Last Updated on August 6, 2021 by Tia
If you are here, then you are wondering what the best time to visit Cyprus is! Fear not, because, in this article, we will talk about just that! Whether you want the best weather when you visit or the cheapest rates, then keep reading for the best time to visit the island I was born and raised in – paradisical Cyprus!
In the rare event that you are not still sold on visiting Cyprus, this travel website is perfect for you! I have TONS of articles on the island, from the secret beaches, top things to do in each city, where to stay in Cyprus, things you should know before you visit and more! Additionally, I am filming my own Cyprus travel show, and because of this, I toured Cyprus extensively – 30+ villages, dozens of hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, bars and so much more!
Table of Contents
Best time to Visit Cyprus
Best time to visit Cyprus – According to Weather
”Cyprus is sunny and hot all year round” – NO IT IS NOT! Yes, our winter and rain season is small, but it is there, so if you are dreaming of sunning it up at the best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras in February…well, think again!
Let me help you by dividing Cyprus into seasons! Anything over 30 degrees Celsius in summer, 20-30 is spring or Autumn and 0-20 is winter
When to visit Cyprus – Warm Weather
Summer: Mid May, June, July, August, September, October. Temperature = 30-45 degrees. Yes, 45!
This is tanning season – and a time when Cyprus is FULL of events – beach parties, concerts, festivals, and so on!
You can still visit the mountains and villages to escape the scorching heat, but sightseeing will need meticulous care to avoid sunstroke.
A good hat, good quality Sunglasses, high SPF, and so on are vital – the sun in Cyprus is STRONG!
Spring/Autumn: November, April, Beginning of May. Temperature = 20-30 degrees.
This is perfect for nature/ hiking lovers. If you want to explore Cyprus city by city this is a perfect time!
Nature is in full bloom, the forests are green, and the weather is optimal for tons of outdoor activities and sightseeing.
You will still get a tan, but at a much more comfortable level!
When to visit Cyprus – colder weather
Winter: Late December, January, February. Temperature = 10-17 degrees, with temps dropping to 0 in the evening!
Here is where rain will most likely occur. It doesn’t rain often, but it pours and floods everything in sight when it does!
Certain cities like Ayia Napa and Protaras feel like ghost towns, and no one goes to the beach apart from the brave to love winter swimming!
The mountains are snowy (sometimes) if you are into that type of thing though!
The next paragraph will help you find a time with the perfect weather and budget for YOU
Best time to visit Cyprus – According to Budget
Cyprus is not a very cheap island! Traveling during the high season can cost a pretty penny – but this of course heavily depends on the accommodation you wish to have, the transportation means you choose, and the activities you take.
There is a detailed budget plan in my Local’s Guide to Cyprus, but in short; high season should be avoided if you want to keep the costs down!
High Season (Inflated Prices). Mid to end of June, July, August.
Hotels are mostly fully booked during that time, so making early plans is advisable!
There are a few national holidays (see below) that fall into those months, which makes everything that much busier (with plenty of events)
Low Season: January, February, March.
Beach-side hotels are mostly closed, but there are beautiful village cottages with jacuzzis and fireplaces for a perfect little getaway!
Thing is, those ones have their prices up during that time!
Perfect Season to book to get both sun AND a good price?
The answer no one wants you to know is…End of May to mid-June, September, and October! The weather is perfect-a very comfortable 30-35 degrees, no rain, clear blue skies, plenty of hotel availability, and the beaches are quieter too! Hallelujah!
Best time to visit Cyprus – National Holidays
Carnival – February.
Carnival takes place on February,10 or 12 days before Easter lent!
All cities, but especially Limassol, perform HUGE celebrations, for the event! Limassol practically closes down for 4 days with street and bar parties taking place before and after the two big carnival celebrations on Saturday and Sunday.
Kids and adults alike dress up and party all day and all night – you will love it!
The flood Festival: ”Kataklismos” 21st June
Kataklysmos” is a religious and popular feast celebrated in Cyprus.
“Kataklysmos”, which means flood, is found in the book of Genesis and in the Greek myth of Deukalion.
In both cases, it refers to the destruction by flood of almost all living creatures in order to give birth to a new and moral generation. The celebrations last for a few days and take place in all seaside towns.
Celebrations include various games, swimming competitions, boat races, performances of folk dances, and more.
The most popular custom of “Kataklysmos” is throwing water to one another (which symbolizes the purification of the body and soul) so be aware!
Additionally, there are a TON of concerts, beach parties, and boat parties during the 3-day celebration! Bring your best beach outfits and get ready to party!
Assumption Day : 15th August
Assumption day in Cyprus is one of the most celebrated in the country!
It signifies the bodily taking up of Mary, the mother of Jesus, into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.
It is a National Holiday for the entire island – therefore it is probably one of the worst times to visit because everyone arranges their summer holidays the week before AND after the date.
As a result, it is packed to the brim, from the hotels to the beaches, the clubs, and the restaurants! Avoid a visit during that time and save your wallet and sanity!
Best time to visit Cyprus – Religious Restrictions
As I mentioned in my Cyprus travel blog, Cyprus is a Christian Orthodox country.
This means that we do not have ”restricting” holidays like Ramadan (Which I personally find to be a beautiful holiday, that doesn’t heavily restrict travel at all). ‘
In Cyprus, Christmas and Easter time are very important in terms of religion, and a lot of people fast for 40 days before Xmas and 50 days before Easter.
This means cutting out all meat, dairy, and other animal products such as eggs for example. Lentils, plenty of Greek salads, vegetables, and carbs are key ingredients to our diet during this time.
However, all restaurants continue to serve ALL meals, including meat and fish so you do not need to fast at all!
During Easter – bars and nightclubs remain CLOSED – for about 5 days or so – starting from Holy Thursday, so if you wish to be out and about after hours, it is definitely something to consider when debating the best time to visit Cyprus.
Important note: Each year, the holiday falls on a different day (it is NOT the same date as Catholic Easter), so if you are visiting during April/May, check the dates for Easter before you book.
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10 comments
I haven’t been to Cyprus yet so thank you for the helpful tips about when to visit!
Thank you for reading Krista!
Great tips and a break down of the holidays and seasons here. I had no idea Christmas and Easter were such a big deal so that’s really good to know.
Easter definitely is – Christian Orthodox folks don’t mess about with Easter! 🙂 My nana will disown me if I don’t get to church at least three times during the Holy week!
So many great tips on when to visit! I’ve not visited Cyprus but would love to as it looks beautiful with those beaches, turquoise water and of course the food. I think I’d enjoy visiting in early fall. 😁
The beaches are incredible – the island is bursting at the seams with blue flag beaches and Cyprus was actually voted as the country with the cleanest beaches in Europe! The food is NEXT LEVEL good! 🙂
Some great tips here! Thanks so much…this makes me want to visit Cyprus!
We hope to welcome you soon!
I would love to visit Cyprus! Thanks for sharing the reco about the best time to visit and all the extra info about this beautiful place!
Everyone seems to think its always scolding hot here so I felt it was important to share! Plus high season is so much more expensive!