Cyprus in December

December is the first winter month in Cyprus, a time of rest without the sea ‒ leisurely walks along a deserted beach, trips to the mountains, to the wild. December is somewhat cooler than the autumn months, up to 20 degrees Celsius. There are many cafes open in Cyprus in December.

In recent years, an increasing number of travelers are strongly advised to visit Akamas National Park in December, which is on the western tip of Cyprus, near Paphos.

This month, almost any housing ‒ from a hotel room to a luxury villa — you can rent at a significant discount — up to a third of the cost. Prices for car and bicycle rentals, the cost of dinner at a restaurant and even air tickets are also reduced.

The weather in Cyprus in December is favorable for a quality holiday. During this period, there are many sunny days here, so that in the daytime the air warms up to + 23 degrees. The number of vacationers is less than in the summer season, which is only better for traveling.

Quick Overview

Weather in December

In December, sunny days are often replaced by cloudy ones, and precipitation appears suddenly. Rains are considered a frequent occurrence (when compared with other seasons). However, such a change in the weather will have a slight effect on the rest. With proper preparation, the weather will not spoil a pleasant pastime.

The sea is usually restless in winter, so bathing becomes an impossible task. Another important feature of the cold season is that the weather on the island varies depending on the location. If the temperature in coastal areas creates comfortable conditions for recreation, but the cold and piercing wind prevents you from taking long walks, snow falls in the mountains and near the slopes.

It is not recommended to swim in the sea in December. This is due not only to the low temperatures of water and the environment. In winter, there is often a storm at sea, and the waves reach a meter high. However, despite the above, the resort provides an opportunity for swimming during the winter. The water in the pools at the hotels warms up to +21 — +23 degrees.

Climate in Cyprus
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high, °C	17	17	19	23	27	30	32	33	31	28	23	18	24.9
Average low, °C	8	7	9	12	16	20	22	23	20	17	13	9	14.7
Average precipitation mm	80	40	35	20	9	3	1	0	7	15	55	95	355

There is 5.5 hours of sunshine every day, which is 2.2 hour lesser than November. The average sea temperature is 19°C, which is 3°C cooler than the previous month. The sea in Cyprus is warm enough for swimming from June to October. In winter, it is a bit cold, though it doesn't drop below 17 °C (63 °F)..

Pros and Cons of Visiting Cyprus in December

Top 9 Things To Do In Cyprus In December

1. Christmas celebrations — they begin on the first day of December, when the main Christmas tree is consecrated on Grigori Afxentiou Square and lasts until the climax.

2. Christmas Fair — At the fair, you can buy Christmas gingerbread, cookies and sweets, drink mulled wine or hot chocolate, take a ride on Santa's train, admire the entourage and soak up the mood of magic.

3. Casino — To be in Cyprus, on an island located in the Mediterranean Sea and not try to indulge in gambling, which are offered and located in luxurious casino halls, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perhaps no one could refuse such a thing, none of the players. And this desire of yours may well become a reality, a daydream: if you go as an ordinary tourist or book a tour.

4. Akamas National Park — Rare plant species can be found in the reserve: officially — 39 out of 128 rare species in Cyprus. Common representatives of the fauna of the peninsula are fruit bats, foxes, wild goats, shrews, vultures, Cyprus owls, sea turtles.

5. Yacht cruise — A cruise on a snow-white yacht can become a romantic trip for two or an original platform for a fun party with friends. In any case, this is one of the most fabulous ways to relax in Cyprus in winter!

6. Octopus Hunting - For lovers of fishing and exotics in Cyprus, there is also something to do — exclusive octopus hunting. Such sea fishing is popular all year round, but in winter the catch is often richer than in summer.

7. Pink Flamingo — These graceful long-legged birds come to winter on the salt lakes of Larnaca and Limassol, where they are met by admiring tourists with cameras. Flamingos arrive on the island with the first December rains and return home around the middle of February.

8. Mountain walks — In Troodos, there are tourist routes around Mount Olympus that run along the picturesque Krios Potamos River and pass near the Caledonian Waterfalls. The beauty of the mountains framed by white snow is impressive and fascinating.

9. Ski trails — Enjoy the beauty of snow-covered Cyprus, here you can not only ski and snowboard, but even on a sled and just on the lift!

