Weather in Cyprus in May

May climate overview

Daytime highs across Cyprus in May run from 22.0°C (Protaras) to 26.8°C (Larnaca). In Larnaca about 71% of May days reach 25°C. Nights average 17.9°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Protaras fall to 17°C or below.

Rainfall in May

Expect around 3 rainy days (1 mm or more) in May, with Protaras the driest (1 days) and Coral Bay the wettest (5 days). The wettest May at Larnaca between 1991 and 2020 was 2007 with 66 mm; the driest was 1999 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 20.5°C around Cyprus in May - warmest at Protaras (20.8°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.7 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

May against the rest of the year in Cyprus

May is the 6th warmest month of the twelve in Cyprus. It is 3.8°C warmer than April and 3.8°C warmer in June. The hottest month here is August (31°C) and the coolest January (15°C).

Which part of Cyprus in May?

• Most sunshine: Protaras, 11.1 h a day.
• Driest: Protaras, about 1 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Protaras, 21°C.
• Hottest: Larnaca, 27°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Protaras, 22°C.

What to pack for Cyprus in May

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light jumper for evenings (18°C at night); swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 20°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in May

Within 1.5°C of Cyprus's May daytime average: Boa Vista (26°C, sea 23°C), Rio de Janeiro (26°C, sea 24°C), Kusadasi (25°C, sea 19°C), Crete (25°C, sea 19°C), Athens (25°C, sea 19°C). See the full ranking for May.

Where to stay for warmer or milder weather

Larnaca is the choice for the warmest afternoons, averaging 27°C, while Limassol is close behind at 26°C. These suit travellers who prioritise warmth over cooler daytime conditions. Ayia Napa offers a useful balance: 25°C days, a 21°C sea and 2 rainy days make it a good option for a beach-focused stay, provided you like a refreshing swim. For less daytime heat, consider Paphos at 23°C or Protaras at 22°C. Protaras also has just 1 rainy day and relatively mild nights at 19°C. Coral Bay shares that 22°C daytime average, but its 5 rainy days make it the less appealing choice if avoiding rain is your main priority.

What to pack and how to plan your days

With 10.7 hours of sunshine and 3 rainy days on average, May favours outdoor plans, though it is sensible to leave some flexibility for showers. Pack light clothes for daytime, sun protection and a light layer for evenings rather than relying on daytime warmth to last after sunset. In the warmer destinations, put longer walks earlier or later in the day and keep the middle of the day less demanding. A compact waterproof is sensible, but rain need not dominate your packing. May particularly suits travellers who want to alternate time by the water with walking, rather than spend every afternoon seeking the hottest conditions.