The best time for Cyprus holidays is during spring and early summer, when the weather is beautifully warm and sunny without the intense heat of peak season. You'll find perfect conditions for exploring the island's ancient sites and beautiful coastline, though if you're set on a classic beach holiday, the hot, dry summer months are hard to beat.
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
The best time to visit Cyprus is between April and June. During these months, you'll enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures, long sunny days and very little rainfall, creating ideal conditions for both relaxing on the beach and sightseeing across the island.
Cyprus in spring: 15-22°C, mild and sunny with little rain
Spring is a fantastic time to be in Cyprus. From March to May, the island shakes off the mild winter and bursts into life. Temperatures are very comfortable, climbing from the high teens to the mid-20s, and you can expect around 10 hours of sunshine a day. With rainfall dropping to just 19mm per month, it's a great season for getting out and about to see historical sites or hike coastal paths before the summer crowds arrive.
Cyprus in summer: 24-31°C, hot, dry and very sunny
Summer in Cyprus is defined by heat, sun and blue skies. From June to August, temperatures soar into the low 30s, with July and August being the hottest months with average highs of 32°C. Rainfall is almost non-existent, and you're treated to nearly 12 hours of brilliant sunshine each day. It's the perfect season for a classic beach holiday, spending your days by the sea and your evenings enjoying the warm, balmy air.
Cyprus in autumn: 21-26°C, warm and pleasant with more sunshine
Autumn sees the intense heat of summer gently subside, but the weather remains wonderfully warm. From September to November, temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 20s, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. You'll still get over 10 hours of sunshine a day in early autumn, and while the chance of rain increases slightly later in the season, it's generally a dry and pleasant time to visit.
Cyprus in winter: 12-17°C, mild but wetter with fewer sun hours
Winter in Cyprus is mild, especially compared to northern Europe, making it a popular choice for some winter sun. Average daily highs are around 16-17°C, though it can feel cooler in the evenings. This is the island's wettest period, with January seeing the most rain at around 61mm. However, you'll still get a respectable seven hours of sunshine on average per day. The climate can vary slightly across the island; for instance, Larnaca is, on average, a little warmer than Paphos.
Average weather in Cyprus by month
July is the warmest, driest and sunniest month in Cyprus, while January is the coolest and wettest. The table below shows the average monthly weather, which can help you plan your trip.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm/month) | Sunshine (avg hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11-16°C | 61mm | 6.8 |
| February | 11-16°C | 37mm | 7.7 |
| March | 12-18°C | 28mm | 8.5 |
| April | 15-22°C | 16mm | 9.7 |
| May | 19-25°C | 14mm | 10.6 |
| June | 22-29°C | 3mm | 11.5 |
| July | 25-32°C | 0mm | 11.9 |
| August | 26-32°C | 1mm | 11.8 |
| September | 24-30°C | 5mm | 11.4 |
| October | 21-26°C | 19mm | 10.4 |
| November | 17-22°C | 27mm | 9.3 |
| December | 14-18°C | 55mm | 7.8 |
Please note that these figures are an average for the main coastal resorts of Larnaca and Paphos, and local conditions may vary.
Best time to visit Cyprus for beaches and swimming
For a classic sun and sea holiday, the best time to visit Cyprus is from June to September. During these months, the weather is consistently hot and sunny, with average highs climbing to 32°C and almost no chance of rain. You're guaranteed around 12 hours of sunshine a day, giving you maximum time to relax on the sand and enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters. May and October are also great options, with pleasant swimming conditions and slightly cooler temperatures.
Best time to visit Cyprus for sightseeing and exploring
If you're planning to explore Cyprus's rich history, from ancient ruins to charming villages, the best times to visit are spring and autumn. The months of April, May, October and November offer the perfect balance of warm, sunny weather and comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 15°C to 26°C. You can wander through archaeological sites for hours without the intense heat of summer, and the landscape is particularly fresh and green in the spring.
Best time to visit Cyprus for winter sun
For a mild escape from the cold, winter in Cyprus offers a pleasant alternative. Between December and February, you'll find daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 16°C to 17°C and around seven hours of sunshine each day. While this is the island's rainiest season, showers are often short-lived, leaving plenty of bright, clear spells for a walk along the seafront or lunch at a local taverna.
Whether you're after non-stop summer sun or a mild winter break, there's a perfect time for you to visit Cyprus.
