Cyprus in December is mild rather than hot. On the coast, daytime temperatures are typically around 17–19°C, the sea is cool, rain is a real possibility and the Troodos Mountains can already have snow.
That makes December a good month for archaeological sites, walking, wine villages, city breaks and Christmas events — but a poor choice if the main aim is a conventional beach holiday. Cyprus still gets roughly five to six hours of bright sunshine a day in December, yet this is also firmly within the island’s wet season.
Cyprus weather in December: the numbers
There is no useful single answer to “Cyprus weather December” because elevation and exposure matter enormously. Limassol can be mild enough for lunch outdoors while the higher Troodos may be close to freezing after dark. Official Cyprus climate data put December mean maximums at 18.3°C on the Limassol coast, 17.2°C in Nicosia and 12.2°C at Agros in the hills; conditions higher in the Troodos are colder again.
| Area | Paphos | Limassol | Larnaca | Famagusta | Nicosia | Troodos |
| Daytime high | ~17–19°C | ~18 | ~18 | ~18 | ~17 | ~8–12°C |
| Overnight low | ~12–13°C | ~10°C | ~11–12°C | ~12–13°C | ~7–10°C | ~0–5°C |
| Sea Temps | ~19–21°C | ~18–20°C | ~19–20°C | ~20–21°C | NA | NA |
| Sunshine | ~5–6 hrs/day | ~5–7 hrs/day | ~5–6 hrs/day | ~5–6 hrs/day | ~5–6 hrs/day | ~5 hrs/day |
| Rainfall | ~80–90mm | ~50–90mm | ~50–60mm | ~50mm | ~55–60mm | often100mm |
| Rainy days | ~11–12 | 10.7 | ~7-9 | ~7-9 | 9.8 | ~11–12 |
*Conditions vary sharply with altitude. Official tourism data use Agros as the “hilly” reference, while higher Troodos locations are substantially colder. Official figures give December values of 18.3/9.9°C for Limassol, 17.2/7.1°C for Nicosia and 12.2/4.8°C for Agros, with 10.7, 9.8 and 11.4 rain days respectively. The same official table gives 5.7 hours of daily sunshine on the coast and a December sea-temperature reference of 17.8°C at Limassol; more recent local climatologies tend to put open-water coastal temperatures closer to 20°C.
The numbers are only averages. December 2024, for example, brought thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, flooding and repeated snowfall in the Troodos, while mean temperature was still 0.7°C above normal. That is a useful reminder that winter weather in Cyprus often arrives in episodes rather than as weeks of uninterrupted grey skies.
Where is the warmest place in Cyprus in December?
The coast is the safest bet, with Limassol, Paphos and the southeast generally the mildest choices. The differences between coastal resorts are usually small enough that the exact weather pattern on your week matters more than a one-degree difference in a climate table.
For a winter break, however, “warmest” should not be the only criterion. Paphos and Limassol combine mild temperatures with year-round restaurants, hotels and sights, making them more reliable December bases than Protaras or Ayia Napa, where the tourism economy is much more seasonal. Cyprus Mail’s own November guide already shows that Protaras becomes very quiet as winter approaches and that many tourist-facing businesses in Ayia Napa reduce hours or close.
Read more: Paphos and Limassol.
Can you swim in Cyprus in December?
Yes, but December is not a dependable swimming month. Hardy swimmers may be perfectly happy, particularly on calm sunny days, but most visitors will find the water cool and the air temperature after getting out cooler still. Official tourism figures put the December sea reference at 17.8°C off Limassol; other recent coastal datasets are closer to 20°C. [7]
The larger practical problem is hotel pools. Many outdoor pools are unheated, and seasonal hotels may be closed altogether. If swimming matters, book a hotel that explicitly confirms a heated indoor or heated outdoor pool rather than assuming “pool” means usable in December.
So, is Cyprus hot in December? No. It can feel pleasantly warm in direct sun, but this is winter-sun weather, not beach-club weather.
Does it rain in Cyprus in December
Yes. December is one of Cyprus’s wetter months, and ignoring that is the easiest way to plan the wrong holiday. The official climatology records roughly ten rain days in December in both Limassol and Nicosia and more than eleven in the hills.
Rain does not necessarily mean a lost day. Cyprus winter weather commonly alternates unsettled spells with brighter periods, but individual storms can be intense. In December 2024, western Cyprus saw particularly heavy rain, while storms caused flooding, hail, strong winds and mountain snow.
Wet-day options include the Nicosia museums and old town, wineries, long lunches, galleries and archaeological museums. Pack a waterproof shell and shoes that can cope with wet pavements and muddy paths.
Christmas and New Year in Cyprus
Cyprus at Christmas feels festive without becoming a northern-European Christmas destination transplanted to the Mediterranean. Cities decorate heavily, churches hold Christmas services, restaurants offer festive menus and the mountains increasingly become the centre of seasonal events.
For 2026–27, nine official Christmas Villages operate in Agros, Deryneia, Kakopetria, Kalopanayiotis, Kyperounta, Lefkara, Lofou, Statos-Agios Fotios and Fikardou. They run from November 21, with daily operation from December 21 to January 6.
Nicosia’s municipal Christmas programme runs from November 29, 2026 to January 6, 2027, centred on a festive route from Eleftheria Square towards the D’Avila moat, with markets, music and family activities. Limassol Marina launches its “Christmas on the Sea” programme on November 21.
