The water temperature in the sea in Cyprus never drops below +16 degrees Celsius. For some, even this is acceptable for swimming. However, most people prefer to wait until the coastal waters are warmer and more comfortable.
1. Climate of Cyprus and its geographical position
The island of Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is " enclosed" on three sides by the mainland. To the north is Turkey, to the east is Syria, Lebanon and Israel, and to the south - Egypt. The west side of the island is facing the open sea, and because of this it is more often windy, and the average annual air and water temperature is 1-2 degrees lower than in other areas. The "Mainland encirclement" of Cyprus provides the absence of strong currents, which creates additional safety for swimming and maintaining high water temperatures in the fall.
Important! In the Paphos area you may encounter a rebound (low tide) current. In other areas it can occur, but it is extremely rare.
Cyprus has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. This means that the island has a mild winter (air temperature does not fall below +8 degrees on the coast), in the mountains from December to February there is snow, summer is arid and sunny, but not too hot (on the coast the thermometer rarely rises above 36 degrees).
Windiness on the island due to its geographical position is lower than one might expect. Predominantly it is mostly observed in winter and remains until April. The bathing season for more sensitive people starts in June.
Water temperature exceeds +20 degrees for about 8 months in a row - it is at this time that the island becomes an ideal resort for beach vacation. This is the period from April to October, it is also briefly called the “summer season".
The “summer season" is also good because it rarely rains. Cyprus has approximately 300 days of sunshine a year, and precipitation, if there is any, and it is mostly only seen in winter. This means that beach tourists visiting the island from May to October will probably not experience rainfall.
2. Water temperature in Cyprus by months
When tourists plan a trip to Cyprus, the water temperature is sometimes the first thing they are interested in. This information is especially relevant when planning beach vacations. It is optimal to choose a time when both night and day the average daily temperature is high: at this time and the sea will be warm and comfortable for swimming.
2.1 Water temperature in winter: December to February
The factors affecting the water temperature in winter are cold air, currents and winds. The water itself does not cool down below +16 degrees, but bathing is usually uncomfortable precisely because of these weather factors. Nevertheless, seasoned swimmers can swim a little in the Mediterranean Sea, if they have such a desire - just pick a sunny day.
So, here are the averages for the different areas of Cyprus:
- Paphos: December +18°C, January +16°C, February +17°C.
- Limassol: December +19°C, January +17°C, February +18°C.
- Larnaca: December +20°C, January +18°C, February +18°C.
- Famagusta: December +19°C, January +18°C, February +17°C.
In winter there are storms on the island and swimming is prohibited when the waves are high.
2.2 Water temperature in spring: from March to May
The water in the sea warms up quite quickly, and it is possible to open the bathing season in any of these months. In the evening it is more refreshing and there may be a cool breeze, so it is better to swim in the daytime.
Averages for different areas of Cyprus:
- Paphos: March +17°C, April +18°C, May +21°C.
- Limassol: March +18°C, April +19°C, May +21°C.
- Larnaca: March +18°C, April +19°C, May +22°C.
- Famagusta: March +17°C, April +18°C, May +21°C.
In spring, the island sometimes experiences dust storms. During these days it is better to stay indoors and not go outdoors unnecessarily.
2.3 Water temperature in summer: June to August
At this time of year, air and water temperatures rise to their maximum values. This means that both sensitive people and small children will be comfortable swimming.
Averages for different areas of Cyprus:
- Paphos: June +24°C, July +27°C, August +28°C.
- Limassol: June +24°C, July +27°C, August +28°C.
- Larnaca: June +24°C, July +28°C, August +29°C.
- Famagusta: June +24°C, July +28°C, August +29°C.
July and August may be difficult for people who are not used to the heat. Therefore, it makes sense to choose another time to visit Cypriot resorts in order not to compromise your health.
2.4 Water Temperature in Autumn: September to November
Autumn is the beginning of the velvet season in Cyprus: the water in the sea remains warm and the sun is not so hot. At this time of year you can enjoy not only beach vacations but also nature walks.
Average temperatures in different parts of Cyprus:
- Paphos: September +27°C, October +25°C, November +22°C.
- Limassol: September +28°C, October +26°C, November +23°C.
- Larnaca: September +27°C, October +25°C, November +23°C.
- Famagusta: September +28°C, October +26°C, November +23°C.
Before traveling to Cyprus, it is recommended to check the water and air temperature in real-time. Direct familiarization will give a more accurate picture than average figures.
Note: the weather forecast for Cyprus is usually quite accurate.
3. When is it best to come to Cyprus for a beach vacation?
As a result of the above, the best season on the island for a beach vacation is from May to October. At this time, the weather is warm, dry and sunny, and the sea warms up to comfortable values.
The hottest month is August. Maximum water temperatures can reach 30°C. At the same time, the air is quite sultry. The coldest month is January, which is rainy and the sea cools down to its lowest possible temperature. There will be few opportunities to swim even in the "walrus" mode.
Before traveling, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the weather in Cyprus by month. This will give a more complete picture and will allow you to plan a vacation without misfires and unpleasant surprises.
Read also:
- Permanent residence permit in Cyprus: relocation and ways of acquiring the permit.
- Ways to obtain Cyprus residence permit
- Preparing for the Exam for Long-Term Permit: 161 Questions Testing your Knowledge about Cyprus
- Work Permit in Cyprus
- Cyprus Weather Forecast: Current Temperature and 10-Day Average for Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos
- Government of Cyprus
