In fact, Cyprus
epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine
temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare,
meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether
it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and
festivals (all year long). While seasonal fluctuations are not drastic,
however, they are different. Here's what to expect:
Summer: When It Sizzles
For just about Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and
means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from
the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole
range of watersports from sailing to scuba diving. At this time
of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or
in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always
a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and
a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F)
degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly
cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or
simply relaxing.
The days of September and October are still sunny
and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's
still summer. In Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring
the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.
Fall Forecast: Warm and Sunny
Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however.
In October and through November the leaves change color in the Troodos
and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of
crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like
summer, but by month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons
and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still
possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages
and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable. Fall also
brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local
and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout
Cyprus.
Winter: An Active Season
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing
the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright
sunshine a day. This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean
destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island
is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites
and museums, all at their least crowded in winter. The cultural
calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new
events coming all the time. The summer resort of Agia Napa, for
example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music
concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early
February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos
- ideal for skiing!
Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February
the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond
trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures
around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early
spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime
temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of
red anemones and other wildflowers.
In April and into the middle of May spring is in full
force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures
in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering
plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in
the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic.
From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills
and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite.
From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis
italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus
is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savor
the natural beauty of the island in bloom.
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