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, no hurricanes, and even snow for skiing on Troodos. Month-by-month climate, sea conditions, and the best time to visit below.
A Mediterranean Climate
Beach Season
May - October
Hot, dry days and a warm sea. July and August are the hottest and busiest; June and September are the sweet spot.
Mild Wet Winter
November - March
Coast stays mild around 16-18°C, most of the year\'s rain falls now, and the countryside turns green. Lower prices and fewer crowds.
No Tropical Storms
Snow on Troodos in winter
There are no hurricanes here. The biggest seasonal swing is winter snow on Mount Olympus, with a short ski season on Troodos.
Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean and has one of the warmest, sunniest climates in the region, with 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 hold enough winter snow for skiing on Mount Olympus.
Seasons at a Glance
Weather by Month
Click any month to see detailed conditions and travel tips
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
NowSeptember
October
November
December
Best Time to Visit for...
The ideal months depend on what you want to do
Beach & Swimming
May - Nov
The sea stays warm and swimmable from about May to November, and shores like Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, and Coral Bay near Paphos give you sheltered, easy-entry swimming through the summer.
Diving & Snorkeling
May - Oct
Visibility is at its best through the warm-water months, including the Zenobia wreck off Larnaca, rated among the top dive sites in the Mediterranean, plus snorkeling spots around Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas.
Sailing & Boat Trips
May - Oct
Calm summer seas and long sunny days suit catamaran and boat trips along the coast, from the Blue Lagoon cruises off the Akamas to sunset sailings out of Paphos and Cape Greco.
Budget Travel
Nov - Mar
The mild, wetter winter months bring lower room rates and far fewer crowds. Days are still often sunny and pleasant for sightseeing, even if the sea is too cool for long swims.
Hiking & Nature
Mar - May, Oct - Nov
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking the Troodos mountains, the Avakas Gorge, and the Akamas peninsula, when temperatures are mild and the hillsides are green with wildflowers, olive groves, and pine forest.
Skiing on Troodos
Jan - Mar
When snow settles on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the Troodos range, the Cyprus Ski Club runs lifts and slopes through roughly January to March, so you can ski in the morning and reach a warm coast the same afternoon.
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
The south-east corner around Ayia Napa and Protaras has the island's softest sand and clearest, shallowest water, plus the longest, driest summers. It is the heart of the warm-sea beach season from late spring into autumn.
Larnaca & Limassol Coast
Larnaca, Limassol, Finikoudes, Lady's Mile
The south coast resort towns combine hot, dry summers with mild winters that rarely drop below daytime 16 to 18°C. The seafront promenades stay pleasant for walking year-round, while swimming peaks from May to November.
Paphos & the Akamas
Paphos, Coral Bay, Lara Beach, Blue Lagoon
The west around Paphos is a touch cooler in high summer than the rest of the coast, which many travellers prefer. Beyond Coral Bay, the wild Akamas peninsula keeps olive groves, gorges, and the Blue Lagoon within easy reach.
Troodos Mountains
Mount Olympus, Kykkos, Omodos, Cedar Valley
The high Troodos range is markedly cooler than the coast, a welcome escape in summer and the only place in Cyprus with reliable winter snow. Mount Olympus, the highest peak, holds enough snow for skiing through much of January to March.
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+ (reef-safe)
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat
- Rash guard for snorkeling
- 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 (microfiber)
- 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
No Tropical Storms
- •Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with no hurricanes or tropical storms.
- •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.
- •Travel insurance is still sensible, and an EHIC or UK GHIC card gives access to state healthcare.
Sun & Heat Safety
- •The summer UV index regularly reaches 10-11+ (extreme). Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- •Avoid strenuous activity between roughly noon and 4pm in July and August when the heat peaks.
- •Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat, especially on open boat trips and exposed archaeological sites.
- •Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes, even on hazy days.
Hydration
- •Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily; the dry summer heat causes rapid dehydration.
- •Mains tap water in the south is generally safe to drink and refill from.
- •A reusable bottle also cuts plastic waste and saves money on bottled water.
- •Carry water on hikes in the Troodos and Akamas, where there is little shade and few taps.
Sea Safety
- •Stick to flagged, lifeguarded beaches and check the flag colour before swimming.
- •The sea is calm and warm from May to November; winter swells make some beaches rougher.
- •Watch for occasional jellyfish in late summer, and give weever fish a wide berth in shallow sand.
- •Wear water shoes at rocky or pebbly beaches such as Governor's Beach to protect your feet.
Good to know