Weather in Paphos today

01What shapes the weather in Paphos

Paphos faces the sea in the south-west of Cyprus, with the Akamas Peninsula to the north. Water warms up and cools down more slowly than land, so it evens out temperature swings through the year. Compared with the capital, Nicosia, it is cooler here on a summer day and warmer on a winter night. A sunny winter day can be pleasant for a long walk, but after sunset by the sea you will need warmer clothes.

The sea's influence is noticeable in spring and autumn too. The average daytime temperature is 22°C in April and 27°C in October. In spring the water still holds the winter chill, while in autumn it gives off the heat it has stored. That is why equally sunny days feel different at different times of year: in spring the warmth fades faster towards evening, whereas in autumn the sea off Paphos is warmer than the night air.

02What each season brings

Summer in Paphos can be hot, although the sea keeps daytime temperatures lower than inland. Long-term data show 0 mm of rain in July. Cloud cover comes and goes, but you cannot count on rain for a break from the summer heat here. From April to September the midday UV index usually reaches 7 or higher: for long spells outdoors you need sunscreen and a hat, and at midday it is better to move into the shade.

In the cooler part of the year there can be downpours with thunderstorms. December is the wettest month, with 98 mm on average. In winter, strong winds can bring rough seas: by the open sea, rainy weather feels especially raw, and a windproof outer layer is more useful than just a warm jumper.

When the air brings in dust from the deserts, a dusty haze can hang over Paphos. The sky turns dull, distant outlines lose their sharpness, and dust can settle on outside window sills. While the dust is in the air, it is best to keep the windows closed.

03Wind, humidity and how the heat feels

By the sea in Paphos, summer air is more humid than inland. Because of this, even a more moderate daytime temperature can feel stifling. Inland the heat is drier, although daytime temperatures there are higher. After a warm day in Paphos the evening can stay humid as well, and an open window without a through draught does not always bring the coolness you want.

The daytime sea breeze brings fresher air, so standing in the sun feels different from sitting in a sheltered spot. The "feels like" line takes into account temperature, humidity and wind together. With the same temperature reading, it can change over the day: in Paphos, humid, still weather feels hotter than weather with a breeze off the sea.

04How Paphos compares with other towns in Cyprus

In terms of average July temperature, Paphos is cooler than Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras; only the Troodos Mountains are cooler. The daytime average here is 30°C, compared with 34°C in Limassol. After Paphos, a daytime walk in these warmer towns can be more tiring, so it is better to leave long outdoor activities for the morning.

Winter nights are milder than in Nicosia, Larnaca and Troodos, and the same as in Ayia Napa and Protaras. In January, nights average 9°C in Paphos and 11°C in Limassol, so evening clothes that work in Limassol may be too light here. For annual rainfall, Paphos ranks third among the places listed, after Troodos and Limassol, so for a winter stay you will need a waterproof outer layer.

05The months at a glance

The warmest month in Paphos is August, with an average daytime temperature of 31°C; the coldest is January, when nights average 9°C. The rainy season runs from October to March. This is the part of the year when outdoor plans need to leave room for waiting out a downpour under cover; a summer holiday here mostly means dry weather.

Judged by water temperature, the comfortable swimming season runs from May to November. The sea is warmest in August, at around 28°C; in July and September the water is almost as warm. Seasonal changes are covered in more detail on the "Month" page. In autumn, the sea off Paphos still holds enough summer warmth for a swim.