North Cyprus Weather | Weather in Northern Cyprus

North Cyprus enjoys a very pleasant climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters, and an average of 300 days of sunshine. In August, the hottest month, mean temperatures range from 21°C to 36°C and in the coldest months of January and February, the average temperature is around 10°C, with a winter average of 6 hours daily sunshine and only moderate rain, making it an ideal year-round destination for holidaymakers.

North Cyprus Climate

North Cyprus as well as the whole island enjoys typical Mediterranean climate with long, warm and dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild and wet winters from December to February. The short autumn and spring periods complete the seasons of the year.

Temperatures
Summer in Northern Cyprus is a season of hot weather, high temperatures and cloudless sky, but the sea breeze make a pleasant atmosphere in coastal areas. The temperature of the hottest months of July and August crawls to 34 °C and even to 40 °C. In the interior of the island the temperature during the coldest months is between 7 and 15 degrees. As the relief grows higher, the temperature gets lower. That is why the coastal areas boast higher temperatures while the Kyrenia Mountain range gets more rainfall and the temperatures are lower. Winters are mild with some rain and only occasional quick-melting falls of snow on the Kyrenia Mountain range. Whole Cyprus enjoys high sunshine duration in all coastal areas, even in January there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day. The weather in N Cyprus provides the visitors a truly pleasant holiday all year round.

The graph to the right displays air and sea temperature on the island. However, the maximum temperature reaches up to 40 °C in the high summer.

Rainfall and Snow

The average rainfall of 402 mm, however, is below Mediterranean average, conforms more to the climate pattern of the eastern Mediterranean. Although snowfall is not typical of Cyprus, it can remain on the Troodos massif in the southern part. The coastal plains get a low rainfall, on average from 340 to 500 mm, falling predominately in the winter. Nicosia town is characterized by low average rainfall (324 mm) as it is situated in the outback of the island. In the hilly areas the average rainfall varies between 500 and 750 mm, falling particularly in winter, rarely in the summer. Due to the altitude, the highest number of rainfall is bound to the Kyrenia Mountain range, where it ranges between 750 and 1110 mm. It is the Kyrenia Mountains that create a climatic barrier and make Kyrenia town a sunny destination with very little rainfall all year round.

Summer

Hot weather, high temperatures and cloudless sky are peculiar to summer in Northern Cyprus. It lasts from mid-May to mid-October. The temperature of the hottest months of July and August crawls to 34 °C and even to 40 °C. Whole Cyprus enjoys high sunshine duration in all coastal areas. For this season very light summer clothing is recommended and make sure you wear sunglasses, a hat and have plenty of sun cream. Take a bottle of water with you everywhere. You might need light jacket for the evenings in May and October.

In North Cyprus autumn is a short period that links hot summer and rainy winter and it lasts from mid-October to mid-December. Generally it is a season of pleasant warm and sunny days, although with occasional rain and chilly evenings. Be prepared with medium-weight clothing supplied with light woollies.

More or less rainy and humid winter lasts from mid-December to mid-February. Although it is the winter time for Cypriots, sunshine is not absent. You should be prepared for all the kinds of weather. In the interior of the island the temperature during the coldest months is between 7 and 17 degrees. Due to the altitude, the highest number of rainfall is bound to the Kyrenia Mountains, where it ranges between 750 and 1110 mm. It is also the Kyrenia Mountains that create a climatic barrier and make Kyrenia town a sunny destination with very little rainfall all year round. Only occasional quick-melting snow falls on the Kyrenia Mountain range. Do not forget to pack umbrella and winter clothes, but definitely not heavy coats.

Weather and Clothing

As the weather in Cyprus is changing during the year, here are some suggestions for what to wear during the seasons:

December - January: Although it is the winter time for Cypriots, the sunshine is not absent. During this period you should be prepared for all the kinds of weather that a European spring may bring. The evenings and nights are cold. Recommended are winter clothes but definitely not heavy coats.
February - March: A period with occasional rain, sometimes chilly evenings however, there is plenty of warm and sunny days. March is a spring period in Cyprus. Light winter clothes with medium-weight wear.
April - May: Pleasantly warm days, though temperatures may decrease at night. Recommended is medium-weight and summer apparel with woollies for the evenings.

The climate is described as “intense Mediterranean” in North Cyprus - this means that in general the island enjoys short mild and temperate winters and very long hot summers. In fact, it has often been said that the weather in N Cyprus is perfect - and not just by me! Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the elevation - naturally enough it can feel a lot cooler at the top of St Hilarion or Buffavento Castle than on the harbour in Kyrenia on the same summer’s day!

The summer can begin as early as March...though officially it doesn’t start until June, but by then temperatures are already in the 30’s (around 86F). From June to September there is no rain, the days are long and hot, the evenings are balmy and relaxing though the nights can sometimes be a little uncomfortable - a fan or an air-conditioning unit soon stifle the night time heat and allow for restful sleep.

In October in North Cyprus the weather begins to change, though you can still enjoy sunbathing on Alagadi beach and a beer on the harbour! The first autumn rains usually fall in the first two weeks of the month and bring the plants and trees a much needed drink! After the long hot summer, drains are full of dust and leaves and this makes for an interesting driving experience the first few days it rains!

Water shortage can be a real issue in Northern Cyprus during the Spring and Summer and so excuse me if I mention rain a lot in this article! It doesn’t rain that often, precipitation is confined to the short Autumn and Winter months, but the rains bring the greenery and the greenery soon bursts into colourful bloom. Springtime in Cyprus is an incredible sight to behold. If you only ever visit in the Summertime you’ll find it hard to believe that the sometimes desert-like interior landscape greens over and then gives birth to thousands of beautiful flowers, but it does!

Officially the seasons in North Cyprus are Autumn in October, Winter from November to March, Spring in April and May and Summer from June to September. But living in North Cyprus I can tell you that the transition from Winter through Spring and into Summer is rapid, Spring is longer than Winter and yes, you can sunbathe from March!

Average daily temperatures in July and August start in the mid 30s, April, May, June, September and October enjoy average temperatures starting in the mid 20’s giving on average 300 days sunshine a year. December and January are the worst months for weather in N Cyprus where night time temperatures can be very cold, occasionally dropping below freezing in the mountains. Rainfall when it comes can be very heavy and stormy and if you’re lucky enough to have a sea view you can watch incredible lightning shows out at sea.

For those travelling with the very young or for the older traveller March and April are two of the nicest months to visit, there are plenty of warm days but you avoid the sometimes oppressive heat of high summer, there are plenty of flowers to look at, the beaches and harbour side cafes are quieter and you’ll find the people all have that little bit extra time to dedicate to making sure you’re having a nice holiday. For those in search of Winter sunshine you’re better off seeking Autumn or Spring sunshine, as stated December and January are not the best time to visit...yes you do get some warm days and some beautiful blue days, but you can also get many overcast and even cold days. If you want a heady mix of long hot days for beach flopping and long warm nights for partying then yes, visit from May to September and you’ll be assured perfect sunny weather in N Cyprus and plenty of fun-packed days and nights.

In Northern Cyprus spring is a period that lasts from mid-February to mid-May. Because of the occasional rain wear an umbrella with you and coat for chilly evenings. However, there are plenty of warm and sunny days. Light clothes with medium-weight wear are recommended.