Best Time to Visit Cyprus
For swimming, summer and early autumn are best: Visit Cyprus says the open sea is above 22°C from June to November. For walking and sightseeing, spring and autumn avoid the summer heat. For a quiet visit with mild days, winter works, with snow on the Troodos for skiing. The best time depends on what you want to do.
- Best for
- Anyone choosing dates for a first trip to Cyprus.
- How much time
- A few minutes to choose a season, then follow the link to its detailed guide.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to February, separated by short autumn and spring seasons, according to Visit Cyprus. There is no single best month, only a best season for each kind of trip. This page helps you choose, and each season has its own detailed guide.
Choose by what you want
| You want… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming and beaches | Summer or early autumn | Visit Cyprus says the open sea is above 22° C from June to November. |
| Walking and countryside | Spring | Visit Cyprus describes April and May as green, with flowers in bloom. |
| Sightseeing without peak heat | Spring or autumn | Daytime temperatures are lower than the July and August figures. |
| A mild winter break or snow | Winter | Winters are mild, with snow on the Troodos, and skiing is possible on the mountain range. |
| Mountain cool in summer | The Troodos in summer | Daily temperatures there are several degrees below the central plain. |
The seasons at a glance
| Season | Character | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Green countryside, warm days and cooler evenings. | Cyprus in spring |
| Summer | Long, dry, hot and sunny, with the warmest sea. | Cyprus in summer |
| Autumn | Warm days, cooler evenings, sea still suitable for swimming. | Cyprus in autumn |
| Winter | Mild with rain at times, snow in the Troodos, flamingos at Larnaca. | Cyprus in winter |
Dates that change the plan
- Orthodox Easter: the date moves each year and affects opening hours and bookings. See Cyprus in spring.
- School holidays: these mean busier beaches and higher prices in many places. Check dates for your own country.
- Public holidays: Visit Cyprus says shops, banks and services close, although many shops and services stay open in resorts and coastal areas.
For general planning, see the Cyprus travel guide.
Check before you go
Hours, prices and schedules change. Confirm them at the source:
- Cyprus Department of Meteorology
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism)
- Visit Cyprus: climate and weather: seasons, sea temperatures, regional temperatures