Cyprus in February is a refreshing contrast to the dreary, overcast days often found in much of Northern Europe. The island of Cyprus offers a delightful experience with its mild climate and consistently blue, sunny skies.
It’s the perfect time for those who enjoy basking on the beach under the sun, though swimming might be less appealing due to the chilly sea temperatures. For those inclined towards exploration, the weather is superb: bright and sunny on most days, creating ideal conditions for photography, and comfortably cool for outdoor activities like walking or cycling.
How cold is Cyprus in February
- Minimum temperature: 8°C (46°F)
- Maximum temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Average temperature: 13°C (54°F)
- Average precipitation: 7 mm
- Average daylight hours: Sunrise is at 6:50 am with 11 hours of daylight
- Sunny days: 18 and the rest are a mixture of sunshine and clouds
Is February a good time to visit Cyprus?
Pros
- If you are planning to get out and explore, February is a great month as there are minimal crowds and the temperature is pleasantly warm and not too hot.
- Hotel and car rental prices are lower. If you prefer to ‘do your own thing’ villas and apartments are also available at really good prices.
- If you are a nature afficionado you may spot the earliest of the Spring flowers – pretty wild cyclamen. Ornithologists thoroughly enjoy February for spotting endemic species and winter migratory visitors such as the flamingoes found on the two salt lakes at Akrotiri and Larnaca.
- If you enjoy skiing, February is still ‘ski season’ in the Troodos Mountains. All equipment can be rented from the ski stores.
Cons
- Some tourist activities may be closed as it is low season.
- Cyprus has great water sports but February is not the ideal month as the sea is at its lowest temperature in the whole year.
- There is a chance that you could get caught in the rain as you can expect rain on average during eight days. The great news is that after a torrential downpour for a few hours, usually the sun comes out again.
What to wear in February in Cyprus
During the day, the blissful warmth and abundant sunshine call for comfortable, lightweight attire – perfect for leisurely strolls or energetic explorations. Sturdy shoes or sneakers are essential, especially if you plan to visit the fascinating archaeological sites at Curium (Kourion) and Paphos, where history whispers from every stone.
As the evening ushers in cooler temperatures, cozy, warm clothing becomes a must. And don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella – they’re your trusty allies against the surprise showers, ensuring your adventure remains uninterrupted.
Events in February in Cyprus
Enjoy the ski season
If the Troodos mountains have had a good dusting of snow, there is the chance to spend the days on the ski slopes. The mountains are just over an hour’s drive from Limassol so you can ski in the morning and walk on the beach in the afternoon! All the ski kit you need plus sledges and snowboards can be rented from the ski store at Sun Valley One. For non-skiers there are some fun nature trails to follow.
February 2nd Zdob si Zdub in concert
This popular Moldovan folk punk band is playing in Limassol to blow away any February cobwebs with its distinctive guitar melodies. The band represented Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv (Ukraine), Düsseldorf (Germany) in 2011 and for a third time in Turin (Italy) in 2022. The band’s name represents the sound of a drum beat.
The Concert starts at 8.30 p.m. at the Opus Events Center in Eleftherias, Limassol
February 4th The Pervolia Run
Although the most prestigious Cyprus running event – the Paphos Marathon will not take place until 3 March this year, an increasing number of international runners are now taking part in all of the country’s running events.
The Pervolia Run appeals to a broad spectrum of runners as there are five distances to chose from – 500 meters, 2,000 meters, 5K, 10K, or marathon.
Best indoor places to visit in Cyprus in February
Admire hundreds of flamingos
The Akrotiri Environmental Educational Center stands overlooking the Akrotiri salt lake and is situated in an area that is rich in bio-diversity with ‘more than 800 plant species and about 300 bird species having been recorded so far’.
The center has plenty of information for the budding naturalist and on the first floor there is an observation platform with telescopes for viewing the birds on the salt lake. At this time of the year, visitors are treated to some excellent views of the hundreds of flamingos that overwinter on the salt lake and can be seen searching for krill to eat.
