Climate, weather, what to pack

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate.  Sunshine is abundant during the whole year, certainly the hottest and sunniest island in the Mediterranean; with an average of 326 sunshine days per year this truly is a paradise for sun lovers particularly from May to September when the daily average exceeds 11 hours. Winds are on the whole light to moderate. Gales are very infrequent and heavy storms rare.

Snow hardly falls in the lowlands and on the Pentadaktylos range, but is a frequent feature every winter on ground above 1.000 metres in the Troodos range. From December till April snow is usually in evidence there, but hardly continuous. Yet during the coldest months it lies in considerable depth for several weeks, attracting skiers.

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When It Sizzles

Summer stretches from May to October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of watersports from sailing to scuba diving.

At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Limassol, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.

Warm And Sunny

Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however, in October and through November the leaves change colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by the month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable. Autumn also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.

An Active Season

December - February are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day. This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least crowded in winter. The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of Ayia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing

The table below provides average temperatures in Celcius degrees and rainy days for each month.  Please note temperatures are measured in the shade.

	Avg. Temperature	Avg. Max Temp.	Avg. Min Temp.	Avg. Rainy Days
January	12	17	7	9
February	12	17	7	7
March	13	18	8	7
April	16	21	11	5
May	20	24	14	2
June	23	28	17	0
July	26	29	20	0
August	26	30	21	0
September	24	28	18	1
October	21	26	16	3
November	17	22	12	6
December	14	19	9	7

What to Pack

April - May
Days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures may fall a bit at night.
Medium-weight and summer apparel: Light woollies or long sleeved cotton for the evenings.
Excellent season for those who prefer to enjoy nature, as the countryside is green and flowers are in blossom.

June - August
Warmest months of summer.
Light-weight summer clothing.
Ideal for swimming and all beach/water activities.

September - October
Warm days, cool October evenings.
Light-weight apparel for the day and medium-weight for the evenings in October.
Swimming and water-sports are still at their best.

November
Pleasantly warm days.
Medium-weight apparel. Light Woollies.
Ideal weather for autumn travel. Lunches in the open-air are still a delight. Sunbathing and even swimming can still be enjoyed, as well as most outdoor sports.

December - January
Winter time for Cypriots.
Autumn for our foreign visitors! It may rain occasionally yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there.
Winter clothing; not heavy coats though!
Outdoor activities and excursions can be enjoyed.

February
The possibility of exceptionally warm days. Almond trees in bloom, occasional rain, and mild day time temperatures are the harbingers of spring. It can be quite cold however in the evenings.
Winter apparel.
Conditions are ideal for snow skiing on Troodos mountains.

March
Moderate weather with nature at its best.
Winter apparel with medium-weight wear.
Most outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and March is an excellent period for long country walks.

 

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