Weather in Paphos in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Paphos and ranks 71st of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Cyprus it is 6th of 7 (Cyprus in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Paphos is 7.5°C warmer by day and 8.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Paphos peaks at 14.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 17.3°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 10.9°C; one night in ten drops to 8.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 20.8°C (2003-01-11) and the coldest night 2.3°C (2017-01-29).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 81 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2012 with 261 mm, the driest 1997 with 9 mm. Humidity averages 70%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 17.4°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.7°C to 18.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (28.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:58 and sets about 17:01 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 44%.

Is January a good time to visit Paphos?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Paphos on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder than London, but still winter

January is Paphos's coolest month, though its average daytime high is 7.5°C above London's. That makes it a reasonable choice if you want less cold rather than summer heat. The warmer days reach 17.3°C or more, so a lighter layer may be enough while you are walking, but do not pack only for those conditions. The colder nights fall to 8°C or below, making a jumper and jacket sensible for evenings. Layers give you more flexibility than relying on a heavy coat alone. Midday is the better time to plan outdoor breaks if warmth matters to you; evenings call for warmer clothing.

Allow room for rain in your plans

Rain is a meaningful part of the January trade-off, not something to dismiss because you are travelling to Cyprus. About 10 days have measurable rain, so bring a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet weather. That does not mean every affected day is a washout, but a rigid schedule of outdoor plans is a poor fit. There are about 5.5 hours of sunshine a day within 9.9 hours of daylight, leaving scope for time outside without promising clear skies throughout. Keep your plans flexible and use brighter spells for walks rather than expecting every afternoon to stay dry.

Treat the sea as cold, not holiday-warm

The sea averages 17.4°C in January, which is cold for swimming rather than merely refreshing. If comfortable sea swims are central to your holiday, this is not a good month to choose. Time by the water is better planned around a walk or a sit in the sunshine, with a layer ready, rather than an afternoon spent in and out of the sea. Paphos in January therefore suits travellers who put mild outdoor weather ahead of beach heat. For a trip built around warmth, consider June, July or August instead: those are the stronger months here for that kind of holiday.