The climate of Paphos
Situated in the Southwestern region of
Cyprus,
Paphos possesses a distinct climatic characteristic that is classified as a Mediterranean climate or a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, as per Köppen climate classification, termed Csa. Here, weather patterns exhibit a balance between seasons with hot, dry summers and mild-to-cool, somewhat wet winters.
Year-round, the temperatures in Paphos fluctuate noticeably. The highest temperatures prevail in the height of summer, approximately 30.4°C (86.7°F) in
August, whilst dipping to a low 8°C (46.4°F) in
February. Equally important to note is the rainfall distribution throughout the year. With a marked contrast beyond dry and wet seasons, there is virtually minuscule rainfall from
June to
September, with recorded numbers as low as 0mm (0") in August. This deficit sharply turns around in
December, registering a high of 94mm (3.7") rainfall.
Other crucial climate parameters, such as daylight hours, also show a distinctive seasonal pattern. With an abundance of sunlight during the summer months, June presents a 14.5 hours long day, reducing to a shorter daylight period of 9.9 hours in December. Of note is also the sea temperature that varies between 16.8°C (62.2°F) in February and peaks to a balmy 27.8°C (82°F) by August.
The best time to visit Paphos
The ideal time to visit
Paphos can be marked as the temperate period between
April and
June. During these months, the temperatures range from a comfortable 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F) with extended sunshine hours. Concurrently, the sea temperature oscillates between 17.9°C (64.2°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F), perfect for indulging in water-based activities. What's more, rainfall is practically minimal, hence providing an interruption-free exploration of Paphos' various attractions.
The worst time to visit Paphos
Arguably, the least favorable time to visit
Paphos is during the winter period, specifically in
December. Although the temperatures remain fairly mild in the Mediterranean context, ranging from 9.7°C (49.5°F) to 18.6°C (65.5°F), the higher chance of rainfall, up to 94mm (3.7"), may dampen the holiday experience. Accompanied by reduced daylight hours, around 9.9 hours, it poses potential restrictions on sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Paphos
As the Spring season beckons in
Paphos, the temperatures gradually increase from a relative cool 16.9°C (62.4°F) in
March to a warmer 21.3°C (70.3°F) by
May. The sea temperature also experiences a steady climb, moving from 17.2°C (63°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F) through these months. Correspondingly, the rainfall recedes from 34mm (1.34") in March to 5mm (0.2") by May. The ultraviolet index during this time scales from medium to high, thus sun protection becomes increasingly essential.
Summer weather in Paphos
Paphos experiences characteristic Mediterranean summers from
June through
August, with temperatures escalating to their yearly peak during this period. While daytime temperatures in June hover around 27.7°C (81.9°F), they rise to a higher 30.4°C (86.7°F) in August. Sea temperatures are equally inviting, peaking at 27.8°C (82°F). Significantly, rainfall is almost absent throughout this season, while the daylight hours extend to a maximum of 14.5 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Paphos
Autumn, encompassing
September through
November, witnesses a gradual cooling trend from the scorching summer in
Paphos. Temperatures reduce from their summer high, settling between 28.8°C (83.8°F) in September to a milder 22.4°C (72.3°F) through November. Although rainfall subtly increases during Autumn, it remains low until it sharply spikes in November to 66mm (2.6"). This arc in the weather coupled with longer daylight hours makes for appealing autumnal strolls.
Winter weather in Paphos
December through
February designates the winter season in
Paphos. The coldest month in Paphos is February with temperature lows dropping to 7.6°C (45.7°F) while the highs continue to remain reasonably warm at 16.9°C (62.4°F). It's this period that Paphos experiences the highest rainfall, 94mm (3.7") in December, before it tapers off to 64mm (2.52") by February. The reduced daylight hours and higher rainfall during winter makes this season less attractive for travel, yet it continues to remain milder compared to its European counterparts.
Weather in January
Prominent weather characteristics in
January include cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall, making it a significant wet period in
Paphos,
Cyprus. It experiences a high amount of rainfall, 80mm (3.15"), compared to the other months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Paphos,
February conveys a slight transition from
January's cold and wet weather. It sees a decrease in rainfall, down to 64mm (2.52"). The sky starts gracing the city with more sunlight, giving a gentle hint of the approaching spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March indicates a clearer shift towards spring, witnessing an increase in daylight hours and decreasing rainfall. Daily temperatures start climbing, reaching an average minimum of 8.7°C (47.7°F) and maximum of 18.5°C (65.3°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the true arrival of spring in
Paphos with delightfully mild and dry weather. The rain showers are reduced remarkably to 19mm (0.75"), making it one of the driest months of the year. Residents and tourists can appreciate the blooming flora under the increasingly warmer sun, making picnics and treks popular.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May's arrival brings bright, clear days and warm weather to
Paphos, manifesting the onset of summer. The temperatures keep rising, with highs averaging around 24.4°C (75.9°F) during the day. Accompanied by relatively low rainfall and high sunshine hours, the city's vibrant atmosphere draws numerous tourists.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Paphos marks the city's step into a distinctively hot, sunny period. The temperature contributes to warming the sea to a comfortable 24.5°C (76.1°F), enticing tourists and locals to the beaches. Sun-drenched days, with clear blues skies and minimal rainfall, punctuate the consistent weather pattern.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather is representative of a typical Mediterranean summer month in
Paphos being scorching hot and extremely dry. It presents the highest UV index of 11 and average highest temperature of 29.9°C (85.8°F). This ardent weather implies an increase in thirst-quenching frappe sales, chilled beach moments, and tranquilized afternoons, shadowed by iconic fig trees.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the torrid summer weather in
Paphos,
Cyprus, continues with temperatures peaking and no rain sighting the city. The temperatures have the sea heated to a year-high of 27.8°C (82°F), perfect for water activities. This rainfall-devoid period supports various festivals and outdoor events.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September’s weather delineates the approach of autumn, signaled by a slow descent in temperature. With the average maximum temperature at a pleasant 28.8°C (83.8°F), the summer’s breath still lingers. Compared to
August's peak, the city experiences shorter daylight hours and slight rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Paphos,
October marks the transition from summer to the island's brief autumn. Rainfall begins to indicate its presence significantly with 18mm (0.71"). The relatively cooler temperatures invite walks on the dew-kissed Mediterranean beaches.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Paphos ushers in winter, with temperatures dropping and the frequency of rain showers increasing. The rainfall measures at 66mm (2.6"), confirming the seasonal change. Gray clouds often dot the sky, providing the city with a dramatic appearance.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Paphos promulgates the full swing of the winter season, presenting the chilliest weather of the year. The month receives the highest rainfall of the year with 94mm (3.7"), stamping its wintry status. Paphos, draped in an overcast sky and drizzles, experiences fewer daylight hours.
Weather in December »