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Cyprus for All Seasons! One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean
island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no
exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region
with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of
temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month
of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying
cultural sites and festivals (all year long). While seasonal
fluctuations are not drastic, however, they are different. Here's what
to expect:
Summer: When It Sizzles
For just about Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and means
high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea.
It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of
water sports from sailing to scuba diving. At this time of year, explore
the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon,
avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always a good idea to bring
along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in
the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer
inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the
mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.
The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm
enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In
Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival,
a buoyant period not to be missed.
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| Routes |
Distance |
Routes |
Distance |
| Larnaca Marina - Ayia Napa Port |
18 NM |
Larnaca Marina - St. Raphael Marina |
31 NM |
| Ayia Napa - Konnos Bay |
6 NM |
St. Raphael Marina - Pissouri Bay |
31 NM |
| Konnos - F/Tree Bay |
3 NM |
Pissouri Bay - Paphos Port |
18 NM |
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Paphos Port - Lara Bay |
18 NM |
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Lara Bay - Latchi Port |
17 NM |
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Fall Forecast: Warm and Sunny
Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler,
however. In October and through November the leaves change
colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson
hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus
even mid-November can feel like summer, but by month's end
medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will
enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to
enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and
vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable. Fall also
brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious
local and international musical and dramatic performances at
venues throughout Cyprus.Winter: An
Active Season
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter,
bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six
hours of bright sunshine a day. This is the time of year when
smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but
not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has
many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least
crowded in winter. The cultural calendar is also alive and well
throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The
summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural
Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric
dance performances. Into early February there is occasional
rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!
Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by
mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green
meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool
(daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but
steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to
Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the
ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other
wildflowers.
In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force.
This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures
in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of
flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the
island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of
which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen
sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a
riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to
April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows
in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place
to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savour the
natural beauty of the island in bloom.
Copyright: Cyprus Tourism
Organisation |
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