Cyprus has a classic Mediterranean climate: long, dry, hot summers and mild, occasionally wet winters. The timing of your visit matters more here than in most destinations.
Spring (March–May) is the best time for most visitors. Temperatures are comfortable (15–25°C), wildflowers cover the hillsides, and the archaeological sites and mountains are a pleasure to explore. April and May see the sea warming up enough to swim from. Tourist infrastructure is open but not yet at full capacity.
Summer (June–September) is intense. July and August regularly hit 38–40°C inland. The beaches are packed, prices are at their peak, and Ayia Napa goes into full party mode. If heat doesn't bother you and you want the full beach-and-nightlife experience, this is the season. The mountains offer some relief — the Troodos can be 10°C cooler than the coast.
Autumn (October–November) brings relief after summer. The sea stays warm well into October, crowds thin out, and prices drop. Vineyards in the Limassol hills turn gold. A good time to travel without the summer crush.
Winter (December–February) is quiet and green after autumn rains. The coast is mild (around 15°C), and most tourist facilities stay open, though hours are reduced. Snow falls on Mount Olympus in the Troodos, and skiing is possible from January to March on the island's highest slopes — a surreal experience for a Mediterranean island.
If you want walking, archaeology, and culture without the heat, come in April or October. If you want beaches and nightlife, go in July or August and book early.