Cyprus in Winter: Climate, Weather and Tips from November to March
Winter in Paphos and Coral Bay is mild. From December to February, daytime highs average 16–17 °C and nights 8–10 °C, with 5–6 hours of sunshine a day. The sea is 16–19 °C, and in November still around 21 °C. Most of the rain falls in December and January – usually as showers between sunny days.
We live in Coral Bay ourselves and spend every winter here. Back home it is grey and cold. Here, you can often sit on the terrace in a T-shirt at lunchtime. In this guide you will find out what the weather in Cyprus is like in winter – month by month. You will also see when you can still swim, what to do and what to pack.
Cyprus Climate: Winter Weather at a Glance
| Month | Day (avg.) | Night (avg.) | Sun/day | Rainy days | Sea (avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 21 °C | 12 °C | 7 hrs | 6 | 21 °C |
| December | 17 °C | 10 °C | 5 hrs | 13 | 19 °C |
| January | 16 °C | 8 °C | 5 hrs | 14 | 17 °C |
| February | 16 °C | 8 °C | 6 hrs | 12 | 16 °C |
| March | 17 °C | 9 °C | 7 hrs | 9 | 16 °C |
Climate averages for Paphos from weather2travel.com (data: CRU University of East Anglia, Met Office, KNMI). Individual days can be much warmer or cooler.
Winter Sun in the Mediterranean: Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Cyprus?
The best time to visit Cyprus depends on what you want to do. For a beach holiday, the summer months from June to October are ideal. The sea is then 24 to 28 °C. The winter months from November to March are the right time for anyone looking for winter sun, peace and quiet, hiking or sightseeing. Outside the main tourist season there are no crowds at the sights. Temperatures are mild, the beaches are empty and our villas cost less than in summer.
Most of the rain falls in December and January, on average just over 100 mm a month. In July, by comparison, it is only 3 mm. Even so, Cyprus is not a rainy destination in January. Usually showers and sunshine alternate. Days are short in winter: in December and January there are about 10 hours of daylight.
Cyprus in November: Late Summer by the Sea
For many, November is the best month for an autumn holiday in Cyprus. Daytime temperatures average 21 °C. There are around 7 hours of sunshine and only about 6 rainy days. The sea is still around 21 °C. That is warm enough for plenty of people to swim.
The peak season is over and the beaches are quiet. Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos does close for the winter in early November, though.
Cyprus in December: Mild, with the First Rainy Days
In December, daytime highs drop to around 17 °C. At night it is about 10 °C. With around 13 rainy days, the rainy season begins. Usually showers pass through, and then it is sunny again. The sea is still about 19 °C.
Christmas is a big family celebration in Cyprus; 25 and 26 December are public holidays. If you want to spend Christmas in the sun, this is the place.
Cyprus in January: the Coolest and Wettest Month
January is the coolest month: 16 °C during the day and 8 °C at night. With around 14 rainy days, it is also the wettest. Even so, there are plenty of clear, sunny days. Then you can sit outside.
On 6 January, Cyprus celebrates Epiphany. In Paphos, a procession walks to the harbour after the service. There, the cross is thrown into the sea, and swimmers try to retrieve it.
Ski and Snow in the Troodos Mountains
The coast stays mild. Inland, however, it can snow: the peaks of the Troodos Mountains are often snow-capped in winter. In 2026, the first ski slope, Sun Valley I, opened on 14 January. Whether and when the slopes open depends on the snow each year. From Coral Bay it is about 90 kilometres to Troodos Square. By car it takes a good hour and a half on mountain roads.
Cyprus in February: Carnival Season
In February it stays at around 16 °C during the day. There are already about 6 hours of sunshine, and it rains less than in January. At around 16 °C, the sea is at its coolest.
Depending on the date of Easter, carnival falls in February or March. The grand parade in Limassol is held on the Sunday before Green Monday. In 2026 that was 22 February. In 2027, Green Monday is on 15 March, so the parade is in March. Limassol is about 78 kilometres from Coral Bay, around 75 minutes by car.
What About March?
In March it slowly gets warmer: on average 17 °C during the day, 7 hours of sunshine and only 9 rainy days. The sea stays cool at 16 °C. 25 March is a national holiday.
Paphos in Winter: Things to Do in Coral Bay and Paphos
- Hiking on the Akamas Peninsula: Winter is pleasantly cool for longer walks, for example to Lara Bay. Our favourite trails are in the guide to hiking in Cyprus.
