Good Time to Visit

Weather

Cyprus enjoys as typically war, Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average annual rainfall is 50 cm. Summer, June to August, can be very hot. Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant times weather-wise.

In Nicosia (elevation 218 m), average temperatures are at their lowest in January at 10°C (with a minimum of 6°C and a maximum of 15°C), and their highest in July/August, at 28°C (with a minimum of 21°C and a maximum of 36°C). Rainfall averages from 0 to 11 cm a month, with the greatest amounts falling from November to February (6 cm a month or more), with none (or scarce amounts) falling from June to September.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight fabrics during summer months; warmer mediumweights and rainwear during the winter.

More detailed information about the Cypriot weather may be found in Climate in Cyprus.

Festivals

The Republic celebrates basically the same festivals as Greece. Easter is the biggest celebration of the year and is characterised by candle-lit processions, fireworks and feasting. Cyprus Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October. The North observes Muslim holidays, the major one being Ramadan, a month of fasting, which ends with a huge feast, Ramazan Bayrami. The Proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is celebrated on 15 November.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Cyprus: