One of the benefits of being in Cyprus is an abundance of sunshine for most of the year. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, be it swimming in the summer, golfing in the cooler months or doing the cultural thing and visiting all the archaeological sites.

When it gets warm it gets warm.

The summer season in Cyprus beings in May and continues into October. Many tourists still enjoy the sparkling waters in this month. Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for doing nothing but sitting on the beach and soaking up the rays.

At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Sun protection is also a must. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.

Warm winter period

Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however, in October and through November the leaves change color in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by the month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the travelers' experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable. Fall also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.

Don't sit back in winter, enjoy the cool Cyprus weather

December through to February are the months of winter, when it is most likely to rain, but one can still enjoy some solid sunshine each each day. While small neighbouring countries close for the winter, Cyprus remains fairly active even more so with the introduction of the Aphrodite Hills golf course where travellers and golfers can enjoy the scenic resort. The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!

Spring and the poppies are out!

The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers.

In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savor the natural beauty of the island in bloom.