When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Ideally located in the eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus has mild winters and hot summers, making the country a year-round holiday destination. There’s never a bad time to visit and every time you go you’ll find lovely soft sandy beaches, 1000 years of history and plenty of culture and great food.
Here we reveal some of the island’s seasonal highlights.
Spring
In early spring in Cyprus there may be showers, but most of the time you bask in the warm glow of the Mediterranean sun. Daytime temperatures range from a balmy 15°C to a “perfect” 28°C in April.
Tip: The tourist season hasn’t started yet, so you can enjoy completely quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Relatively cooler temperatures are ideal for engaging in adventure activities from kayaking to snorkeling (with a wetsuit). The rough limestone here is a climber’s paradise, and if you’re new to rock climbing, Zephyros Adventure Sports in Paphos runs individual and group courses.
Spring is the best time to experience nature, because the landscapes are in full bloom. Wild purple orchids rarely appear in early April and the barren landscape is painted in all shades of green. Experience nature at its best in one of the island’s national parks. Located on the west coast of Cyprus, Akamas National Park is a protected natural area overlooking the picturesque Chrysochou Bay.
Spring is also the biggest event according to the Greek Orthodox calendar. Friends, families and tourists celebrate Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon.
As the Easter weekend approaches, Cyprus turns into a hive of partying and revelry. On Good Friday, each village hosts an epitaph procession with its own unique traditions. At midnight on Saturday there is a big party and families go home to celebrate the end of the 40-day fast.
Summer
In May, the season starts and tourists start arriving in droves. In summer, the temperature rises to 40 degrees. Clubs, bars and restaurants are full of locals and tourists enjoying the good weather and the fun. Cyprus hosts several beer and wine festivals during the summer, including the Limassol Wine Festival and the Paphos Beer Festival.
Tip: July and August are the best times of the year for diving and snorkeling, because the sea is like a bath and the temperature reaches 33°C. This attracts a wide variety of underwater species, from green turtles to blue stingrays.
In addition to spotting sea animals, you can also dive into impressive wrecks. The most famous is the Zenobia, a ferry that sank on its original voyage in 1980 and is rated as one of the best recreational dive sites in the world.
If you can’t stand the heat, head to the Troodos Mountains, home to Mount Olympus. Surrounded by vast forests, this is one of the few places where you can escape the scorching heat of the sun. Discover hidden monasteries and charming villages such as Kakopetria with its cobbled Main Square and medieval quarter.
Autumn
In September, local kids go back to school and tourists go home, so this is the best time to visit if you’re looking for peace and quiet. The temperature remains warm and pleasant, and there is little chance of rain. September is also the month when the loggerhead and green turtle hatch their eggs and take their first hesitant steps into the sea. Head to Lara Bay to witness this magical experience for yourself.
October 1st is the day Cyprus became independent from the British. This is a public holiday and the island celebrates with festivals, parades and military demonstrations.
As the end of October approaches, the first rains begin to fall. The dry barren landscape refreshes and nature enjoys a welcome drink. Companies are starting to prepare for the winter season, so now is a good time to do business and take advantage of significant discounts on hotels.
Winter
In November and December, temperatures rarely fall into the single digits and can still rise to 18 degrees. Winter storms cause a huge rise in sea level, providing ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts.
This is also a good time to go for a walk, because the landscape is no longer so dry and fresh and a nice warm wind comes with it.
Christmas and New Year are celebrated in Cyprus with the usual joy and enthusiasm. From the end of November, merry Christmas trees adorn the island and street vendors gather to sell gifts and souvenirs, as well as syrup-soaked candies and grilled meats.
January 6 is another important date in the Orthodox Christian calendar – the feast day of Epiphany (“Ta Fota” in Cyprus). The festival culminates when the bishop throws a holy cross into the Mediterranean Sea, which is then recovered by greedy divers.