Does it snow in Cyprus?

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Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. With its 9,251-kilometre square landmass, Cyprus ranks the third-largest island on the Mediterranean Sea and the 80^th largest island globally. The highest point in Cyprus is Mount Olympus at 4,404 feet (1,952 metres) above sea level, while the lowest point is Limassol Salt Lake at 8.85 feet (2.7 metres) below sea level. But does it snow in Cyprus?

Cyprus experiences a Mediterranean climate which is characterized by mild winters and warm hot summers. Winter in Cyprus sets in December and lasts through March. During this period, snow is a common occurrence in the Troodos Mountains located in the central parts of the country.

When does it snow in Cyprus?

Snowfall graces Cyprus’s high-lying regions during the winter months, with snowfall hardly ever falling on the coastal areas, even on the coldest of winters.

That said, let’s take a closer look at the snowy months in Cyprus.

Snowfall in December

December marks the onset of winter in Cyprus. During the month, the average daily temperatures in Nicosia, the country’s capital city, vary from moderate highs of 71.8 degrees Fahrenheit (22.1 degrees Celsius) to mild lows of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius).

Up in the Troodos Mountains, the weather is a little colder, with day temperatures ranging from highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) to lows of 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Temperatures at night tend to breach the zero mark and can fall to freezing lows of 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius)

Snowfall in December is a rare occasion in Nicosia, with the last three instances of snowfall in the area occurring in 1950,1974 and 1997.

In December, snow falls on the Troodos Mountains for an average of 0.9 snowfall days, and the snow accumulates up to a depth of 2.76 inches (70 millimetres).

Snowfall in January

January is the snowiest month in Cyprus. The weather during the month is characterized by sunny and rainy days. Average day temperatures during the month range from highs of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in the country’s coastal regions.

In the Troodos Mountains, the average daily temperatures are a bit chilly and range from highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to freezing lows of 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).

Throughout the month, snow falls on the Troodos Mountains for a record 2.5 snowfall days and the snow cover can aggregate up to a depth of 5.9 inches (150 millimetres).

Snowfall in February

February is the coldest month in Cyprus, with temperatures ranging from highs of 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (16.9 degrees Celsius) to lows of 45.7 degrees Fahrenheit (7.6 degrees Celsius) in Nicosia. Temperatures in the Troodos Mountains range from highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to lows of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).

Throughout the month, Troodos Mountains witness snow for 2 snowfall days and the snow cover accumulates up to a depth of 3.94 inches (100 millimetres).

Snowfall in March

March marks the end of winter in Cyprus. And as the country begins to transition to spring, a slight increase in average temperatures is recorded. Temperatures in the coastal parts of the country now range from highs of 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) to lows of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

Temperatures in the Troodos Mountains also record a rise and now range between highs of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) to lows of 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

In March, the Troodos Mountains receive snowfall for 1.1 snowfall days and record a snow depth of up to 1.18 inches (30 millimetres).

Where does it snow in Cyprus?

The snowiest place in Cyprus is Mount Olympus, located within the Troodos Mountains. Snowfall is a constant feature in this region from November through to April. On a snowy year, Mount Olympus can record snowfall for up to 11 snowfall days, and the snow can accumulate up to a depth of 67 inches (1701.8 millimetres).

Ski Resorts in Cyprus

The Cyprus Ski Club

Cyprus Ski Club is the heart of Cyprus’ skiing scenery and is served by four local ski resorts: Troodos Square, Platres, Pedoulas, and Kakopetria. It is located in the Troodos Mountains and has four main slopes dedicated to different skiing difficulty levels.

All the four main slopes on the Cyprus Ski Club are named after Greek gods and is each equipped with its ski lift.

The two first slopes include the 150-metres long Aphrodite slope and a 350-metre long Hera slope dedicated to beginner skiers. There is also a 150-metre long Hermes slope reserved for intermediate level skiers and a 500-metre long Zeus slope that caters to the needs of advanced skiers.