Best time to visit Cyprus
The exceptionally mild winters, the warmest in the Mediterranean, attract visitors from far and wide but the majority fail to venture into the North.
The best time to visit Cyprus is the spring which often arrives as early as Feb. Weather is still favourable in Mar-Apr with wild flowers, including over 40 species of orchid, popping up across the ridge of the Besparmak Mountains and the hillsides towards the Akamas headland. The heat starts to kick in in May and the sun usually lasts all the way through to October. Summer is the best time for sea turtles with conservation projects to be found on Lara Bay and Alagadi Beach. Prices start to fall in autumn, so consider a getaway before the cold and rain of Dec-Jan.
Cyprus Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
6
15
69
FEB
6
16
55
MAR
7
18
45
APR
11
23
22
MAY
15
28
17
JUN
19
32
5
JUL
21
34
1
AUG
21
35
3
SEP
19
32
4
OCT
15
27
26
NOV
11
22
41
DEC
7
17
79
Things to do in Cyprus…
Things not to do in Cyprus...
Northern Cyprus walking holiday
Introductory walking holiday Northern Cyprus
From
£565 to £895
8 days
ex flights
North Cyprus walking holiday
Varied walks amid rugged scenery and superb archaeology
From
£1149 to £1899
8 days
inc UK flights
Besparmak trail walking holiday Cyprus
Self-guided walking while enjoying rich flora & views
From
€795 to €865
8 days
ex flights
Cyprus botany holiday
Explore wild flowers of Cyprus with a guide. Botany tour
From
€1075
8 days
ex flights
Northern Cyprus eco accomodation, double room
Double the comfort, endless moments at Celebi Garden
From
€360
per accommodation per 3 nights
Contact Us
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Cyprus travel advice
Mountain advice
June Zaft, co-founder of our tour partners Country Walks, shares a few Cyprus secrets:
"The best kept secret relating to the whole island I would say is the wonderful mountain range in the north, the Besparmak range. Many people associate the north with the picturesque harbour at Kyrenia but few discover the wonderful scenery. The Troodos Mountains in the south are beautiful too but hardly a secret being much more developed.”
"The best kept secret relating to the whole island I would say is the wonderful mountain range in the north, the Besparmak range. Many people associate the north with the picturesque harbour at Kyrenia but few discover the wonderful scenery. The Troodos Mountains in the south are beautiful too but hardly a secret being much more developed.”
Foodie tips
“As this mesmerising Mediterranean island is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the food has evolved to cater for many different tastes. You can discover the impressive variety of cuisine by enjoying mezes, particularly in an authentic village tavern. Mezes consist of a main dish of meat or fish accompanied by a plethora of small side dishes which embrace the most traditional foods and provide food to suit all tastes.”
When to see nesting turtles
At the protected beach of Alagadi in the north between the beginning of June and mid-September there are various opportunities to observe sea turtles, including a night watch, organised by the Society for the Protection of Turtles.
Advice for walkers
“The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has produced free guides to walking in the south. The tourist organisations of the north are now beginning to produce some publications but as yet it’s best to walk with a guide or on self-guided walks written by people who know the best walks.”
Cypriot hospitality
Helen, co-owner of Vouni Lodge in the Troodos Mountains, shares her local knowledge of Cyprus:
“Wherever you go on the island from our smallest villages to our towns take the time to have a cup of coffee or a glass of Zivania with the locals and you will make their day.”
“Wherever you go on the island from our smallest villages to our towns take the time to have a cup of coffee or a glass of Zivania with the locals and you will make their day.”
North/South divide
“The South is more European with luxury hotels, restaurants and clubs. At the same time the foothills of Troodos Mountains have numerous villages featuring Byzantine monasteries, Venetian bridges and nature trails. The North is like a different country - less developed with its own currency giving you the impression you are entering Turkey. The old harbour of Kyrenia is a must for those who decide to visit the North, also the area of Pelapais is of exceptional beauty.”
Cyprus travel advice
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Cyprus travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
We have selected some of the most useful Cyprus travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
The Emiroudes winery about 4 or 5 km the road on the way from Vouni to Pera-Pedi produces high quality wine...
- Stuart McCletchie
“Note that there is no electronic money in Vouni, so you need to bring plenty of cash (we were there for two weeks!). The friendly local shop sells all the basics, but not everything is obvious, so ask! We mostly cooked for ourselves; but there are a couple of nice tavernas in the village too.” – David Muir
“The walking terrain in North Cyprus isn't difficult, but there are rocky/stony sections, so take a comfortable pair of boots/thick-soled walking shoes. If you use them, walking poles could be helpful for the mountain treks.” – Paul Watling
“If you like hikes, give yourself at least 4 days to discover all the trails in Vouni and Platres and beyond. Economy car rentals are very good and efficient and cost less than the big ones.” – Oosha Rao
“Learning a few basic words of Greek seemed to be much appreciated by the local people.” – Elayne Jackson
“Vouni is a small village with limited shop and other facilities. Make sure you bring necessary supplies of food and drink for your first night, particularly if not arriving until evening.” – Michael Moriarty
“The Erimoudes winery about 4 or 5 Km up the road on the way from Vouni to Pera-Pedi produces high quality wine at a reasonable price although you may need to phone for an appointment.” – David Graham
“The walking terrain in North Cyprus isn't difficult, but there are rocky/stony sections, so take a comfortable pair of boots/thick-soled walking shoes. If you use them, walking poles could be helpful for the mountain treks.” – Paul Watling
“If you like hikes, give yourself at least 4 days to discover all the trails in Vouni and Platres and beyond. Economy car rentals are very good and efficient and cost less than the big ones.” – Oosha Rao
“Learning a few basic words of Greek seemed to be much appreciated by the local people.” – Elayne Jackson
“Vouni is a small village with limited shop and other facilities. Make sure you bring necessary supplies of food and drink for your first night, particularly if not arriving until evening.” – Michael Moriarty
“The Erimoudes winery about 4 or 5 Km up the road on the way from Vouni to Pera-Pedi produces high quality wine at a reasonable price although you may need to phone for an appointment.” – David Graham
The walking terrain in North Cyprus isn't difficult, but there are rocky/stony sections, so take a comfortable pair of boots/thick-soled walking shoes...
- Catherine Wilmers