MyKey2Cyprus

Cyprus' main selling point is undoubtedly its location: situated on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys an enviable combination of year-round warmth and sunshine. Although seasonal fluctuations aren't drastic, they are noticeable and the best way to avoid any unpleasant surprises (such as chilly winter evenings or spring rains) is to do some homework first. A trip to the Troodos Mountains in December might see you strapping on ski boots and launching yourself down Mount Olympus, while heading inland during the summer months (as the mercury climbs above 100 ° F) is an enterprise reserved for the foolhardy.

Cyprus weather - the seasons

The main summer tourist season stretches from mid-May to mid-October and you can expect high temperatures, cloudless skies and a welcome coastal breeze. Temperatures by the sea hover around the 32°C (90°F) mark, while inland they can rise significantly higher. In fact, the arid Mesaorian Plain comes to resemble a desert with gritty winds blowing into the capital of Nicosia. The only feasible activities during the high season are lounging by the pool or cooling off in the sea. Anything that needs to be done, such as visiting nearby attractions, might be best scheduled at the beginning or end of the day.

Autumn is a popular time with those in the know; as days are hot and nights cool (swimming and diving is possible well into November). You'll also find the beaches empty and the museums and monuments free of crowds. Autumn sees the Troodos Mountains lose their lush green cloak and the vineyards take on gold and crimson hues. The winter months of December and January can be a bit dismal and wet, with the odd flurry of snow in the mountains.

Spring is many holidaymakers' favourite time to visit the area as the island is painted with wildflowers. The first orchids bloom in January, but it is in late February that Cyprus takes on the colours of almond blossom and fresh green meadows. It can still be cool at this time of year (daytime temperatures of around 70°F drop to 45°F at night), but by April the island begins to warm up. May is often ideal with sunny days retaining a fresh edge and the island is bursting with colour and life. This is the time for nature rambles and savouring the island's natural beauty before the summer crowds arrive.

One of the benefits of being in Cyprus is an abundance of sunshine for most of the year. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, be it swimming in the summer, golfing in the cooler months or doing the cultural thing and visiting all the archaeological sites.

When it gets warm it gets warm

The summer season in Cyprus beings in May and continues into October. Many tourists still enjoy the sparkling waters in this month. Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for doing nothing but sitting on the beach and soaking up the rays.

At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Sun protection is also a must. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C (90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.

Warm winter period

Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however, in October and through November the leaves change colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by the month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tasting can be very enjoyable. Fall also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.

Don't sit back in winter, enjoy the cool Cyprus weather

December through to February are the months of winter, when it is most likely to rain, but one can still enjoy some solid sunshine each day. While small neighbouring countries close for the winter, Cyprus remains fairly active, even more so with the introduction of the Aphrodite Hills golf course, where travellers and golfers can enjoy the scenic resort. The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!

Spring and the poppies are out!

The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers.

In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savour the natural beauty of the island in bloom.

NICOSIA 35 15 N, 33 40 E, 528 feet (161 meters) above sea level.

LARNACA 34 88 N, 33 63 E, 6 feet (2 meters) above sea level.