CYPRUS · WHEN TO GO
Cyprus changes with the seasons.
There is no perfect time of year for the whole island.There is a better time for the trip you want to take.
The sea, mountains, villages, cities and tourist areas change far more throughout the year than you might expect.
Explore the seasons
WINTER
Cyprus doesn't close for winter. But it changes a lot depending on where you are.
DAYLIGHT
SUNRISE
approx. 06:30–07:00
SUNSET
approx. 16:35–17:30
Approximate times. They vary by month, location and clock changes.
BEST RIGHT NOW
- cities
- local life
- mountains
- walking in milder temperatures
BEAR IN MIND
- short days
- highly seasonal tourist areas
- more changeable weather
LIMITED DAYLIGHT
In December and January it can get dark before 17:00. If you're heading to Troodos or Akamas, or taking a road trip, start your day early.
Areas of Cyprus
How each area changes.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
A very comfortable time to explore the city on foot without the intense summer heat.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
You won't have the sea and beach experience that many people associate with Cyprus.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
The Salt Lake comes into its own, and it is the season for migratory birds.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
The trip is no longer centred on the beach.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
A very good time for archaeology, walks and getting to know the city at a relaxed pace.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
Tourist areas are quieter and some seasonal businesses may close.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
Much more pleasant temperatures for exploring the peninsula on foot.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
Rain, access and trail conditions can change your plans.
And remember that it gets dark early.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
Quiet beaches and another way to see the area.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
Much of the tourist infrastructure and nightlife is seasonal.
Outside the main season, it can feel very quiet.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
A quiet coast and a chance to discover a much more local side of eastern Cyprus.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
Protaras is very seasonal.
Many hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist services close or greatly reduce their activity in winter.
BUT THE WHOLE AREA DOESN'T CLOSE.
The centre of activity simply shifts.
Kapparis stays much livelier throughout the year, and Paralimni continues to function as a town, with shops, cafés and everyday life.
↘ SEE ANOTHER SIDE
KAPPARIS
More residential, with much more activity throughout the year.
PARALIMNI
A working town, services and everyday life when the tourist coast slows down.
DERYNEIA
An even more local experience, connected to the Kokkinochoria and the pace of village life.
Less resort. More island.
WHEN TOURISM SLOWS DOWN
The pace changes too.
With fewer visitors, it is easier to find spontaneous conversations, neighbourhood cafés and a much more everyday way to get to know the area.
Cyprus can feel especially welcoming when you leave the areas designed exclusively for visitors.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
One of the coastal areas where city life carries on best through winter.
Akrotiri also becomes more interesting during the migratory bird season.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
The beach is no longer the focus of the experience.
✨ BEST RIGHT NOW
Troodos changes completely.
There may be snow and, if conditions allow, you can even ski.
👀 BEAR IN MIND
Don't promise snow.
Roads, ski slopes and access depend on actual conditions on the day.
YES. YOU CAN SKI IN CYPRUS. 😂
A note on the seasons
Seasons don't switch on and off.
Cyprus changes a lot outside the main season, but there is no single day when everything opens or closes.
In the busiest tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, activities and services can vary from year to year and at different points in the season.
Use this page as a guide and check individual businesses before you travel.
seasons
Now choose where to go.
Now you know how the island changes. Discover what each area has to offer.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Where do I start?
A quick guide to Cyprus to help you make your first decisions. Request it for free and receive it by email.