When to travel to Cyprus: weather and seasons

Cyprus is the warmest island in the Mediterranean, enjoying an intense Mediterranean climate, with a typically strongly marked seasonal rhythm. There are long hot and dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to February, separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The island is fortunate to have one of the most agreeable climates in Europe, with 11 out of 12 months a year enjoying brilliant sunshine, enough to keep the sea warm for swimming from early April to early November.

By virtue of its geographical position in the north east corner of the Mediterranean sea, Cyprus enjoys perhaps the best of the Mediterranean type of climate. The average rainfall of 402 mm, however, is below Mediterranean average, and conforms more to the climate pattern of the eastern Mediterranean. Temperatures in the interior of the island tend to be more extreme than those in the coastal areas, which are moderated by the sea, and offshore breezes.

For those who find high temperatures unpleasant, the best time to visit Cyprus is in the spring, when the weather is generally sunny and warm and the island is colourful with flowering plants. The spring climate offers sunny days with temperatures reaching 21-27°C (70-80°F), often with a cooling sea breeze.

Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas with average temperature 30°C (90°F). Summer temperatures in Nicosia range between an average daily maximum of 37°C (98°F) and an average daily minimum of 21°C (70°F); in winter the range is between 15°C (59°F) and 5°C (41°F).

During the long hot summer days it is best to avoid the midday sun (even if you're an Englishman) as temperatures reach 32°-33°C. Even in the height of summer when it's 32°C (90°F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19°C or 65°F, 9°C or 40°F at night) but steadily moderate.

In the winter months, the temperatures fall slightly but the sun still shines brightly for most of the day. Temperatures in winter are generally mild except in the mountains where, above 1,000m (3,300ft), snow becomes frequent, sometimes remaining on the summit of Troodos for four or five months.

Climate in Cyprus

Fahrenheit and centigrade, inches and millimetres, average values.

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