Last updated: January 18, 2025
Pafos, Cyprus, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate classified under the Csa Köppen-Geiger system. This region experiences a notable temperature range, with winter months bringing minimums plummeting to -3°C (28°F) in January, while the peak of summer can soar to a sweltering 40°C (104°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around a comfortable 20°C (68°F), making Pafos an attractive destination for those seeking a mild climate with distinct seasonality. The interplay of warm summers and cool winters shapes the local ecosystem and influences tourism patterns throughout the year.
Pafos, Cyprus, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, present cooler temperatures, with lows around -3°C (28°F) and 0°C (31°F), gradually warming to average highs of about 20°C (69°F). As spring arrives, temperatures begin to rise, with March and April showcasing a significant increase, peaking at 30°C (87°F) in late April. The summer months of June through August are marked by high temperatures, often exceeding 37°C (98°F), with July reaching a blistering 40°C (104°F), while nighttime lows remain comfortably warm. Transitioning into autumn, September sees a gradual cooling, but temperatures can still climb to 39°C (102°F). By November and December, the region again experiences milder conditions, with averages dropping to around 19°C (66°F) and 15°C (59°F), signifying the shift back towards winter. This seasonal fluctuation not only defines the local climate but also shapes the lifestyle and activities of its residents and visitors alike.
The weather in the Paphos region of Cyprus exhibits variations throughout the year, with Paphos experiencing a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) in March and a peak of 34°C (93°F) in July, as detailed here. In contrast, both Polis and Pegeia have similar climate patterns, reaching a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in July. For more specifics, you can refer to their respective monthly temperature profiles in Polis and in Pegeia.
Pafos, Cyprus experiences a distinct seasonal precipitation pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter months. January stands out as the wettest month, receiving approximately 115 mm (4.5 in) over about 10 days of rainfall, while December closely follows with 109 mm (4.3 in). This winter rain is crucial for the region's water supply, as it supports vegetation and replenishes local aquifers. The transition to spring sees a noticeable decline in precipitation, with March and April experiencing 61 mm (2.4 in) and 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, respectively, as sunny days begin to outnumber the rainy ones.
As the summer approaches, rainfall drops dramatically, often resulting in arid conditions. From June to August, Pafos receives negligible amounts of rain, with July experiencing virtually no precipitation, recording only 1 mm (0.0 in). August follows suit with a mere 2 mm (0.1 in). The autumn months bring a slight uptick in rainfall, with a total of 31 mm (1.2 in) in October and 47 mm (1.8 in) in November, signaling the onset of the wetter winter season. This seasonal cycle of precipitation not only shapes the region's climate but also influences agricultural practices and tourism in Pafos.
In Pafos, Cyprus, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January starts the year with 222 hours of sunlight, but as February arrives, this figure climbs to 276 hours, signaling the slow transition towards spring. By March and April, sunlight becomes even more abundant, with hours reaching 338 and 357, respectively. May sees this upward trend continue, culminating in a total of 400 hours, as the days grow longer and warmer, setting the stage for the sun-drenched summer months.
The pinnacle of sunshine arrives in July, when Pafos basks in 414 hours of radiant sunlight, followed closely by August at 394 hours. As summer fades into autumn, sunshine hours remain relatively high but begin to taper off. September provides 350 hours, while October slips further to 323 hours. By November and December, the sunshine duration decreases significantly, with 282 hours and 271 hours, respectively. This seasonal cycle not only enhances the region's warm climate but also attracts tourists seeking to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor activities throughout the extended summer months.
In Pafos, Cyprus, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index illustrates a marked increase throughout the year, with values reflecting the intense sun exposure characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. Beginning in January, the UVI starts at a moderate 3, suggesting that while some sun protection is advisable, conditions are relatively safe for brief outdoor activities. As February progresses to a UVI of 5 and March rises further to 7, this upward trajectory signals the approach of sunnier days and stronger sunlight, reinforcing the need for caution as spring unfolds.
