Cyprus holiday weather

Cyprus weather averages and climate

The island of Cyprus lies to the south of Turkey and close to North Africa and Middle Eastern countries such as Syria and Israel. As a result, its weather is among the hottest anywhere in Europe, which can make it too warm for some tourists at the height of the summer season.

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
16.9	17.0	19.0	21.9	25.6	29.3	31.4	31.6	29.7	27.3	22.7	18.7	24.3

Average relative humdity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
68	67	67	68	68	69	71	72	65	62	63	69	67

Average rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
97	74	35	17	6	0	0	0	3	17	59	90	398

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
6	7	8	9	11	13	13	12	11	10	7	6	9

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
8.8	8.9	8.5	9.1	8.8	9.1	9.4	9.2	8.2	6.3	7.3	7.9	8.4

The surrounding coastline provides ample stretches of sea to bathe in and for water sports. It’s helped by a prevailing southwesterly, which keeps temperatures at a 31 °C average in July and August. There is also zero average rainfall in the height of summer and a very steady humidity that makes the heat bearable. However, some may need to seek shade in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.

During the winter Cyprus sees around 90mm of rain and temperatures can dip to 16 °C, which can feel chilly with the breeze, and only six hours of sunshine. Anyone venturing into the mountains of the interior will also notice much cooler weather at all times of the year.

When is the best time to visit Cyprus?

For those after warm weather the best time to go to Cyprus is in July and August when you can expect temperatures above 31 °C with as much as 13 hours of sunshine and no rain.  But if that’s too hot for you, the coast will be cooler and the sea offers an ideal temperature for swimming and aquatic sports. Head into the mountains and it will be cooler yet, but still sunny, dry and warm. Alternatively spring and autumn can be equally as fine, but not quite as hot, although be prepared for the chance of some rain.

Summer

Cyprus in summer is one of the warmest places in the whole of the Mediterranean as it averages 12 hours per day or more of sun. This pushes temperatures above 30 °C for the main summer months and even in spring it stays above 25 °C during the daytime. Humidity is very constant throughout the year on this island, and from June to August you can expect no rainfall whatsoever.

Winter

The temperature in Cyprus in the middle of winter drops to an average of 17 °C, which can feel warm when the sun shines for 6 hours per day in December and January. However, there is a cold edge to the weather, especially if the wind blows above the normal 8mph breeze. You’ll notice this most inland and it results in a bloom of greenery that rapidly becomes parched and dried out in the summer.

Regional variation

Cyprus is divided into the north, ruled by Turkey, and the south that is the Republic of Cyprus and has close ties to Greece. Both parts of the island offer sandy beaches and average temperatures of 30 °C or more in the peak summer months.

If you head inland to explore the two mountain ranges or many vineyards, you’ll notice the temperature drops with the altitude. In these parts of Cyprus, you can expect the weather to be around 4 °C cooler, and more at the very highest points.

Cyprus tourist information

Situated between Greece, Turkey and Lebanon, Cyprus is the third-largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Due to its valuable location in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has been of interest to most of the major powers throughout human history. It has been under the control of many empires, from the Persians and Romans to the Ottoman and British. This gives Cyprus an unrivalled history combining many sights, smells and traditions of many cultures including those of modern day Greece and Turkey, whose nationals now live on the island.

Due to its geographical position, Cyprus has always been used as a centre for trading, from shipping lanes in the past, to a modern day hub of activity for traders from three different continents. With a highly educated workforce and strong IT infrastructure, Cyprus is an important location for many businesses. Interestingly, it is also one of only four EU countries where cars are driven on the left hand side of the road; a remnant of when it was part of the British Empire.

Cyprus is known for its sunny climate with great beaches and focus on fun, although, during the winter months, it can be very unsettled with showers and cold winds from the North West. The warm Mediterranean Sea is perfect for trying out the various water sports on offer; from diving to wake boarding, you can sample various activities under the guidance of experts. For a more family-orientated adventure, you can head to the waterpark which offers rides for both the children and adults, and is sure to be a fun filled day. Adrenaline junkies may want to try a bungee jump to really get the blood pumping.

 

Culture buffs love Cyprus for its intriguing blend of traditions and historical sites. Due to the amount of different civilisations that have ruled the island, it has a wealth of fascinating places for you to explore. Step back in time and take a visit to Choirokoitia, which boasts some of the best preserved sites of any prehistoric settlement in the Mediterranean. Witness the lavish Roman mosaic floors depicting ancient battles, or experience an ancient Greek play in an authentic Roman theatre overlooking stunning scenery; you will not be left disappointed.