - May, Oct - Nov
April and May are pleasantly warm, with the countryside green and flowers in bloom, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and autumn is mild again. These are the comfortable months for the Troodos trails and the Akamas peninsula.
Skiing on Troodos
Jan - Mar
When there is enough snow on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the Troodos range, the Cyprus Ski Club operates its four ski lifts. It gives January to March as the usual season, so check the club's own site before you drive up.
Sea temperature, heat and festival dates do not peak in the same month. Our guide to the best time to visit Cyprus weighs them month by month.
Around the South
Temperatures are broadly similar along the coast; the biggest difference is the cooler, snowier Troodos mountains
South-East Beach Coast
Ayia Napa, Protaras, Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay
Ayia Napa and Protaras lie in the government-controlled part of Famagusta District and are served by Larnaca Airport, about 55 km from Ayia Napa. Sandy bays such as Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay make this a beach-first coast from late spring into autumn.
Larnaca & Limassol Coast
Larnaca, Limassol, Finikoudes, Lady's Mile
The two south-coast towns have hot, dry summers and mild winters. Their salt lakes add a winter reason to come: BirdLife Cyprus says greater flamingos usually arrive in November and leave by the end of February, at Larnaca Salt Lake and at Akrotiri Salt Lake near Limassol.
Paphos & the Akamas
Paphos, Coral Bay, Lara Beach, Blue Lagoon
The west coast runs from Paphos and Coral Bay north to the Akamas peninsula and the Blue Lagoon. In the Lara-Toxeftra protected area, umbrellas and sunbeds are prohibited from 1 June to 30 September, so take a hat and water for a summer visit to Lara Beach.
Troodos Mountains
Mount Olympus, Kykkos, Omodos, Cedar Valley
The Troodos range is markedly cooler and wetter than the coast: the government puts annual rainfall in Troodos National Forest Park at 750 mm at lower elevations and more than 1,000 mm at the peak. Mount Olympus has the ski lifts, with January to March the usual season.
What to Pack
Essential items for your Cyprus trip
Clothing
- Lightweight cotton/linen clothing
- Swimwear (2-3 sets)
- Warm layer for winter & the Troodos hills
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat
- Rash guard for snorkelling
- Lip balm with SPF
Rain Gear
- Compact travel umbrella
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag for beach days
Health & Safety
- EHIC or UK GHIC card for state healthcare
- Insect repellent for summer evenings
- Basic first aid kit
- Rehydration salts
- Prescription medications
Beach Essentials
- Snorkel mask
- Water shoes for rocky shores
- Beach towel (microfibre)
- Waterproof camera or case
- Cooler bag for drinks
Electronics
- Type G (UK three-pin) adapter, 230V / 50Hz
- Portable power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- Spare charging cables
Weather Safety Tips
Stay safe and comfortable throughout your trip
Wildfires & Winter Storms
- •The UK Foreign Office warns of a high risk of wildfires, particularly from April to October. Follow local warnings and dial 112 if you see a fire.
- •Summer is hot and dry; almost all rain falls in the mild winter months from November to March.
- •Winter storms can bring heavy downpours and the odd flash flood, so check forecasts before mountain drives.
- •A GHIC or EHIC gives access to medically necessary state healthcare, but it is not an alternative to travel insurance.
Sun & Heat Safety
- •June, July and August are the warmest months, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Use a high-factor sunscreen and reapply it through the day.
- •Keep hikes and site visits for the early morning or late afternoon in July and August.
- •Wear a hat at open-air sites. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park opens daily at 08:30 and closes at 19:30 from 16 April to 15 September, so a summer visit need not be at midday.
- •In the Lara-Toxeftra protected area, umbrellas and sunbeds are prohibited from 1 June to 30 September, so on Lara Beach your shade is what you wear.
Hydration
- •Drink water regularly through the day in the dry summer heat, and more if you are walking.
- •The Deputy Ministry of Tourism describes drinking water as safe; follow any notice from your accommodation or the local authority.
- •A reusable bottle also cuts plastic waste and saves money on bottled water.
- •Carry water on hikes in the Troodos and Akamas: shade and drinking-water points vary from trail to trail.
Sea Safety
- •Stick to flagged, lifeguarded beaches and check the flag colour before swimming.
- •The sea is warm from about May to November, but the UK Foreign Office warns that there can be strong waves and currents, so check conditions on the day.
- •If you plan to dive, check your insurance: the UK Foreign Office advises that the sport should be included in the policy by name.
- •Wear water shoes at rocky or pebbly beaches such as Governor's Beach to protect your feet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyprus Weather
Weather by Destination
Explore detailed weather conditions for each location
Ayia Napa
Southeast Coast (Famagusta District, south)
Larnaca
Southeast Coast (Larnaca District)
Limassol
South Coast (Limassol District)
Nicosia
Central Cyprus (Nicosia District)
Paphos
West Coast (Paphos District)
Polis & Latchi
Northwest Coast (Paphos District)
Protaras
Southeast Coast (Famagusta District, south)
Troodos Mountains
Central Cyprus (Troodos massif)