Cyprus Climate

Cyprus is in the Mediterranean climate zone, and so benefits from short mild winters and long dry & warm summers. The island is famed for its sunshine, receiving on average more than 300 days of it each year - that's nearly double the amount of sunshine than received in most places in Britain. If you're looking for sunshine and all year round warmth, Cyprus is the place to be. The Main tourist months of July and August temperatures will be very hot and sometimes humid.

During the  hot summer months Cyprus is dominated by anticyclonic high pressure systems that push up from North Africa. They bring clear blue skies and temperatures that soar above 30°c day after day. Around the coast the average maximum temperature in June, July and August is 32°c. Inland, the maximum temperature can be as high as 40°c - although the average is closer to 35°c. See average temperatures in Cyprus.

In contrast, the Troodos Mountains during the summer months offer welcome relief for those who are intolerant of the heat. At a height of 6402ft above sea level, Mount Olympus - the highest peak on Cyprus - is on average some 10°c - 15°c cooler than locations on the coast.

Rain is at a premium through the summer in Cyprus, most places staying completely dry. During the winter and spring months, occasional low pressure systems travel down the Mediterranean from the west. These bring welcome rainfall - and even snowfall to the higher peaks - encouraging the 1900+ flowering plants on the island to flourish. All in all, Cyprus averages only 40 days of rainfall each year.

Down close to sea level, the island never really gets cold during the winter. Locations like Paphos and Larnaka typically average a maximum temperature of 16°c - 18°c, while the average night-time temperature rarely falls below 7°c. Winters are a little cooler in land, Nicosia recording averages 2°c - 3°c below those experienced around the coast.

Summers in Cyprus are long and warm. Starting in late April and running through until October, the average maximum temperature in many low-lying locations in Cyprus is above 25°c. At the height of summer it is not unusual for the air temperature to top 40°c on some days. See average temperatures in Cyprus.

The #1 activity for many people coming to Cyprus for the sun is of course to sunbathe. There are more than 45 beaches on Cyprus that have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness, offering sun worshippers a fantastic choice of locations in which to soak up the sun. Don't forget your sun hat and suncream though, as the UV Index is very high!

For those who prefer to be active in the sunshine, there is a huge range of outdoor activities to be enjoyed across the island. Horse riding, water sports, hiking, paintballing, wildlife adventures, fishing and golf are amongst the most popular ones. If you like the sunshine, but you don't like the heat you can always take to the glorious Troodos and Paphos Mountains. Here, the air is often 10°c - 15°c cooler than along the coast during the summer.

Winter sun
There is a surprising amount of sunshine to be had on Cyprus during the winter months. Combined with the relatively warm temperatures (average maximums are normally between 16°c - 18°c), the winter sun makes Cyprus an ideal destination in which to enjoy outdoor activities during the winter months. Again, hiking, wildlife adventures, golf and horse riding are favourite pastimes for winter visitors to indulge in. You can even go skiing on top of  the highest peaks in the Troodos Mountains from January through to March.

Cyprus, an ancient Island engulfed in history, offering something for everyone. Cyprus boasts to be the birth place of Aphrodite, Goddess of love & beauty where the sun shines high and bright throughout the year keeping the sea temperatures warm and inviting, enabling devoted swimmers to indulge from early May through to October. 

Soaking up the sunshine in Cyprus is a national past time and with unlimited miles of coastline; you will be spoilt for choice.

Cyprus promotes clean and environmentally friendly beaches and has been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ by the independent Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This was accomplished with the help of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA).

A prestigious award granted to those who meet the strict criteria required to meet quality bathing water, beach management and educating it’s citizen’s on the importance of environmentally sound beaches. Credited to more than 2,900 beaches in 24 countries throughout Europe, Cyprus has been a fully fledged member since 1995 and to date, the ‘Blue Flag’ label has been proudly awarded to 39 of it’s beaches in 12 coastal areas of Cyprus.

In the winter months, the temperatures fall slightly but the sun still shines brightly for the best part of the day. Beach weather is replaced by bustling towns to beautiful pine surrounded mountains and traditional villages where you will be warmly welcomed by the famous Cypriot hospitality.