CYPRUS – A CLIMATE OF CONTRASTS
A part of the world can often be associated in the mind’s eye with its weather or climatic conditions – the Sahara Desert with its parched sands and Switzerland with snow. For those who live there, the UK seems to be allied to perpetual wind and rain, prompting the desire to be where the sun shines brightly. When it comes to Cyprus, perched on the crossroads of three continents in the Eastern Mediterranean, the promise of seemingly endless sunshine is a done deal!
During the summer months, the near certainty of clear blue skies watching over the equally clear blue seascape of the Mediterranean in assured temperatures hovering around and above the 30°c level, make it a sure-fire destination for a much needed relaxing holiday. It is with confidence that you can rent a villa or apartment and line up a rental car during your stay to take advantage of this glorious Mediterranean climate and what it has to offer. There’s little doubt that the weather affects not just our mood and sense of well being – but our ability to enjoy the natural and historic heritage which lies around us. So too with Cyprus…
Compared to countries in northern Europe, the winters in Cyprus are short and relatively mild. Summers are long, dry and very warm. Cyprus is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it truly an ‘island for all seasons’ – as promoted by the Cyprus Tourist Organisation.
During the summer months Cyprus is dominated by anticyclonic high pressure systems that push up from North Africa. Along the coast the average maximum temperatures in June, July and August tend to be lower than inland locations where temperatures rise to as high as 40°c – the contrast between the capital Nicosia and the coastal cities of Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca is noticeable.
The topography of Cyprus is itself a narrative of contrasts – affecting lifestyle and living. Thus the Troodos Mountains during the summer months offer welcome relief for those who are intolerant of the heat. At a height of 6402 ft above sea level, Mount Olympus – the highest peak on Cyprus – is on average some 10°c – 15°c cooler than locations on the coast.
During the winter months, snowfall in the Troodos makes Cyprus a wintersports destination – whilst popular coastal resorts such as Paphos make it a warm and welcome respite from the cold and bleak climate of the UK and northern Europe.
Rain is at a premium during the summer in Cyprus, most places staying completely dry. During the winter and spring months, occasional low pressure systems travel down the Mediterranean from the west. These bring welcome rainfall encouraging nearly 2000 different flowering plants to flourish on the island to flourish. Cyprus averages only 40 days of rainfall each year!
Closer to sea level, the island never really gets cold during the 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 inland, Nicosia recording averages 2°c – 3°c below those experienced on the coast.
The great thing about the climate in Cyprus is that it is fairly predictable – making it an ideal destination when planning your holidays or looking for permanent living.
