Cyprus


Paphos
🌡️20°C

Humidity
73 %
Wind
3.09 m/s
Clouds
Clear sky
Larnaca
🌡️20°C

Humidity
71 %
Wind
2.57 m/s
Clouds
Clear sky
Aya Napa
🌡️20°C

Humidity
70 %
Wind
3.13 m/s
Clouds
Broken clouds
Limassol
🌡️19°C

Humidity
72 %
Wind
1.54 m/s
Clouds
Clear sky
Nicosia
🌡️14°C

Humidity
95 %
Wind
0.69 m/s
Clouds
Scattered clouds


Climate Characteristics of Cyprus

 

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is influenced by its location in the eastern Mediterranean, making it one of the warmest places in Europe.

Key Climate Characteristics

  1. Temperature:

    • Summer (June–August): Temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), and in some inland areas, it can reach 40°C (104°F), making it hot and dry. Coastal areas, however, experience slightly milder temperatures due to sea breezes.
    • Winter (December–February): Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), although it can be colder in the mountainous areas, where snowfall occurs at higher altitudes.

  2. Rainfall:

    • The wet season is from November to March, when Cyprus receives most of its annual rainfall, particularly in the winter months. Rainfall is generally low, with coastal areas receiving around 300–500 mm (12–20 inches) annually.
    • Summer is typically dry, with little to no rainfall from May to September.

  3. Sunshine:
    Cyprus is known for its abundant sunshine throughout the year, with over 300 sunny days annually. Even in winter, sunny days are frequent.

  4. Wind:
    The island is occasionally affected by winds from the Sahara Desert, known as the "Harmattan" winds, which can bring dry and dusty conditions. The "Meltemi" wind, a seasonal north wind, can also affect Cyprus, especially during the summer months, providing some relief from the heat.

  5. Regional Differences:

    • Coastal Areas (e.g., Limassol, Larnaca): These areas have a more temperate climate due to the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are hot but not extreme, and winters are mild.
    • Inland Areas (e.g., Nicosia, Troodos Mountains): The inland areas experience more extreme temperatures. Summers can be very hot, and winters are cooler, with snow often falling in the Troodos Mountains.

  6. Seasonal Changes:

    • Spring (March–May): Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Spring is generally pleasant with occasional rainfall.
    • Autumn (September–November): Similar to spring, autumn has pleasant temperatures and can have occasional showers. It’s a great time for outdoor activities.
    • Summer (June–August): Very hot, especially inland. Coastal areas are more bearable due to the sea breeze.
    • Winter (December–February): Mild but cooler than other seasons. Snow in the mountains and rainfall in the lowlands.

Cyprus’ Mediterranean climate makes it a popular destination for tourists, offering year-round sunshine and a great mix of warm and mild temperatures depending on the season.

 
Clothes to wear in Cyprus by season
 

When preparing for the climate of Cyprus, it’s essential to dress according to its Mediterranean climate, which features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here's a breakdown of the clothing you should pack for each season:

Spring (March–May)

  • Weather: Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with pleasant, mild days and occasional rain showers.
  • Clothing:
    • Light jackets or cardigans for cooler mornings and evenings.
    • Long-sleeve shirts or blouses made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
    • Comfortable pants or skirts, and light scarves for extra warmth when needed.
    • Rain jacket or an umbrella, as occasional showers can occur.
    • Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and walking.

Summer (June–August)

  • Weather: Very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F) in inland areas. Coastal regions are slightly milder.
  • Clothing:
    • Lightweight, breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses made from cotton, linen, or other airy fabrics.
    • Sun protection such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield from intense sunlight.
    • Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for the beach.
    • Light jacket for evenings near the coast when temperatures might drop slightly.

Autumn (September–November)

  • Weather: Temperatures range from 25°C in September to 15°C in November. The weather remains mild, with occasional rainfall toward the end of the season.
  • Clothing:
    • Light sweaters or long-sleeve tops for cooler days, and shorts or skirts on warmer days.
    • A light jacket or cardigan for evenings and early mornings.
    • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the countryside or cities.
    • Light rain gear like a raincoat or compact umbrella for sudden showers.

Winter (December–February)

  • Weather: Mild temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F) in coastal areas, while inland areas can be cooler. The Troodos Mountains receive occasional snowfall.
  • Clothing:
    • Warm layers like thermal tops and sweaters, but nothing too heavy for coastal areas.
    • Waterproof jacket or a coat for potential rain, especially in the mountains.
    • Jeans or trousers for warmth.
    • Sturdy shoes or boots if exploring the mountains or hiking.
    • A hat and gloves for the colder evenings, especially in inland areas.

General Tips:

  • Layering is essential year-round, as the weather can shift from warm to cool.
  • Sun protection is crucial during the summer months due to intense sunlight.
  • Since Cyprus experiences frequent sunshine, sunglasses and hats are a must, especially when outdoors during midday.

By adjusting your wardrobe based on Cyprus’ seasons, you can stay comfortable and enjoy your time exploring this beautiful Mediterranean island.