The peak of the UV Index occurs during the summer months, with both June and July reaching the maximum value of 11, indicating an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. August slightly declines to a UVI of 10, while it gradually lessens in September to 9. As autumn takes hold, the UV Index continues to decrease, falling to 7 in October and returning to 5 in November. This cyclical trend highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to UV exposure levels, particularly during the summer when proactive sun protection is essential for outdoor enthusiasts in Pafos.
UV Risk Categories
In Pafos, Cyprus, daylight duration fluctuates throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes that influence daily life and activities. January and February are characterized by approximately 10 hours of daylight, a period that marks the depths of winter. As spring approaches, March sees a slight increase to 11 hours, while daylight extends to 13 hours in both April and May, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the burgeoning warmth and beauty of the season.
The longest days occur during the summer months of June and July, each offering 14 hours of sunlight. This abundance of daylight is ideal for outdoor pursuits and leisure activities, with the region’s stunning landscapes fully illuminated. As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to taper off, with August having 13 hours and September diminishing to 12 hours. By October, daylight is reduced to 11 hours, and the trend continues downward into November and December, where daylight lasts for 10 and 9 hours, respectively. This seasonal pattern affirms Pafos as a location that thrives on its sunny disposition, particularly in the warmer months when sunshine and extended daylight foster a vibrant atmosphere.
Geroskipou, a quarter in Cyprus, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. From June to September, average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 27°C (81°F), peaking at 34°C (93°F) in July. Winters bring cooler averages of 13°C (56°F) to 20°C (68°F) in December and January. The region sees minimal summer rainfall, with July receiving almost no rain, contrasting the higher winter precipitation, such as 102 mm (4.0 in) in January. Sunshine is abundant, with over 400 hours in peak summer months. For detailed climate data, visit the Geroskipou (quarter) climate.
Konia, Cyprus experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. During winter months, temperatures range from an average low of 6°C (43°F) in January to a high of 21°C (71°F) in December, accompanied by the year's highest precipitation, peaking at 102 mm (4.0 in) in January. Summers are characterized by warmth and extended periods of sunshine, with average temperatures reaching 27°C (81°F) in July, and minimal rainfall, particularly in July with just 1 mm (0.0 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with a peak of 414 hours in July. For more details, visit the Konia climate page.
Paphos, Cyprus, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. From November to March, temperatures range from an average minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with January seeing the highest precipitation of 102 mm (4.0 in). The summer months, particularly July and August, bring average highs of 33°C to 34°C (91°F to 93°F) with minimal rainfall, about 1 mm to 2 mm (0.0 in to 0.1 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, peaking in July with 414 hours. For more details about Paphos's climate, follow this Paphos climate link.
Pegeia, located in Cyprus, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures fluctuate from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in January to a peak of 35°C (95°F) in July, while the wettest months are January and December with 149 mm (5.9 in) and 144 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation, respectively. The summer months from June to August see very little rainfall, with July almost dry at just 2 mm (0.1 in), ensuring plenty of sunshine, peaking at 414 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit the Pegeia climate page.
Polis, Cyprus, showcases a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. During winter months, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in January to an average of 14°C (57°F) in December, with precipitation peaking in January at 149 mm (5.9 in). Summer brings hotter, drier conditions, with average temperatures rising to 27°C (80°F) in July and August, and minimal rainfall, especially in July with just 2 mm (0.1 in). The area enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 414 hours in July. For more details, visit the Polis climate page.
In conclusion, Pafos, Cyprus, epitomizes the allure of a Mediterranean climate, characterized by its warm temperatures, distinctive seasonal precipitation, and ample sunshine. The annual weather patterns reveal a clear progression from cool, sun-drenched winters to hot, radiant summers, making the region an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. With significant daylight duration and a rising UV Index during the peak summer months, visitors are encouraged to embrace the sunny conditions while also prioritizing sun safety. Overall, Pafos offers a unique blend of natural beauty, climatic warmth, and engaging outdoor experiences that continue to attract people year-round, ensuring its status as a cherished location for leisure and relaxation.