Cyprus is in the Mediterranean climate zone and benefits from short, mild winters and long, dry, and warm summers. The island is renowned for its sunshine, having an average of more than 300 days of sun each year - almost double the amount of sunshine most parts of Britain receive. If you're looking for year-round sunshine and warmth, Cyprus is the place to be.
During the summer months, Cyprus is dominated by anticyclone high-pressure systems that push up from North Africa. They bring clear blue skies and temperatures that soar above 30°c day after day. Around the coast the average maximum temperature in June, July, and August is 32°c. Inland, the maximum temperature can be as high as 40°c with an average of 35°cIn contrast, the Troodos Mountains, during the summer months, offer welcome relief. A refreshing retreat for those who wish to escape the heat.
At a height of 6402ft above sea level, Mount Olympus - the highest peak in Cyprus – can be between 10°c - 15°c cooler than coastal locations. Most places remain completely dry during summer. During the winter and spring months, occasional low-pressure systems travel down the Mediterranean from the west. This brings welcome rainfall -and snowfall to the higher peaks,-encouraging the many wildflowers and plants (more than 1900 varieties) to flourish. All in all, Cyprus averages only 40 days of rainfall each year. At sea level, the island maintains a mild climate throughout winter.
Locations like Paphos and Larnaca typically average a maximum temperature of 16°c - 18°c, while the average night-time temperature rarely falls below 7°c. Winters are a little cooler on land, Nicosia's recording averages 2°c - 3°c below those experienced elsewhere around the coast.