Last updated: January 18, 2025
Keryneia, located in Cyprus, exhibits a BSh climate classification characterized by a distinct semi-arid environment. Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) recorded in February, rising to an average of 21°C (70°F). The summer months are particularly striking, with maximum temperatures reaching as high as 42°C (108°F) in July. This climatic profile contributes to Keryneia's unique ecological and agricultural landscapes, making it a region of interest for both climatologists and environmental enthusiasts.
Keryneia, Cyprus experiences a pronounced seasonal temperature pattern across the year, with mild winters and hot summers dominating its climate. In the winter months of December through February, minimum temperatures range from 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 42°F), while average highs hover around 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F), providing a mild, albeit cool, respite. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually increase, with March and April witnessing an uptick in both minimum and maximum readings, culminating in average highs reaching 32°C (90°F) by late April. The summer months of June to August bring sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring to 42°C (108°F) in July and August, while nighttime lows remain relatively high at around 22°C (72°F). As fall returns in September and October, a noticeable cooling trend emerges, with average maximums gently declining from 40°C (105°F) to 34°C (94°F), eventually leading back to the milder winter conditions by December. This strong seasonal contrast highlights Keryneia’s dynamic climate, making it a unique destination for those who appreciate varied temperature experiences throughout the year.
Both Lapithos and Kyrenia, located in Cyprus, experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year. In February, the coldest month, temperatures in both locations can drop to a minimum of 2°C (36°F). During the peak of summer in July, temperatures can soar to a maximum of 42°C (108°F). For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, you can visit these links for Lapithos and Kyrenia.
Keryneia, Cyprus, experiences a distinct seasonal precipitation pattern, with the bulk of rainfall occurring during the winter months. January and December are typically the wettest months, each averaging about 63 mm (2.5 in) and 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation, respectively, and characterized by roughly 9 to 10 rainy days. As winter transitions to spring, rainfall gradually diminishes, with February and March seeing 50 mm (1.9 in) and 47 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 8 to 6 days. By May, rainfall drops significantly to 18 mm (0.7 in), heralding the onset of the dry season.
During the summer months, Keryneia faces a stark decrease in rainfall, culminating in practically no precipitation in July, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) recorded. This dry spell persists into August and September, although light rains begin to reappear in October, bringing 27 mm (1.1 in) over about 5 rainy days. Despite a mild return of precipitation in November, averaging 43 mm (1.7 in), the overall trend showcases a clear delineation between the wet winter months and the arid summer season, reflecting the Mediterranean climate influence on the region's weather.
Keryneia, Cyprus, showcases a remarkable seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear upward trend from winter to summer. In January, residents bask in 221 hours of sunlight, which gradually increases through February and March, reaching 337 hours by the end of the month. The trend continues with April and May recording 356 hours and 400 hours respectively, marking the transition into the sunnier months. The peak arrives in July, where sunshine reaches its zenith at 414 hours, providing almost every day with clear skies. This upward trajectory in sunlight not only enhances the local atmosphere but also supports outdoor activities and tourism during these vibrant summer months.
As summer begins to wane, sunshine hours remain plentiful but gradually decline. August still boasts a robust 392 hours, but the decrease becomes more notable in September with 351 hours. October continues the trend with 322 hours, leading into the winter months of November and December, where sunshine hours fall to 281 hours and 268 hours, respectively. Despite this decline, the sunshine duration remains relatively generous compared to many other regions. Keryneia's climate thus offers a delightful balance between brilliant summer days and mild, sunny winters, making it an appealing destination year-round.
Keryneia, Cyprus, experiences a seasonal fluctuation in its UV Index (UVI), which indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The year begins with relatively low UVI levels in January and December, both registering a UVI of 3, categorized as moderate. As spring approaches, a noticeable rise begins, with February reaching 5 and March advancing to 7, signaling the oncoming strength of the sun. April marks a pivotal shift, with the UVI climbing to 9, and this upward trajectory continues into May and June, where peak values of 10 and 11 are recorded, highlighting the region's high sun exposure during these months.
The summer months of July and August sustain these elevated UV levels at 11 and 10, respectively, creating a strong need for sun protection during outdoor activities. As autumn arrives, Keryneia's UV Index gradually declines, with September measuring 9 and October dropping to 7. The decrease continues into November, with a UVI of 4, before returning to winter levels. This seasonal pattern underscores the importance of being mindful of sun exposure throughout the year, particularly during the late spring and summer months when UV radiation can be particularly intense.
UV Risk Categories
Keryneia, Cyprus, exhibits a seasonal pattern in daylight duration that reflects the geographic location's characteristic Mediterranean climate. During the winter months of January and February, Keryneia enjoys about 10 hours of daylight, providing ample light despite the cooler temperatures. As spring approaches, the days begin to lengthen, with daylight extending to 11 hours in March, and surging to 13 hours by April. This increase continues into May, with daylight reaching 14 hours as the region anticipates the warm summer months.
Throughout the summer, daylight remains consistently high, sustaining approximately 14 hours across June, July, and August. However, as summer fades into autumn, there is a gradual reduction in daylight hours, dropping to 12 hours in September and further declining to 11 hours in October. By November, daylight returns to 10 hours, and in December, it decreases to 9 hours, marking the shortest days of the year. This pattern of fluctuating daylight not only influences daily activities but also plays a vital role in agriculture and local lifestyles throughout the year.
Kyrenia, located in Cyprus, features a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures soar, with averages reaching 30°C (86°F) and maximums peaking at 42°C (108°F), while rainfall is scant, particularly in July with only 1 mm (0.0 in). Winters, spanning December to February, are notably cooler but remain mild, with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and maximums rarely exceeding 24°C (75°F), accompanied by increased precipitation, especially in January at 63 mm (2.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly between May and August, with the peak of 414 hours in July ensuring bright, sunny days. For more detailed climate information, visit the Kyrenia climate.
Lapithos, Cyprus, experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters, from December to February, are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 14°C (54°F–58°F) and moderate rainfall of up to 63 mm (2.5 in) in January. As spring arrives, temperatures rise steadily from an average of 15°C (58°F) in March to 24°C (75°F) in May, accompanied by decreasing rainfall. Summers are hot and dry, peaking in July and August with average temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and minimal precipitation of about 1 mm (0.0 in). Notably, sunshine hours increase during spring and summer, reaching up to 414 hours in July, offering abundant sunshine throughout the year, as detailed on the Lapithos climate.
In conclusion, Keryneia, Cyprus, presents a dynamic climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. Winter months offer mild temperatures and moderate UV levels, gradually transitioning into an intense summer marked by high heat and sunlight, where UV levels reach their peak. The contrasting weather patterns throughout the year enhance the region's ecological diversity and appeal, creating optimal conditions for outdoor activities, tourism, and agriculture. Understanding these climatic characteristics is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate the unique environmental landscape of Keryneia, ensuring both enjoyment and safety in this Mediterranean haven.