The weather in Cyprus is pleasant all year round. Summers are dry with no rainfall, whereas in winter there is occasionally a spot of rain. The sea temperature hovers around 25 degrees and summer lasts for up to 8 months.

June, September and the first half of October offer the most pleasant combination of warm seas, stable weather and comfortable temperatures. July and August are very hot and are best suited for a seaside holiday. Temperatures can reach around 35 °C.

For day trips, hiking and exploring the island, we recommend April, May, October and November. Winters are mild, but don’t expect typical beach weather.

Do you already know your approximate travel dates? Before booking, compare prices for hotels and holiday apartments in Cyprus, as well as package holidays to Cyprus. For stays in holiday resorts, a package holiday including flights, luggage and transfers can work out cheaper than booking these separately.

When to visit Cyprus depending on the type of holiday

What do you want to do in Cyprus	Best time to visit
Swimming and beach holidays	May–October
Warm sea without the worst of the heat	June, September and October
Warmest sea	August and September
Exploring towns and sights	January–May and October–December
Hiking	March–May and October–November
Green countryside	February–April
Cheaper accommodation	November–March
Least rain	June–September
Skiing in Troodos	January and February

Where to stay depending on the weather and type of holiday

There are no significant differences in the weather between the various coastal resorts.

You’ll notice a much greater difference between the coast, the sweltering interior and the cooler Troodos Mountains.

You should therefore choose your resort primarily based on the time of year and the activities you plan to do.

Ayia Napa and Protaras

For a classic summer holiday from June to October, we recommend the east coast. It is around Ayia Napa and Protaras that you’ll find the greatest concentration of light sandy beaches with gentle slopes into the sea.

• View hotels in Ayia Napa
• View hotels in Protaras

Ayia Napa is livelier and offers a wider range of nightlife. Protaras tends to be quieter and is particularly suitable for families with children.

Paphos

Paphos is a good choice for travellers who want to combine swimming, historical sights and excursions around western Cyprus.

We would particularly recommend visiting in spring and autumn, when temperatures are not so high and trips to historical sites or the Akamas Peninsula are more pleasant.

• View hotels in Paphos

Larnaca

Larnaca is a convenient and often cheaper base from which to explore the island. It has city beaches, a wide choice of restaurants and is situated right next to Cyprus’s main airport.

It is ideal for shorter stays, winter visits and travelling around the island by car.

• View hotels in Larnaca

Limassol

Limassol is situated roughly in the middle of the southern coast and is ideal for travellers who want to stay in one place and go on trips to both the east and west of the island.

The city is bustling all year round and can be a good choice even from November to March.

• View hotels in Limassol

We compare the individual resorts in more detail in the chapter ‘Where to stay in Cyprus’.

View beach hotels in Cyprus

Air temperatures and when it rains the most

Whenever you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, take a look at what sort of weather you can expect there in each month, when it rains the most and the least, and when it’s at its warmest.

Weather in January

January is one of the coldest and rainiest months in Cyprus. On the coast, expect average daytime temperatures of around 17 °C, whilst in the evenings and mornings temperatures can drop below 10 °C.

The weather tends to be changeable. Sunny days alternate with cloudy spells and showers, but long periods without sunshine are not the norm.

There may be snow in the highest parts of the Troodos Mountains. Skiing is only possible in some years and depends on current snow conditions.

If you’re travelling in winter, it’s best to choose a hotel in a larger town – accommodation in Larnaca or Paphos, where the airports are located, is ideal.

• Things to do:Sights, towns, skiing in the Troodos Mountains

Weather in February

February is similar to January. Daytime temperatures on the coast hover around 17 °C, and there are around 10 days during the month with at least a brief shower.

However, the sun often shines between showers and the weather is pleasant for day trips. The almond trees are beginning to blossom and the countryside is noticeably greener than in summer.

The sea is around 17 °C, and we do not recommend a traditional beach holiday in February.

There may still be snow in the Troodos Mountains, but always check the current conditions before travelling.

• Things to do:Sights, towns, skiing in the Troodos Mountains

Weather in March

Spring begins in Cyprus in March. Average daily temperatures rise to 19 °C, rainfall decreases and the number of hours of sunshine increases.

You’ll still need a jumper or a light jacket in the evenings. The sea remains cool, at around 17 °C.

The countryside is green and in bloom, whilst the main attractions are not yet crowded with summer visitors.

If you want to explore the more secluded beaches, mountain villages and Akamas National Park, it’s worth hiring a car in Cyprus.

• Things to do:Sights, towns, day trips, hiking
• 👉Check car hire prices in Cyprus

Weather in April

April is one of the best months for active travel in Cyprus. Expect pleasant daytime temperatures of 22 °C, and rain occurs on average for just a few days a month.

The countryside is green after the winter rains, with a profusion of plants in bloom, and the temperatures are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

The sea is around 18 °C. Hardier travellers may take a dip, but for a typical beach holiday the water is still a bit chilly.

• Things to do:Sights, towns, day trips, walking

Weather in May

May is one of the best months for combining day trips with your first swim of the season.

Daytime temperatures hover around 25 °C, rain is rare, and the evenings are already pleasantly warm. The countryside is gradually drying out, but, especially at the start of the month, it is still greener than in summer.

The sea is usually around 20 to 21 °C. At the start of May, the water may be a bit cold for some people, but by the second half of the month, it’s warm enough to swim at most beaches.

Hotel prices are usually lower than during the summer holidays.

• Things to do:Day trips, road trips, hiking, the occasional swim or relaxing on the beach

The weather in June

The main summer season begins in June. Expect temperatures of around 29 °C during the day; it hardly ever rains and the sky is usually cloudless.

