Climate and Weather
Seasons
One of the advantages of being an island in the Mediterranean is obviously the glorious weather it offers right through from January to December. Those seeking endless hours of sunshine, warm temperatures and balmy nights are typical of Cyprus during the months of May to as late as November.
Temperatures do vary from season to season although these are slight. Whilst it my not be warm enough for swimming in the winter, there are always cultural sites to visit, festivals to take part in and pleasurable trips to breathtaking mountain sites and unspoilt villages.
Summer
The summer months start from around May to October, often stretching to November. Clear skies and sizzling temperatures make it an ideal season for carefree swimming and sunbathing. For the more energetic, watersports are abound during this season from skiing to scuba diving.
To avoid the hottest part of the day, it is recommended that any archaeological site seeing or shopping is done in the late afternoon or early morning and that sunscreen protection is liberally applied. For the traveler that wishes to escape for cooler climates, the Troodes mountains offer a refreshingly cooler retreat.
With the sunshine still beaming in September and October, sea waters remain warm enough for pleasurable swimming with no signs that summer is over. Beginning of September brings us to the annual wine festival in Limassol. 10 days of festivities and endless supplies of free wine, song and dance, an occasion not to be missed.
Autumn
Whilst the weather in October to November remains warm, the evenings turn cooler requiring the traveller to adopt medium weight attire. Fall is an ideal time to admire the panoramic views of mountains as far as the eye can see and vineyards that take on an array of colourful hues through settings of startling bright sunhine.
Whilst both travelers and locals alike are determined to pursue the pleasures of swimming, others enjoy inland trips to villages and vineyards and visit the numerous festivals, taking pleasure in traditional music, dancing and performances all over Cyprus.
Winter
December and January are traditionally the winter months of the Mediterranean, with intermittent outbursts of rain. Yet on average, the sun continues to shine for at least 6 hours a day. Early February often brings snow to the mountains and many tourists flock to the resort of Troodos for a spot of sking!
Whilst most Mediterranean resorts close down for the winter, Cyprus continues to delight it’s visitors with archaeological sites, museums, musical concerts and folklore performances.
Spring Delights
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the island of Cyprus and by mid February the countryside comes alive with rich shades of green and stunning displays of wild flowers in full bloom.
Day time temperatures by March, reach around 19c/65F and 9c/40F in the evenings. By April, spring is truly in full swing. The perfect time for leisurely walks and nature hikes, deep into the Peninsula of Akamas. With 1,950 types of plants that grow on the island, it is estimated that 140 of them grow nowhere else but Cyprus and that 700 of them grow in the Akamas area alone.
February to May brings wild pink heart-shaped cyclamens, popping up through rocky foothills and paths creating a mesmerising passageway towards the Baths of Aphrodite. Cyprus is definitely for those looking for sun drenched beaches and be fitting for those seeking the natural beauty of Aphrodite’s island in full bloom! |