Weather in Paphos in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Paphos and ranks 68th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Cyprus it is 5th of 7 (Cyprus in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Paphos is 6.4°C warmer by day and 9.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Paphos peaks at 23.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.4°C or more. Roughly 1 in 5 days top 25°C and 1 in 43 pass 30°C. Nights average 17.6°C; one night in ten drops to 15.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 40.5°C (2020-05-17) and the coldest night 12.7°C (2019-05-05).

Rain in May

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 11 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2014 with 43 mm, the driest 1999 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 20.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.5°C to 21.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (28.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:47 and sets about 19:46 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 24%.

Is May a good time to visit Paphos?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Paphos on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm enough for light clothes, without reliable strong heat

May suits travellers who want to spend the day outside without making high temperatures the main point of the holiday. Days reach 25°C on 21% of occasions, while 30°C is unusual, so do not plan around consistently hot afternoons. Light clothing is a sensible starting point, with sun protection for exposed daytime outings. Evenings call for more flexibility: the average low is around 18°C, but the coldest nights can fall to 15°C or lower. Pack a jumper or light jacket if you expect to sit outside after dark. There is warmth here, but someone who wants heat from breakfast through to bedtime may find May too mild.

Plenty of outdoor time, but swimming takes more resolve

Rain is unlikely to dominate a typical May stay: there are about 3 rainy days across the month. That makes outdoor plans reasonable, though a dry holiday is not guaranteed. About 10.5 hours of sunshine a day gives you plenty of scope to enjoy the weather; shade and sun protection still matter even when the air feels comfortable. Swimming is the less straightforward part of the decision. The sea averages 20.4°C, with a year-to-year range of 20°C to 21°C, so warmer air does not mean warm water. If you dislike a chilly entry, treat swimming as an option rather than the foundation of the trip. May is a better fit for enjoying the coast in light clothes than for lingering in the water.