Immerse yourself in the island’s archaeology
Situated just outside the old city walls of Nicosia, stands the Cyprus Museum, which is well worth a visit. The museum has the largest collection of Cypriot archaeological artefacts in the world dating from the Neolithic period (9th millennium BC) to the 12th century BC.
There are treasures that have been recovered from the Royal Tomb excavations in Salamis and the famous Soli statue of Aphrodite. Tours are available on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 am and 4 pm and on Wednesdays at 4 pm. These tours are organized by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO).
Learn about Cypriot art and culture
Take an educational tour with a local guide in Nicosia, the capital city. You will visit local galleries and museums to learn about the artists of Cyprus and their work. This will give you a good insight into the different aspects of the country’s culture too. Have your umbrella with you – just in case- as the tour also includes discovering the scenic streets of the city and its colorful street art.
Visit a Loukoumia sweets producer
Located a stone’s throw from Paphos, the charming village of Yeroskipou (or Geroskipou) is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This quaint village is crowned by its magnificent five-domed Byzantine church dedicated to Ayia Paraskevi, a stunning testament to ancient architecture.
Yeroskipou is renowned for its Loukoumia workshops, where artisans craft the famed Cyprus Delights in a kaleidoscope of flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local sugared almonds, a treat so delectable that their sweet coating simply melts in your mouth. Visiting these family-run workshops offers a unique glimpse into the art of sweet-making, complete with a chance to sample these delightful confections firsthand.
Best winter activities in Cyprus
Discover the natural beauty of Cyprus
The Akamas National Park is a rugged area of unspoiled beauty and natural vegetation, that is situated north-west of Paphos. In the summer months it does get extremely busy, so what better than discovering it when the region is wonderfully quiet? The first stop – if the weather has been good with little rain – is the Avakas Gorge.
Walk the three-kilometer gorge and be stunned by its dramatic beauty (weather permitting). Afterwards, stop at Lara Beach, where in the summer there is a conservancy project to protect the Green (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) marine turtles. Enjoy lunch in the pretty fishing harbor on Latchi on the north coast before visiting the famous Baths of Aphrodite.
Explore the mountains of Cyprus
This will certainly be a memorable excursion as it is highly likely that there is snow on the slopes of the Troodos mountains. You may want to visit the beautiful monastery of Chrysorroyiatissa and also Kykkos Monastery – said to be the richest Greek Orthodox monastery.
In the monastery in the village of Omodhos you will see the famous holy relic of a piece of rope, which is said to have held one of Christ’s hands to the cross. The lovely village is ideal for buying souvenirs which include their excellent wines.
Discover the majesty of Curium (Kourion) and Old Limassol
What better way to enjoy the gorgeous February sunshine in Cyprus than taking a day trip to Limassol from Paphos? Stop at Curium (Kourion) which was a Roman city. Its ancient stone theatre perches high on a clifftop with stunning views of Episkopi Bay and the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
Explore the ‘picture postcard’ village of Anoyira, which is well known for its excellent wines. The Old Town of Limassol is charming with its old harbor, coastal promenade and castle where Richard the Lionheart was married.
Savor the best of Cyprus wines
This small group excursion travels into the mountains to visit three wineries and the beautiful village of Omodhos for lunch. Participants will learn about the long history of wine-making in Cyprus plus about the island’s indigenous and imported grape varieties.
There is a selection of whites, rosés and reds to sample, as well as the famous sweet wine, Commandaria, which has been made on the island since medieval times. Lunch is a traditional mezé in a traditional taverna. ‘Mezé’ comes from the word Mezédhes meaning ‘little plates’ and comprises numerous tasting plates – a fantastic way to enjoy the local cuisine.
Tips for visiting Cyprus in February
Visiting Cyprus in February will definitely give you the opportunity to see it at its best without so many other tourists around. Make sure you pack a good, comfortable pair of shoes because the urge to explore will be great!
Don’t be a hurry when you are strolling in a village or town as you will often find hidden delights down smaller side streets. In some of the old streets of Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos you can still find small traditional workshops where tailors, shoemakers and icon painters can be found at work -in the same way that their fathers and grandfathers could be seen years ago. In Cyprus, many things haven’t changed with time at all.
