For locals January is one of the coldest months of the year. Full winter has unfolded on Cyprus. But the fact that for Cypriots is winter, for the Russians is a pleasant autumn, alternating with the Indian summer.
Air and sea temperature in Cyprus in January
Cyprus is perfect at any time of the year. Although the local population dresses in warm boots and jackets, the daytime temperature is at around +15°С — +17°C. Later in the afternoon it gets colder, and you can no longer do without a sweater or jacket.
The sea temperature in January ranges at around +17°C. Season visitors to the island can bathe in the cool water and jog along the coast with pleasure.
If you’re tired of the beach, you can go skiing to the Troodos Mountains that will welcome you with its cool air temperature (around zero) and snow. And when you have enough, you can go back to the coast (the trip will take about 1-1.5 hours) and enjoy the warm sun and surf.
Weather in Ayia Napa in January
Ayia Napa is quiet during the winter. January in Ayia Napa is one of the coldest months of the year, and the wind and rain are not suitable conditions for visiting the beaches. But even in January, most days in Ayia Napa are sunny.
You can walk along the path next to the sea on sunny days, or sit in a cafe near to the beach, and in calm weather, it’s great even to sunbathe on the loungers.
Weather in Protaras in January
In Cyprus, January is one of the wettest months and hikers are recommended to take umbrellas. However, the weather in Protaras is comfortable so that you can enjoy the scenery of the resort and its surroundings. The average air temperature stays around +12°C, falling to +7°C at night and rising to +16°C in the daytime.
Most of the hotels and restaurants in Protaras are closed in winter but, along with Ayia Napa, Protaras remains one of the sunniest cities in the south of Cyprus.
Weather in Larnaca in January
In January the sky over Larnaca is covered by dark rain clouds and rain, and there’s often a strong, cold wind blowing. The beaches of Larnaca are damp and deserted, but despite the lack of sunbeds, most cafes and restaurants on the beach of Larnaca are open for business.
The probability of incessant rain and extreme cold in Larnaca is unlikely, but be prepared for the fact that temperatures can drop to 3°C — 5°C at night.
Weather in Limassol in January
January-February is one of the wettest periods in Limassol. On average, in January, there are about 12-14 rainy days but, as in all coastal cities of southern Cyprus, the rain is often interrupted by the bright Cypriot sun.
Weather in Paphos in January
The average daily temperature in Paphos stays at around 13°C, and at night +8°C with a high possibility of rain.
Paphos in January is the most peaceful period in the life of the city. Frost and snow in Paphos are a rare phenomenon in the winter months. However, January is the perfect time for skiing in the Cyprus Troodos Mountains.
What can you do in Cyprus in January?
Therefore, holidays in Cyprus in January are more suitable for those who want to escape from the city and the bustling resorts and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
If you come to the island in the first half of January, you will manage to catch a glimpse of the end of the Christmas and New Year events.
During last few years the traditional Christmas Fair takes place in Limassol and Nicosia. The action takes place in a special location and continues for almost a month. During this period, there is daily live entertainment, children’s laughter can be heard everywhere while the locals and the island’s visitors slowly wander among the decorated tents.
The cool evenings are perfect to admire the colorful lights of the fairs and to drink a glass of hot mulled wine, a biting traditional Cypriot drink.
January in Cyprus is perfect for all sorts of tours or independent travel. No heat makes it possible to visit all the most interesting sights: a variety of excavations, ancient ruins, fortresses and mosaics, to walk by “Aphrodite’s Path” and visit the wonderful Cypriot villages. Cyprus has a wide variety of Orthodox monasteries, which you can visit as well.
During the serene warm days you can sit in a cozy cafe on the beach and enjoy the warm (even in this time of year) breezes, enjoy the calm sea and a cup of the famous Cypriot coffee or a glass of local wine.
Some hotels in Cyprus are closed for reconstruction in January, but the main “players” of the market continue to delight their guests.
We can not say that hotels in Paphos and Limassol are empty in January. Tourists who want to enjoy the sea air and spend their holiday in a relaxed atmosphere flock here from all over the world.
Prices in Cyprus in January
The cost of tours to Cyprus in January are significantly lower than during the rest of the year. The price of accommodation in hotels is decreased by 40-50% compared to the summer and autumn periods. For example, the cost of rooms at the 5 *Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol in January is about 150 euros per night for two.
In January, in Limassol and Paphos all the major restaurants work and many of them are full of special offers with discounts up to 20-30%. However, in Ayia Napa and Protaras many cafes may be closed in winter.
In the winter, club life in Cyprus does not freeze. On the contrary, the clubs offer their guests a varied entertainment program and seek to attract the largest possible number of local residents and visitors to the island (see our Events section).
Holidays in January in Cyprus are ideal for those who want to explore the island and do not want to pay for it value.
January shopping in Cyprus
In January in Cyprus one can buy fur and jewellery at very competitive prices. For example, the cost of a mink or fox fur vest is about 750-1000 euros. Also, during this period, there is a significant discount on clothes and accessories from the luxury segment (Gucci, Versace, Escada, Wolford, Zuhair Murad, Alaia and other world famous brands), and the collection of well-known European brands (Zara, United Colors of Benetton, Mango).
Luxury brand clothing and accessories in Limassol can be found on the “street of boutiques” Makarios avenue or at First stores ( Zuhair Murad, Balenciaga and others) and also at Saga (Roberto Cavalli, Versace) on the waterfront.
More affordable, but not of less quality collections such as Zara and Mango can be purchased at My Mall in Limassol (terminus of bus number 30, which drives from the Le Meridien Hotel along the promenade) or at Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos.
So, if you want a break from the cold and bustle of the city and long to enjoy the sunshine but not overpay for a visit to faraway lands, then Cyprus in January is what you need!
Guest Reviews about the weather in January
Dear travellers! Were you in Cyprus in January? How did you find the weather? Did you make any surprising discoveries you would like share? If so, please give us your feedback on the weather in the comments below.