Winter in Cyprus. Several Reasons Why It's Worth Visiting the Island in Winter

Winter in Cyprus is a great time to explore without the crowds of tourists. You can easily reach the most beautiful spots, taste delicious food, and discover a different side of Cyprus.
Widok na Pafos, Cypr
Fot. www.istockphoto.com/elvirkin

When is winter in Cyprus? Let's find out!

Winter in Cyprus might be the perfect time to visit if you want to truly experience the island, its culture, traditions, and cuisine without squeezing through the crowds of tourists who flock to the "island of love," where the Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have been born. Cyprus is divided into two parts:

  • The northern part (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) inhabited by Turks
  • The southern part inhabited by Greeks

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, the largest city on the island, which is also divided into two parts: the northern and southern sections, separated by a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations.

Nikozja, Cypr
Nikozja, CyprFot. Mateusz Skwarczek / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Cyprus is known as a summer holiday destination, but what about the winter months? When does winter start in Cyprus? It begins in December when temperatures drop, though not so much as to interfere with sightseeing and enjoying the island’s beauty. Winter lasts until March.

Winter Temperatures in Cyprus

Winter temperatures in Cyprus are significantly higher than in Poland, so tourists wanting to escape the cold and save a bit should consider a trip to Cyprus. Of course, you can’t expect beach-weather temperatures. In December, the average daytime temperature is around 18°C, while the water temperature is about 17°C. It’s important to note that from December to February, Cyprus experiences its highest rainfall.

Winter in Cyprus. What’s Worth Knowing?

Winter in Cyprus is certainly more pleasant temperature-wise than in Poland, thanks to the Mediterranean climate. What else should you know about winter in Cyprus? It’s an excellent time for peaceful sightseeing. Most of the island is occupied by mountains:

  • In the south, the Troodos range with its highest peak, Mount Olympus (1951 m above sea level)
  • The Kyrenia range with its highest peak, Akromandra (1019 m above sea level)

During winter in Cyprus, you can even go skiing—there are five ski lifts available in the Troodos Mountains. The best ski slopes are located on the slopes of Mount Olympus, with a total length of about 4 km.

Does it snow in Cyprus?

Does it snow in Cyprus? Due to the local climate, it’s very rare. Snow can only be found in the mountains, which makes skiing possible. In cities like Paphos or Larnaca, however, you’re unlikely to see any snow.

Krajobraz z ruinami Kurion, część stanowiska archeologicznego światowego dziedzictwa, Limassol, Cypr
Krajobraz z ruinami Kurion, część stanowiska archeologicznego światowego dziedzictwa, Limassol, CyprFot. www.istockphoto.com/Balate Dorin

Cyprus: Winter Weather

Winter weather in Cyprus isn’t particularly favorable for locals, but for Poles, it may already feel quite pleasant due to the relatively high temperatures. The only downside is the increased rainfall—in December and January, there can be up to 10 rainy days in a month. Despite this, annual statistics show that Cyprus is one of the sunniest places in the world.