Cyprus for all seasons

From the gentle warmth of early spring lo the golden sun-drenched days of high summer, there's a Cyprus season to suit all types, just as there is a special part in this Island of contrasts to appeal to all tastes. One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus represents 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 also in November or enjoying cultural sites and all year long festivals. While seasonal fluctuations are not drastic, however, they are different. Here's what to expect:

From the beach to the mountains

In the summer months Cyprus is a veritable paradise for holidaymakers offering sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters which beckon swimmers and provide the perfect conditions for sailing, skiing and all water sports under the sun. Yet a complete contrast waits in the cool, pine covered mountains Troodos, with delightful hill resorts and traditional hotels. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of watersports 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, so visitors have an ideal chance to take a hike or explore the nature. 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 charming period that is worth to experience.

Enjoy the wine tasting

In autumn the scent of ripening fruit and freshly harvested wine grapes wafts through the air. As the land mellows in autumn there is a wonderful clarity of air on those balmy days, still warmed by the brilliant Cyprus sun. The sea temperature is still high after the long hot summer, and for some this is the best season of all.Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however. In October and through November the leaves change color 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 along the annual Kypria festival. It offers colourfull local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.

An active season in winter

Winter in Cyprus brings the snow covered slopes that offer ideal skiing conditions, with fun to be had by all ages from tobogganers to serious skiers. During winter one is able to bask on a sandy beach and within an hour embark on a skiing adventure in the Troodos Mountains.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. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos. A chance for all the ski lovers to enjoy the snow activities.

Fresh and colourfull spring

For those who find high temperatures unpleasant, the best time to visit Cyprus is in the spring, when the weather is generally sunny and warm and the island is colourful with flowering plants.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. Forty-five orchid species and subspecies have been recorded so far including Yellow Bee Orchid, Brown Bee Orchid, Naked Man Orchid, Early Spider Orchid, Anatolian Orchid and Ploughshare Orchid, as well as the rare Ophrys Kotschi. 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 patchesaround Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then Spring is good time for walking as in the summer it is far too hot to discover the wonders and beauty of this island.