Northern Cyprus weather Conditions - 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. Cyprus five day weather forcast.
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 (Girne) 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.
| Average temperatures in North Cyprus |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Average air temperature (°C) |
18 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
27 |
30 |
36 |
36 |
32 |
28 |
24 |
17 |
| Average sea temperature (°C) |
16 |
17 |
19 |
19 |
21 |
24 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
25 |
22 |
17 |
| Months |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Max (°C) daytime |
15 |
16 |
18 |
22 |
27 |
31 |
34 |
34 |
31 |
27 |
21 |
17 |
| Max (°C) night time |
7 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
| Hours of sun per day |
6 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
| Sea water (°C) |
16 |
16 |
16 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
25 |
28 |
27 |
24 |
20 |
18 |
| Average humidity |
71 |
71 |
70 |
65 |
61 |
59 |
59 |
61 |
62 |
64 |
69 |
71 |
| Rainy days |
9 |
8 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
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 (Girne) 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.
Autumn 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 rainy and chilly evenings. Be prepared with medium-weight clothing supplied with light woollies.
Winter
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 rainy, 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!
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!
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 are 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 will find the people all have that little bit extra time to dedicate to making sure you are having a nice holiday, for those in search of Winter sunshine you are 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 will be assured perfect sunny weather in N Cyprus and plenty of fun-packed days and nights.
Due to a favourable position of the island in the Mediterranean, its warm climate attracts number of tourists for spending their summer holiday. In TRNC you will experience hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Short autumn and spring periods complete the seasons of the year. |