What’s open and what’s closed
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are public holidays. Government services, banks and many shops close, although tourist areas retain some restaurants, convenience stores and hospitality businesses. Shops must close by 18:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve under the special festive-hours framework.
Major archaeological sites generally operate winter hours of about 08:30–17:00 but close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; Kourion and Amathous follow that pattern.
Ayia Napa is quiet and Protaras quieter still. Some hotels, bars and restaurants remain open, but visitors should not expect summer resort life. Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia function as normal cities throughout winter.
Epiphany on January 6 is also a public holiday and one of the major dates in the Orthodox calendar.
Best things to do in Decemver
December works best when Cyprus is treated as an island of landscapes, history and food rather than as a beach resort. Cooler temperatures make Kourion, Paphos’s archaeological sites and long city walks substantially more comfortable than in midsummer, although rain plans are essential.
Hiking is excellent between weather systems; see our guide to hiking and mountain trails in Cyprus. The Troodos and wine villages are particularly atmospheric, although higher trails may be icy or snowy after storms. Official tourism guidance notes that snow in Troodos can begin before Christmas.
December is also a strong month for Cyprus wineries, the Troodos, Larnaca and the capital. Winter also brings migratory birdlife to Cyprus’s salt lakes, adding another reason to choose Larnaca over a closed-down beach resort.
Crowds and prices
Outside Christmas and New Year, December is one of the quieter periods for Cyprus tourism. The best value is usually found in the first three weeks of the month, while festive weekends and December 24–January 2 can command higher hotel and restaurant prices.
The trade-off is reduced choice in seasonal resorts. A cheap hotel in Protaras is not necessarily good value if nearby restaurants, bars and attractions are shut. For winter travellers, a slightly more expensive base in Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca or Nicosia can work better.
Is December a good time to visit Cyprus?
Yes — if you want mild weather, culture, walking, food and Christmas atmosphere. No — if you want guaranteed heat, warm seas and a fully operating resort strip. Cyprus in December rewards travellers who accept that winter exists here, just in a much softer form than in most of Europe.
Compared with the Canaries or Egypt, Cyprus is generally the less reliable choice for genuine beach weather; its advantage is the combination of archaeological sites, living cities, mountain villages and festive culture within short driving distances.
For broader seasonal planning, see What is the best time to visit Cyprus and the Cyprus travel guide.
December compared with November and January
November sits squarely between Cyprus’s extended summer and its short Mediterranean winter. December is wetter and cooler, while January is usually cooler again. Official coastal climate data show mean maximum temperatures dropping from 22.4°C in November to 18.3°C in December and 16.6°C in January.
| Month | November | December | January |
| Overall feel | Late autumn | Mild winter | Midwinter |
| Daytime temperature | ~22°C coast | ~18°C coast | ~16–17°C coast |
| Sea | ~18.5°C official reference | ~17.8°C | ~15°C |
| Swimming | Still realistic for some | Hardy swimmers | Cold |
| Rain | Increasing | Frequent | Frequent |
| Resorts | Closing down | Many seasonal closures | Quietest |
| Hiking | Excellent | Excellent between storms | Good, weather-dependent |
| Crowds | Low | Low except Christmas/New Year | Low |
| Best for | Shoulder-season sun | Christmas, culture, walking | City breaks, mountains |
Official climate references: Cyprus Department of Meteorology/Visit Cyprus.
FAQ
Is Cyprus warm in December?
Yes, by northern-European standards, but “warm” means mild rather than hot. Coastal afternoons are commonly around 17–19°C, while evenings require a jacket. Nicosia cools more sharply after sunset and the Troodos Mountains can be close to freezing at night.
Is Cyprus hot in December?
No. There will be sunny days when sheltered terraces feel very pleasant, but December is not reliably hot enough for a beach holiday. Anyone choosing between Cyprus, Egypt and the Canaries primarily for heat should not assume Cyprus offers summer conditions in winter.
Can you swim in Cyprus in December?
You can, but most visitors will find it cool. Sea temperatures are roughly in the high teens to around 20°C depending on dataset and location, and unheated hotel pools may feel colder. Choose accommodation with a confirmed heated pool if swimming is important.
Where is the warmest place in Cyprus in December?
The mildest conditions are generally on the coast. Limassol, Paphos and the southeast are all reasonable contenders, with small average differences between them. For an actual holiday, Paphos and Limassol have the advantage of remaining lively and functional throughout winter.
Is Ayia Napa open in December?
Partly. Ayia Napa remains a real town, but many businesses built around summer tourism close or sharply reduce their hours. Protaras is even more seasonal. Visit for empty beaches and Cape Greco rather than nightlife or a full resort experience.
What is Christmas like in Cyprus?
Christmas combines Orthodox traditions, church services, city lights, restaurant celebrations and increasingly elaborate Christmas villages. In 2026, nine official festive villages run across the island, while Nicosia and Limassol have substantial municipal and commercial programmes.
Does it snow in Cyprus in December?
Yes, in the Troodos Mountains, although timing and depth vary enormously from year to year. Official tourism guidance says snow usually begins before Christmas, but a usable ski season is never guaranteed in December. In December 2024, snow fell repeatedly over Troodos during the final week.
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