The sea warms to around 23 °C and is pleasant for swimming along the entire coast.

In our opinion, June is one of the best months to visit Cyprus. The weather is stable, the sea is warm, and the temperatures aren’t yet as extreme as in July and August.

Plan your excursions for the morning or late afternoon. Inland, temperatures can already rise well above 30 °C.

• Things to do:Beach holidays, day trips, road trips

Weather in July

July is very hot, sunny and virtually rain-free. The average maximum temperature on the coast is around 31 °C, but inland it is usually a few degrees higher.

The sea is around 25 to 26 °C, and conditions are ideal for swimming and water sports.

Conversely, all-day walking trips, visits to archaeological sites or city tours can be uncomfortable due to the heat. The higher elevations of the Troodos Mountains are an exception, where it is noticeably cooler.

July is one of the most expensive months of the year. Book accommodation in Ayia Napa, Protaras or near the most famous beaches well in advance.

• Things to do:Beach holiday
• 👉 Book your hotel in July well in advance

Weather in August

August is the hottest month of the year. On the coast, expect average daily highs of around 32 °C, although temperatures can be significantly higher during heatwaves.

Inland and in Nicosia, temperatures commonly exceed 35 °C and, during periods of extreme heat, may approach or exceed 40 °C.

The sea reaches around 27 °C and is at its warmest of the whole year. Rain is extremely rare.

It is also one of the busiest and most expensive months. Hotels near the most popular beaches can sell out well in advance.

• Things to do:Beach holiday
• 👉 Book your hotel in August well in advance

Weather in September

In our opinion, September is the best month for a classic seaside holiday.

Daytime temperatures hover around 30 °C, rain is still very rare and the sea is around 27 °C. The water is therefore just as warm as in August.

After the start of the school year, the number of families with children gradually decreases, but most hotels, restaurants and tourist services remain fully operational.

It may still be too hot for sightseeing, particularly in the first half of the month. The end of September is a more pleasant time for a combination of beach holidays and day trips.

• Things to do:Beach holidays, day trips, road trips

Weather in October

October is one of the best months to visit Cyprus. Expect daytime temperatures of around 27 °C, and the sea remains a warm 25 °C or so.

At the start of October, the weather is fully summery. In the second half of the month, showers may become more frequent and the evenings are slightly cooler, but swimming is still common.

• Things to do:Beach holidays, day trips, road trips, sightseeing
• 👉Check car hire prices in Cyprus

Weather in November

The main summer season ends in November. Average daily temperatures drop to around 22 °C, but can rise even higher on sunny days.

The sea is around 22 °C, particularly at the start of the month, and swimming is still possible. However, the weather is no longer stable enough for a holiday based solely on spending time on the beach.

Showers become more frequent in November, and a jumper or light jacket is advisable in the evenings.

• Things to do:Day trips, road trips, sightseeing, but depending on the weather, a beach holiday is still an option

Weather in December

December, along with January, is one of the rainiest months of the year. On the coast, expect average daily temperatures of around 18 °C and approximately 11 days with at least a brief shower.

However, even in December it doesn’t rain continuously. Cloudy and rainy spells alternate with sunny days, when conditions are pleasant for day trips.

The sea is around 19 °C, and December is no longer suitable for a typical beach holiday.

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus over Christmas or New Year’s Eve, look for accommodation in the larger towns.

• Things to do:Day trips, road trips, sights, towns
• 👉 Find a hotel in Larnaca, Paphos or Limassol

Sea temperatures and when you can go swimming in Cyprus

Cyprus is the destination with the longest swimming season in Europe. The sea water starts to warm up as early as May, when by the end of the month it regularly exceeds 21 °C. The relatively shallow waters off Cyprus’s beaches help the water to warm up quickly.

The best beach hotels – Cyprus

Temperatures vary only very slightly between the different resorts.

In Cyprus, you can enjoy a comfortable swim betweenMay and November, when the sea temperature usually exceeds 20 °C.

• May – 22 °C
• June – 24 °C
• July – 27 °C
• August – 30 °C
• September – 30 °C
• October – 28 °C
• November – 26 °C

During the winter, the sea cools down to around 18–20 °C.

Check out our tips for the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus in the‘Things to Do’and‘Places to See’ sections.

When is it hottest in Cyprus?

The hottest months are July and August.

On the coast, average daily maximum temperatures hover around 31 °C. Inland and in Nicosia, it tends to be significantly hotter, with average maximum temperatures approaching 37 °C.

During heatwaves, temperatures can exceed 40 °C. Visiting towns and archaeological sites on such days can be very challenging.

You can partly escape the heat by taking a trip to the Troodos Mountains, where it is considerably cooler thanks to the higher altitude.

When does it rain the most in Cyprus?

The period from December to February sees the most rainy days. However, even in winter it doesn’t usually rain all day, and the sun often peeks out between showers.

From June to September, rain is very rare on the coast. Occasionally, a brief thunderstorm may occur in mountainous areas.

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons. There is little rain in April and May, whilst rainfall gradually increases during October and November.

Is it worth visiting Cyprus in winter?

In my opinion, definitely – and along with Sicily or Malta, it’s my favourite European summer destination.

Cyprus in winter is ideal for exploring the island, but not for a typical beach holiday.

From December to February, expect daytime temperatures of around 17 to 18 °C, cooler evenings and changeable weather. It’s pleasant on sunny days, but when it’s windy or raining, the wind chill can make it feel significantly colder.

The advantages of winter are lower accommodation prices, fewer tourists and lush green countryside.

For a winter trip, we recommend Larnaca, Paphos or Limassol. Accommodation in smaller, purely beach-based resorts may have more limited local amenities outside the peak season.