Climate and monthly weather forecastNicosia, Cyprus

The climate of Nicosia

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is characterized by a BSh climate according to the Köppen classification. This classification denotes a subtropical steppe climate, primarily identified by a hot and arid environment. Sunshine prevails for a significant percentage of daylight hours across all months of the year.

The average high temperatures over the year exhibit a marked gradient, starting from a mild 15.5°C (59.9°F) in January and peaking at a harsh 37.2°C (99°F) in July. The pattern in night time temperatures mirrors this trend, rising from a brisk 5.2°C (41.4°F) in February to a sweltering 22.2°C (72°F) in July. A similar trend is noticed in the daylight hours, increasing to a maximum 14.5 hours in June from a minimum 9.8 hours in December.

The region experiences a stark variation in its rainfall parameters. Rainfall ranges from a high of 66mm (2.6") in December to a low of 1mm (0.04") in August with corresponding changes in the number of rainfall days, indicating that the region shifts from generous downpours to virtually no-rain conditions over the same period.

Unique weather patterns emerge over the year, with the summer months experiencing extreme high temperatures and aridity, while winters face a contrasting scenario with considerable rainfall and relatively lower temperatures.

The best time to visit Nicosia

The optimal time frame for visiting Nicosia spans from April to June. During this phase, the region's temperatures range from a pleasant 24.3°C (75.7°F) to a high of 34.3°C (93.7°F). Rainfall is comparatively sparse, falling between 20mm (0.79") and 18mm (0.71"), with daylight hours extending up to 14 hours, offering ample opportunity for sight-seeing and outdoor activities. Furthermore, the sunshine duration reaches its zenith during this period, adhering to a space between 10.7 hours to an outstanding 12.3 hours.

The worst time to visit Nicosia

The least desirable phase for tourists appears to be between July and August. During these months, the city faces severe heat, with temperatures soaring as high as 37.2°C (99°F). The rainfall during this period is next to non-existent, with only a minimal amount of 6mm (0.24") to 1mm (0.04"). Participants with heat sensitivity would find this climatic condition particularly challenging.

Spring weather in Nicosia

Spring in Nicosia commences from March through May, characterized by escalating temperatures, transitioning from an average high of 19.2°C (66.6°F) in March to a blistering 29.7°C (85.5°F) in May. Correspondingly, night temperatures elevate, shooting up from 7°C (44.6°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F). Rainfall sharply falls from 28mm (1.1") in March to 24mm (0.94") by May's end. This period is marked by a progressively longer duration of daylight, encompassing a range from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May.

Summer weather in Nicosia

The summer months from June to August present an exceedingly hot and arid environment. Daytime temperatures escalate, peaking at a scorching 37.2°C (99°F) in July. Night temperatures also follow a similar trend, topping at 22.2°C (72°F). Rainfall is virtually absent, descending to a meager 1mm (0.04") in August. Daylight is abundantly available, extending up to an impressive 14.5 hours in June.

Autumn weather in Nicosia

Autumn in Nicosia, spanning from September to November, is marked by a gradual decrease in temperature. Average highs fall from a warm 33.5°C (92.3°F) in September to a cooler 22.1°C (71.8°F) by November's end. Nightly lows also follow this cooling trend, dropping from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F) over the same period. A significant increase in rainfall occurs during this season, rising from 12mm (0.47") in September to 55mm (2.17") in November, indicating the onset of wet weather.

Winter weather in Nicosia

Winter in Nicosia, from December to February, is relatively mild. Daytime temperature averages remain in the modest range between 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 15.9°C (60.6°F). Night temperatures exhibit a similar pattern, varying from 5.7°C (42.3°F) in January to 7.1°C (44.8°F) in February. This period faces the highest rainfall, peaking at 66mm (2.6") in December. Despite the shorter days, with daylight hours ranging from 9.8 to 10.9 hours.

Weather in January

Entering the year, Nicosia residents can feel an average chill in the air as temperatures drop distinctly from December and set the tone for the coldest month ahead, February. Getting layered is necessary as icy winds can bring in unexpected cold blasts. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Metropolitan Nicosia fluctuates on the borderline of frost in February, marking the lowest point in the annual temperature cycle. A slight upswing can be seen in the average sunshine hours as daylight combines with mild temperatures to create a cozy atmosphere in the city. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Spring touches Nicosia lightly in March as mild winds cast away winter chills, averting the city towards brighter and warmer days. With the weather turning milder, locals venture outdoors to soak up the increasing hours of daylight and sporadic sunbeams seen in the month. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As the fourth month rolls in, Nicosia seasons mesh together, presenting sunny forecasts punctuated with patches of mild showers. April showers are indeed light, making for the perfect spring month; this is reflected in the lower rainfallmm count compared to March. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Anticipating summer, Nicosia in May witnesses an abrupt surge in temperatures with average highs of 29.7°C (85.5°F) being recorded. Meanwhile, the city soaks up the sun with an average of 10.7 hours of daily sunshine, one of the highest in the year, basking the city in a vivid light. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June faithfully heralds the arrival of summer in Nicosia, and its weather characteristically adheres to this anomaly. Clear, blue skies dominate the cityscape with the sun reigning supreme for an impressive average of 12.3 hours a day. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July marks the zenith of summer in Nicosia, with temperatures soaring to a scorching average of 37.2°C (99°F). The city deals with peak UV index rates, urging locals to take necessary sun protection measures. Clear skies assume permanency, providing uninterrupted sunshine and zero rainfall interrupting daily activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The blistering summer heat continues to prevail in Nicosia in August with little respite for its inhabitants. August lays claim to the title of the driest month, with a scant 1mm (0.04") of rainfall recorded. The sweltering days are filled with brilliant sunlight, only marginally lesser than July. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September provides the folks of Nicosia with the much-needed break from summer as temperatures witness a significant dip. Days grow shorter as Nicosia moves towards autumn, paving the way for longer, cooler nights. The incidence of rainfall accentuates, albeit marginally, to 12mm (0.47") and serves to cool down the heated terrains. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October remains a favorable month for locals considering the mild change in climatic conditions. The transition between September and November is marked with cooling temperatures, ushering in a comfortable climate. The relatively higher rainfall, at 17mm (0.67"), begins to create an impression on the terrain, contributing to a slightly moist outlook. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November welcomes the onset of winter, carrying forth the coolness introduced by October. The rain gods are particularly generous, escalating the showers towards an annual high of 55mm (2.17"). The city witnesses a marked reduction in daylight hours, a harbinger of the swiftly impending winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year, Nicosia in December carefully balances the chill of January and the expected warmth of the coming months. Temperatures cool down further, registering the lowest average values recorded in the year. The town is no stranger to occasional showers, recording the highest annual rainfall levels of 66mm (2.6"). Weather in December »