- History in Paphos: The Tombs of the Kings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site is open year round, daily from 8:30 to 17:00 in winter – without the summer heat and crowds.
- A winter walk in Kato Paphos: The harbour promenade in Kato Paphos is lovely for wandering around on a sunny winter afternoon.
- Paphos Zoo: Paphos Zoo is open 365 days a year, just 11 minutes from Coral Bay.
- Sunset at the Sea Caves: The rocky coast near Peyia is especially beautiful in the winter light.
- Aphrodite’s Rock: Petra tou Romiou is about 38 minutes south-east by car. In winter you often have the beach almost to yourself.
Winter Holidays in Cyprus: Coastal Towns and Day Trips Around the Island
A hire car is especially worthwhile in winter. The roads are quiet, and driving is pleasant without the summer heat. There is more in our guide to getting here and car hire. These places make good day trips:
- Troodos Mountains: snow, pine forests and mountain villages. The wine village of Omodos is about 72 km from Coral Bay, around 75 minutes. Kykkos Monastery takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Larnaca and the Salt Lake: According to the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, thousands of flamingos spend November to March at Larnaca Salt Lake. It is about 146 km away, around two hours.
- Nicosia: The capital of Cyprus is divided. The north is Turkish Cypriot, the south Greek Cypriot. The old town is great for a stroll. About 159 km, around 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Ayia Napa: Nissi Beach and Konnos Beach are packed in summer and almost empty in winter. Ayia Napa is about 184 km away, a good two and a half hours.
Can You Swim in Cyprus in Winter?
In November, yes: at around 21 °C, the sea temperature is still pleasant for most people. In December the sea is 19 °C, and many still go in for a quick dip. From January to March, at 16–17 °C, the sea is more for the hardy. Our private pools can be used all year round.
What to Pack for Winter in Cyprus
- light clothes for sunny afternoons, plus a jumper and a warm jacket for the evenings
- a rain jacket for showers in December and January
- sturdy shoes for hiking
- sun cream – the sun is strong even in winter
Where to Stay: a Villa Instead of a Hotel or Apartment
Unlike a hotel room or a small apartment, a villa gives you space for long winter evenings. We also rent out both of our villas in Coral Bay by the week or month in winter. From December to February, a villa costs €700 per week or €2,500 per month. That is for up to 6 guests, with electricity and final cleaning included. The villas have air conditioning and heating, and all bedrooms are air-conditioned. You also get sea views and a private pool. Find out more on our winter stays in Cyprus page.
Paphos Airport is open all year round, and it is only 35–40 minutes from the villas. Before you book your flight, check your airline’s winter schedule. Our guide to getting to Coral Bay covers the taxi, bus and car hire.
FAQ: Cyprus in Winter
How warm is Cyprus in winter?
In Paphos, daytime highs from December to February average 16–17 °C. At night it is 8–10 °C. In November it is still around 21 °C during the day.
Does it rain a lot in Cyprus in winter?
December and January are the wettest months, with 13–14 rainy days on average. Usually showers pass through. In between there are plenty of sunny days.
Can you swim in Cyprus in December?
The sea is still around 19 °C in December. Many people go in for a quick dip. For longer swims it is too cool for most.
Is Cyprus worth visiting in November?
Yes. In November you get around 21 °C during the day, 7 hours of sunshine and a sea temperature of 21 °C. That is ideal for a quiet beach holiday and day trips without the heat.
Conclusion
Cyprus in winter is not a beach holiday like in August. Instead, you get lots of sunshine, 16–21 °C during the day and quiet beaches. In November you can still swim. From December to March you can hike, explore and even drive up to the snow. And in the evening, your villa is warm and cosy – find out more about the area in our Coral Bay guide.
Sources: climate averages for Paphos from weather2travel.com (accessed 10 October 2026); Aphrodite Waterpark season from aphroditewaterpark.com; public holidays from calendarlabs.com; Epiphany in Paphos from Cyprus Mail (3 January 2026); Sun Valley I ski slope from Politis (13 January 2026); Limassol carnival parade from Politis (20 February 2026), 2027 date calculated from the Orthodox Easter date; flamingos at Larnaca Salt Lake from visitcyprus.com; Tombs of the Kings opening hours from visitcyprus.com; distances measured with OpenStreetMap routing from Villa Asteria. Last updated: October 2026.
Spend the Winter in Coral Bay
Two private pool villas with heating and sea views – also by the week or month in winter, booked directly with your host.
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