Climate and Weather Conditions in Cyprus

The Mediterranean is known for its comfortable year-round living conditions, and Cyprus exemplifies this perfectly. The island features warm, dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to March. During winter, Cyprus occasionally experiences heavy but brief rainfall. Spring and autumn showcase the island's beautiful natural colours and provide ideal conditions for relaxing walks through eucalyptus groves and outdoor sporting activities.

The Cyprus climate is especially appealing for those looking to escape colder European winters, with many choosing to buy a house in Limassol for its particularly favourable microclimate.

Annual Average Temperature

The island boasts an annual average temperature of +24°C during daylight hours and +14°C after nightfall. The climate in Cyprus creates favourable conditions where summer effectively extends for 8 months of the year, coinciding precisely with the duration of the tourist season.

July and August represent the peak of summer heat. During these months, the average maximum temperature in the central region climbs to +36°C, though historical records show temperatures can reach extremes, with the highest ever recorded being a scorching +46.2°C in Nicosia in September 2020. The Troodos Mountains offer a cooler alternative to visit Cyprus at around +27°C during these hot summer months.

January stands as Cyprus's coldest month, with temperatures dropping to 0°C during night hours in the Troodos Mountains and hovering around +5°C at night in the central region. In exceptional years, mountain temperatures can plummet significantly lower, with the lowest recorded temperature being -12.8°C in the Troodos Mountains in January 1964. During this time, snowfall creates ideal conditions for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The Cyprus climate presents this unique contrast where coastal areas remain mild while mountains receive substantial snow.

Cyprus Temperature Comparison Table

Region	Summer (Jul-Aug)	Winter (Jan)	Extreme Records	Average Annual Rainfall	Average Annual Sunshine	Average Wind Speed
Central Region (Nicosia)	Average high: +36°C Night: +22.5°C	Average high: +15.8°C Night: +5.7°C	Highest: +46.2°C (Nicosia, Sep 2020)	340 mm	2,700-3,500 hours	Light winds, stronger in winter
Troodos Mountains (Prodromos)	Average high: +27°C Night: +18.4°C	Average high: +5°C Night: 0°C	Lowest: -12.8°C (Jan 1964)	790 mm	2,700-3,500 hours	Light winds, stronger in winter
Coastal Region (Limassol)	Average high: +30°C Night: +22°C	Average high: +17°C Night: +8°C	Highest: +40°C (Limassol, Aug 2010)	375 mm	2,700-3,500 hours	Light winds, stronger in winter

Sea Temperature

The temperature in the open sea near the island of Cyprus varies depending on the season. August and September are the best months for swimming since the Mediterranean Sea warms up to +27°C. The average sea temperature from June to November is +22°C.

The Cyprus climate encourages a long-term swimming season. The sea warms up to +17°C even in the coldest months (January-March). Near the coast, these indicators do not change much, ranging from 23-28°C in August and 15-17°C in February.

Cyprus boasts Europe's longest swimming season due to its advantageous eastern Mediterranean position. The climate in Cyprus creates ideal conditions that other destinations simply cannot match. While popular destinations like Spain's Costa del Sol (5-6 months) and the Greek islands (6-7 months) have shorter swimming periods, Cyprus offers an impressive 8-9 month swimming season.

The island's location closer to the Middle East provides warmer water currents, while its sheltered position protects it from cooling Atlantic influences that affect western Mediterranean countries. This geographical advantage, combined with minimal average rainfall, allows Cyprus's waters to remain comfortably swimmable from early spring well into late autumn.

Weather in Cyprus by Season

The Cyprus weather follows a distinctive Mediterranean climate pattern with four well-defined seasons, each offering its own unique charm and activities for residents and visitors.

Spring (March-May): As temperatures rise from 15°C to 25°C, Cyprus transforms with vibrant wildflowers and blossoming almond trees. The Cyprus temperature during spring creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring archaeological sites without summer crowds.
Summer (June-September): Hot and dry, with high temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Perfect for beach activities, water sports, and boat excursions.
Autumn (October-November): A mild golden season with temperatures gradually decreasing from 28°C to 20°C. The sea remains warm enough for swimming while the countryside revives. October in Cyprus still offers swimming opportunities as the warm temperature persists.
Winter (December-February): A mild rainy winter (15-18°C) contrasts with cooler mountain conditions. Coastal regions enjoy sunny days perfect for sightseeing, while the Troodos Mountains receive snowfall. Winter Cyprus experiences demonstrate the island's diverse microclimates.

Additional Cyprus Climate Factors

The Cyprus climate enjoys remarkably comfortable conditions year-round thanks to its balanced elements. Air humidity remains moderate despite the heat, particularly when sea breezes provide natural cooling along the coast. These gentle winds — typically northwesterly in summer and southwesterly in winter — create pleasant conditions even during the warmest months.

Annual rainfall concentrates almost entirely between December and January, with summer bringing virtually guaranteed sunshine with cloudless skies. Annual precipitation averages 300-400mm along the coast but increases to 1000mm in the mountain ranges, which supports diverse ecosystems across the island while ensuring plenty of sunny days for visitors.

Regional Variation in Cyprus Weather

Cyprus's diverse topography creates distinct microclimates across relatively short distances, affecting the climate in Cyprus in fascinating ways:

Coastal regions (Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa): Enjoy the mildest winters and moderate summer temperatures thanks to sea breezes. The west coast (Paphos) tends to be slightly cooler and wetter than the eastern coast (Protaras, Ayia Napa).
Central plains (Nicosia, Mesaoria): Without the sea's moderating influence, this region experiences the most extreme temperature variations — the hottest summers and coolest winter nights on the lowlands. The Cyprus temperature varies most dramatically in these central areas.
Mountain regions: Temperature decreases by approximately 5°C for every 1000m elevation gain. The Troodos Mountains create their own microclimate with cooler temperatures year-round, increased rainfall, and winter Cyprus snowfall above 1000m elevation.
North vs South: The northern regions, influenced by the Kyrenia mountain range, generally experience slightly higher humidity levels than the south, while the southern areas receive marginally more hours of sunshine annually.

The island boasts approximately 340 sunny days annually — among the highest in Europe — making it exceptionally reliable for outdoor activities regardless of the season and region. This reliability of wonderful weather in Cyprus continues to attract both tourists to Mediterranean resorts and those seeking permanent residence in this paradise.