Weather in Larnaca today

01What shapes the weather in Larnaca

Larnaca lies by the sea in the south-east of Cyprus, on the shore of Larnaca Bay, with the Larnaca Salt Lake close by. The sea warms up and cools down more slowly than the land, so it holds back the summer heat and keeps some warmth in winter. In January it averages 17°C by day and 8°C at night. A walk in the daytime can be quite warm, but after sunset you will need warmer clothes if you stay outside for long.

In July the daytime temperature is 33°C, while in Nicosia it reaches 38°C. Inland, the summer air heats up more and winter nights are cooler. Larnaca feels the influence of the sea in the transitional seasons too: in spring the water is still cool, and in autumn it goes on releasing its stored heat for longer. So a warm spring day here can come with a cool sea, while in autumn the water stays warmer than the night air.

02What each season brings

In Larnaca, summer heat goes with almost no rain at all. The dry period runs from June to September, and cloud does not always bring the coolness you might hope for. On the coast it is easy to spend a sunny day outdoors, but from April to September the midday UV index is usually 7 or higher. For long spells by the water you need sunscreen and a hat, and at midday it is better to find shade.

In winter there can be downpours with thunderstorms, strong wind and rough seas. December is the wettest month, with 95 mm on average. In weather like this, a light town jacket that is not rainproof soon becomes uncomfortable, and gusts make a walk by the sea hard going. For winter time on the seafront, wear outerwear that protects against wind and water.

Dust haze is a separate phenomenon, which occurs when air currents carry dust from the deserts. Distant objects then look faded, and the sky over Larnaca can lose its usual clarity even without any rain clouds.

03Wind, humidity and how the heat feels

By the sea in Larnaca the summer air is more humid than inland. Because of this, the heat can feel heavier even when the temperature is lower than in the capital. The dry heat inland and the humid warmth on the coast feel different: the same thermometer reading does not capture everything about a summer day.

During the day a breeze off the sea brings cooler air and can make time by the water more pleasant. When the wind is light, the air feels more stifling, especially once the town's streets have warmed up. The "feels like" line takes into account the combination of temperature, humidity and wind. The gap between it and the air temperature explains why a day in Larnaca sometimes feels hotter even though the temperature has not risen any further.

04How Larnaca compares with other towns in Cyprus

Compared with Limassol, Larnaca has a slightly cooler July and colder winter nights. Paphos is cooler than Larnaca in summer, and its winter nights are milder. After a summer stay in Paphos, a daytime walk in Larnaca may feel hotter; in winter you will want warmer outerwear for an evening out here.

Larnaca has the same average July daytime temperature as Ayia Napa and Protaras, but its January nights are slightly colder. For annual rainfall it ranks sixth of the seven towns, with only Nicosia getting less. Limassol and Paphos are wetter, so a winter trip there may call for more careful planning of outdoor activities. Of the coastal towns in this comparison, Larnaca is the driest.

05The months at a glance

The warmest month in Larnaca is July, with an average daytime temperature of 33°C, and the coldest is January, with nights averaging 8°C. The rainy season covers November to March. This is the time of year when your plans need room for indoor activities rather than long hours outdoors.

The swimming season, with comfortable water temperatures, runs from May to November, when the sea is at least 21°C. The highest long-term average sea temperature, 28°C, comes in August and holds through September. You can read more about the seasonal changes in Larnaca on the "Month" page. The start of the swimming season here depends on the water gradually warming up, and its end is pushed back by the warmth the sea holds in autumn.