Cyprus Weather in December: A Complete North & South Cyprus Guide
Curious about the Cyprus weather in December? Here's the short version: mild, often sunny days, cool evenings and the island's wettest month — yet still one of the warmest, brightest winter escapes in the Mediterranean. While much of Europe is freezing, Cyprus keeps daytime temperatures in the high teens, with plenty of sunny spells between the showers.
December is firmly low season, which means quiet beaches, festive Christmas atmosphere and excellent value on flights and hotels. Below is a full breakdown for both North Cyprus and South Cyprus, including city-by-city temperatures, sea conditions, what to pack and the questions travellers ask most.
Cyprus in December at a Glance
The whole island shares the same Mediterranean climate, so the headline numbers are similar north and south. Here's a typical December across Cyprus:
Daytime high: 17–19°C on the coast (a little milder in the south-east)
Night-time low: 9–12°C on the coast (colder inland)
Sea temperature: 18–19°C (cool — for hardy swimmers only)
Sunshine: 5–6 hours per day
Daylight: around 10 hours, with sunset near 4:45pm
Rainy days: 7–12 days
Rainfall: roughly 80–95 mm — the wettest month of the year
Humidity: around 60–80%
In short: comfortable, often sunny afternoons, chilly evenings, and the island's heaviest rain of the year — though showers are usually short and quickly followed by blue skies.
North Cyprus Weather in December
North Cyprus (Kyrenia, Famagusta, the Karpaz Peninsula and northern Nicosia) keeps mild, frequently sunny days through December, with the Kyrenia mountains sheltering the coast. Daytime temperatures sit in the high teens, dropping into single figures at night, so warm evening layers are essential.
Kyrenia (Girne): daytime 16–18°C · nights 7–9°C · sea 19°C
Famagusta (Gazimağusa): daytime 17–18°C · nights 9–10°C · sea 19°C
North Nicosia (Lefkoşa): daytime 17–18°C · nights 6–8°C · inland, no coast
Karpaz Peninsula: daytime 16–18°C · nights 8–10°C · sea 19°C
Good to know: the Kyrenia coast catches a fair share of the winter rain, while inland North Nicosia has the coldest nights. Kyrenia is also the place to be for Christmas atmosphere, with festive celebrations in town.
South Cyprus Weather in December
South Cyprus (Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras) sees very similar conditions — mild, changeable and often sunny between showers. Coastal highs hover around 18–19°C, with Limassol and the south-east among the warmest spots.
Paphos: daytime 18–19°C · nights 10°C · sea 18–19°C
Limassol: daytime 18–19°C · nights 12–13°C · sea 19°C
Larnaca: daytime 18°C · nights 10–11°C · sea 19°C
Ayia Napa / Protaras: daytime 18°C · nights 11–12°C · sea 19°C
Nicosia (inland): daytime 17–18°C · nights 6–8°C · inland, no coast
Good to know: the east and south-east tend to be slightly warmer and drier, sheltered by the Troodos and Kyrenia ranges, while inland Nicosia cools down most after dark.
North vs South: is there really a difference?
For practical purposes, no. North and South Cyprus are the same island, often only a few kilometres apart, so temperature, sea and sunshine are essentially the same. The main variation is local — the east is a touch warmer and drier, the mountains are far cooler and wetter, and inland nights are colder than the coast. Choose your base for the scenery, resorts and festive atmosphere rather than for a meaningful weather gap.
Can You Swim in Cyprus in December?
For most visitors, this is pool-and-spa season rather than sea-swimming season. The sea cools to around 18–19°C, which only the hardiest swimmers will find comfortable for long. Plenty of hotels offer heated pools, and a brisk dip is still doable on a sunny day — but if swimming is your main goal, the warmer months are a better bet. Boat trips and coastal walks, on the other hand, are wonderful in the crisp winter light.
Early December vs Late December
Early December: often the milder, more settled half, with sunny spells and highs in the high teens.
Late December: cooler and wetter overall, with the festive Christmas season in full swing and the first proper snow settling on the high Troodos Mountains — where the ski season begins. Remember that 25–26 December are public holidays, so check opening hours for shops and restaurants.
What to Pack for Cyprus in December
Warm daytime layers: long-sleeve tops, a jumper or fleece, and trousers/jeans.
A proper jacket or coat for the chilly evenings.
A waterproof and a compact, foldable umbrella — December is the wettest month.
Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes for sightseeing.
Sunglasses and sunscreen for the many bright, sunny spells.
Warmer kit if you plan to head up to the Troodos for snow or skiing.
Best Things to Do in Cyprus in December
December's mild, quiet, festive mood is perfect for a different kind of trip:
Christmas markets and celebrations in towns like Kyrenia, Limassol and Nicosia.
Sightseeing without the crowds — ancient sites, castles, old towns and museums.
Snow and skiing on the Troodos, paired with mild coastal days lower down.
Wine villages, spas and golf, all enjoyable in the cool air.
Boat trips and scenic coastal walks along peaceful, deserted shores.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Cyprus?
It depends on what you want. For a beach-and-swim holiday, December isn't the season. But for a mild, sunny, great-value winter break full of culture, Christmas atmosphere and even a chance to combine coast and snow in one trip, Cyprus is one of Europe's best December choices — with daytime temperatures far higher than almost anywhere else on the continent.
Cyprus Weather in December: FAQs
How warm is Cyprus in December?
Coastal daytime highs average around 17–19°C, dropping to about 9–12°C at night (colder inland and in the mountains).
Can you swim in the sea in December?
The sea is around 18–19°C — cool, and comfortable only for hardy swimmers. Most visitors stick to heated pools and spas.
Does it rain a lot in Cyprus in December?
Yes — December is the wettest month, with roughly 7–12 rainy days and 80–95 mm of rain, though showers are usually short and broken up by sunshine.
How many hours of sunshine does Cyprus get in December?
Around 5–6 hours of sunshine per day, with about 10 hours of daylight and an early sunset near 4:45pm.
Is North Cyprus warmer than South Cyprus in December?
No meaningful difference. Both share the same climate; the east is marginally warmer and drier, and inland and mountain areas are much cooler.
Does it snow in Cyprus in December?
Not on the coast, but the high Troodos Mountains get snow, and the ski season typically begins in late December.
Whether you choose the north or the south, Cyprus in December delivers mild, sunny days, festive cheer and the rare chance to mix winter sun with mountain snow. Pack warm layers and a waterproof, plan for early sunsets, and enjoy one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding off-season escapes.
