Cyprus in January and February 2026: is it worth going and where? Weather and reviews, air and water temperature, how to dress and is it possible to swim? Prices for hotels and excursions, what to do, what to see in Cyprus in winter – says Eurotraveler.
Surprisingly, Cyprus, an island located in the warmest, eastern part of the Mediterranean, has never positioned itself as a year-round destination. While resorts located much further north emphasize their versatility and invite visitors to come both in summer and winter, Aphrodite Island is content with standard 4 months hot season.
And he doesn’t seem to crave more. In any case – doesn’t actively call.
According to all the laws of marketing, such a position cannot be does not contribute to high demand. And judging by the available reviews, it is virtually absent – even in January New Year, Cyprus sees rare tourists. And in February…
Is this justified, judging from the “bell tower” of potential vacationers? Or maybe we’re actually dealing with a large uncut “diamond”the true value of which is not yet suspected?
Eurotraveler has sorted everything out. I found out the nuances: from climatic to entertainment, and came to very interesting result.
Weather in Cyprus in January
From the point of view of local residents, probably just disgusting. Damp, dank, full of rain and such “colds” that you don’t even want to stick your nose out into the street.
But by Central European standards, and by American standards too, the weather conditions in Cyprus in early January are very pleasant. After all, the air temperature during the day reluctantly leaves the interval +18-20 degrees Celsius. And at night it tends more towards +15 than +10-12 °C.
Precipitation? A maximum of 4-5 days per month can be actively watered. But almost never – without a break
On one damp day there is immediately somewhat sunny or slightly cloudy. Who wouldn’t agree to such a “schedule” during the winter holidays?
Moreover, given the standard duration of the trip (6-7 days), the chances of encountering bad weather are low!
At almost any moment of the year, Cyprus remembers that it is still – very sunny island. And I am not inclined to change this rule even with the arrival of winter.
Winter winds, however, are strong – according to the Cypriots themselves. But European holidaymakers, those who willingly vacation on the North Sea coast, are unlikely to find a serious reason to complain about them!
In fact: today it’s blowing, and tomorrow your jacket will be wide open?! Yes, and on the coast it is windy and cool, this is a reason go to the mountains? Visit a couple of the cutest-looking villages like Kakopetria or Pedoulas?
Not only them, of course – there are many interesting places in Cyprus! There is something to do besides expeditions to mountainous areas. Even though the island water parks naturally do not operate in winter.
Closer to February in Cyprus it usually gets a little colder: up to +15-17 °C during the day and +10-12 °C at night. But there is a little more sunlight. And the length of daylight by the end of January exceeds 10 hours.
- Which resort in Cyprus to choose for a winter holiday?
Sea
The water temperature fluctuates in the range of +18-20 degrees Celsius. And on the Internet you can find reviews that some people even swam in Cyprus in January. Moreover, having received pleasure!
This is not a lie, not at all. Due to the shallow depths, in Ayia Napa in January you can easily go into the water without the risk of freezing and getting sick.
At the same time, realizing your exclusivity and even chosenness – there will be no one around!
It is, of course, unnecessary to talk about the reaction of local residents to such extravagant actions. Moreover, the Cypriots themselves do not actively walk along the beaches in the middle of winter, – it’s too cold for them.
But in general, tourists during this period spend little time deciding whether it is possible to swim in the sea? They do it simpler – they stay in a hotel with a heated pool – in Paphos, Limassol or Larnaca.
Or they don’t bother about this at all, initially deciding that We didn’t come to Cyprus for swimming…
February
Overall, Cyprus experiences similar weather in February. A degree or two on average colder (+16-18 °C), but also less cloudy – the sun often gives its light.
The winds blow no weaker than in January, and at night air temperatures may “dip” to depths below +10 °C. Very short, however – for a day or two.
And even then, this doesn’t happen every year.
Will you agree to such conditions or decide to wait at least until spring (in March the weather in Cyprus is much warmer) – it’s a purely individual matter.
But most foreigners do not seem to trust local weather statistics. That’s why we can meet tourists in February either in Limassol or in Paphos quite difficult.
How to dress
Just like if you decide to go for a walk around a European capital in mid-to-late April – that is in demi-season clothes.
A light quilted jacket, a warm pullover or sweatshirt for visits to the mountains, comfortable but not particularly warm shoes – this is the usual wardrobe of foreigners who decide to surprise Cyprus with a visit in January or February.
Gloves? They are unlikely to be needed!
You can wear a hat take for children. A light scarf or headscarf for yourself if you are worried about your body’s reaction to the sometimes sharp escapades of the winter Cypriot winds.
Again, it all depends on what you do. Because if on the coasts of Cyprus in winter it is sunny and (often) warm, then in the mountains there is snow and (sometimes) skiing…
Prices 2026
If you are planning to stay somewhere on the coast in Paphos in a fashionable hotel with a spa center and indoor pool (at least breakfast included), then pay from 90-100 € per night for two. What is generally a bit – naturally, if you can afford it – is a selection of appropriate hotels in Limassol.
In winter there is enough in Cyprus and where more democratic proposals. Differing for the worse only in the lack of hotel service (apartments) and heated swimming pools.
For example, we highly recommend King’s Holiday Apartments in Paphos. Where in mid-January you can rent a studio with a private kitchen for only 50 € per day.
Renting a car in Cyprus in winter also becomes very inexpensive. Paying about 20 € per day for a comfortable baby like a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Note – that’s divine, right?!
At the same time, of course, it is worth remembering that in Cyprus you drive on the left side of the road. As in the UK, Australia, Japan, Thailand – in general, in a minority of countries in the world…
Excursions around Cyprus in the off-season also cannot be called a ruinous pleasure.
As for air tickets, it all depends on where will you fly from?. If you are from Moscow, then the price will not please you – you will have to pay about 400-550 € for a round trip flight (without and with luggage).
A trip to winter Cyprus from Belgrade will cost only 300 € per passenger, from London – 200 € (round trip).
Things to do
Anyone who thinks that there are few attractions in Cyprus, and in general the island is a little boring, probably just rarely left the coastal line. Or even went beyond the boundaries of the chosen resort.
For There are many interesting places on the island. And not all of them have yet made it onto the pages of guidebooks!
What are all these “lost in the mountains” villages worth?!
Living according to age-old ways and not knowing that from this one fact you can pump money.
Among the must-see places we will mention ruins of Kourion near Limassola polis founded by the Greeks around the time of the Trojan War. And also the Rock of Aphrodite, near which, according to legend, the Greek goddess of love herself appeared on the shore “from the foam of the sea.”
Let’s not lose sight Paphos Archaeological Parkwhere amazingly beautiful mosaics from the Roman period have been preserved. You should definitely visit the most ancient part of this city, Ktima.
Troodos
Well known outside of Cyprus and open daily even in January Kykkos Monasteryat one time favored by the attention of the Byzantine emperors. The Blue Lagoon in Akamas Park attracts with its turquoise water and at this time almost deserted shores.
Authentic mountain villages are worth visiting: Pedoulas and Moutoulas, Latchi, Kakopetria, Platres. Next to the latter there is a picturesque and full-flowing waterfall at this time Millomeris.
And in the Troodos Mountains you can visit a real ski resort. It is stationed on the slopes of the local roller coaster Olympus (~2 km high), often covered with a blanket of snow from January to March.
There is a rental of ski equipment, so there is no need to bring a snowboard with you. In the village of Troodos, closest to the ski slopes, you can buy warmer clothes or have a hearty lunch in a restaurant.
© Eurotraveler
