Climate & Weather
General Overview
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers starting in mid-May and lasting until mid-September and rainy, quite mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are effectively short intervals in between, characterised by smooth weather. With almost year-round clear skies and sunshine, daylight length ranges from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June.
Average Temperatures
In broad lines, Cyprus’s climate is characterised by hot summers and mild winters. There is a significant seasonal difference between mid-summer and mid-winter temperatures that ranges from 18°c inland to about 14°c on the coast. The difference in daily maximum and night minimum temperatures is also quite significant. In winter they range from 8°c to 10°c on the lowlands and 5°c to 6°c on the mountains and in summer from 16°c on the central plain and 9° to 12°c elsewhere.
Daily temperatures during the hottest months of July and August range between 29°c on the central plain and 22°c on the Troodos Mountains. The average maximum temperatures for these two months range between 36°c and 27°c. In January, the coolest month, the indicative daily temperature is 10°c on the central plain and 3°c on the higher parts of the Troodos Mountains while the average minimum temperatures are 5°c and 0°c.
Sea Temperatures
The temperature in the open sea hovers above 22°c from June to November, climbing to 27°c in August. Even during the three coolest months of January to March, average sea temperature are an acceptable 16°c or 17°c. Near the coast, the temperature of water three or four metres deep is similar to that of the open sea, ranging from 15°c to 17°c in February and from 23°c to 28°c in August. There are no significant daily fluctuations in sea water temperatures, except in very shallow waters less than one metre deep.
Air Humidity
During the days in winter and at night throughout the year, humidity ranges from average to slightly low (65% – 95%). During summer it is very low near midday, ranging from 15% to 30% on the central plain. Fog is rare and typically occurs in early morning. Visibility is normally very good or excellent. There is an exception over a few days in spring when the atmosphere is very hazy due to dust from the Arabian and African deserts.
Sunshine
Cyprus enjoys a very sunny climate compared with most countries with 11.5 hours of bright sunshine per day over the six summer months. Even during the months of December and January, there is 5.5 hours of sunshine.
Winds
Winds over the island are relatively variable in direction and strength depending on the elevation of the land and local temperatures.
Clothing During Different Seasons
Clothing requirements vary, depending on the length and the period of your visit. During April and May, days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures may drop at night. Spring and summer apparel and long sleeved tops or light jackets for the evenings are recommended. From June to the end of August, very light summer clothing is a must. September to October see quite a few warm days and cool evenings. Light apparel for the day and long sleeves for the evenings in October is recommended. November has pleasantly warm days that can be enjoyed in jumpers and light jackets.
December and January will be the only winter you will get, even though it feels more like autumn for most visitors. It may rain occasionally, yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there. Winter clothing is necessary, but not heavy coats. The possibility of fairly warm days is always there during February, as is the occasional rainfall. Mild day time temperatures are the harbingers of spring but it can get quite cold in the evenings and winter apparel will be needed. Winter wear will also be appropriate during March with its moderate but sometimes unpredictable weather inviting you to enjoy Cyprus nature at its best.