National Holidays in Cyprus

24, 25, 26 December's — Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day

• Christmas Eve is a working day,
• Christmas is a day off,
• Boxing Day is a day off

In Greek: Christmas Eve — «Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων» , Christmas — «Χριστούγεννα», Boxing Day — «Δεύτερη μέρα των Χριστουγέννων»).

The Cypriot Christmas traditions are a mixture of Orthodox and English traditions. As in many European countries, there is a big Christmas festival in Cyprus.

The festival begins on December 6 on St. Nicholas Day, The culmination of the holiday is Christmas on December 25, the festival ends on January 6 at Epiphany. The Christmas tree is already decorated for St. Nicholas Day, and on this day the children receive their first gifts. After all, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. By the way, he is the patron saint of travelers.

Turtle Beach — Lara Beach

Turtle Beach is one of the most picturesque places in Cyprus. Almost pristine nature, clean sea, sea wildlife, and sandy beaches attract tourists from all over the world, despite the complete absence of the benefits of civilization and the usual tourist infrastructure.

The beach is sandy, it is wide and quite long. The gentle entrance to the water with extensive shallow water, sandy bottom, warm and clean sea make Turtle Beach a suitable place to relax with children. The only garbage that can be seen on the shore in winter is algae thrown out by the waves.

There is no infrastructure on the beach: there is no electricity, running water, changing rooms, shops and other amenities. The only benefits of civilization can be found in a restaurant on the shore of the western bay.

Hotels in Cyprus in December

December along with January are the peak tourist seasons in Cyprus, so all hotels, resorts, guest houses, and home stays are going to cost more. Even the budget properties will charge more. There is a huge demand for rooms, so you must definitely book before arrival. Often, the best rooms are sold off months in advance. You may not find anything available if you are too late. The prices are likely to be even higher during the weekends and between Christmas and the New Year.

How to choose a hotel in Cyprus?

According to the tour operator, there are a lot of applications for Cyprus in the winter season. Strong demand is also observed during school holidays.

Cyprus hotels regularly offer special offers to attract as many tourists as possible during the off-season, so there is every chance to book a winter vacation at attractive prices. Tours for the New Year are actively booked. Basically, tourists prefer hotels that offer New Year's dinners, such as Park Lane, Luxury Resort Spa Hotel 5*, Royal Apollonia 5*, Four Seasons 5* in Limassol.

Which hotels have heated pools?

Tourists are traditionally interested in the presence of heated pools in hotels. Heated swimming pools in the winter of 2021/22 will work in these hotels in Cyprus:

Larnaca:

• Golden Bay 5*,
• Lordos Beach 4*;

Limassol:

• Four Seasons 5*,
• Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa 5*,
• Amara 5*,
• Royal Apollonia 5*,
• Columbia Beach Resort 5*

Paphos:

• Anabelle 5*
• Elysium Beach Resort 5*,
• Louis Ivi Mare 5*,
• King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort 5*,
• Athena Beach 4*
• Louis Imperial Beach 4*

Cyprus Winter Tours

The cost of tours to Cyprus in winter starts from 717 euros per person with a flight and a stay of 7 nights in a 5* hotel in Limassol for breakfast. There are hotels of all categories in the assortment.

Since November, flights are carried out by regular flights. New Year's tours to 4* hotels for 7 nights with meals, breakfasts start from 730 euros per person with a flight, and to 5* hotels from 800 euros per person on the same terms.

Rent a Villa in Cyprus

Mountains? Coastal? Rustic? Modern? As for villas, Cyprus is endowed with a fantastic variety.

Holiday villas are popular all over the country, often with private pools and incredible views. Many of them are located in large complexes, especially in resort towns in the south, so if you want a little more privacy, pay attention to real estate in the countryside around the cities. Or do you want to spend time in the mountains, where you can enjoy the coolness and silence, while being a few minutes drive from the beach?

Villas for rent in December:

Villa Dione is a 6-bedroom luxury property at Ayia Napa in the eastern end of the island. It is just 200 meters from a beach.

illa Royale is a 4-bedroom luxury property for rent very close to the crescent-shaped and popular Coral Bay beach.

Very close to the Coral Bay beach, it is a 5-bedroom villa for rent with wide outdoor spaces and an artistic interior

* Price depends on arrival dates and duration of stay.

View Villas For Rent

Rules of entry to Cyprus

As for the rules of entry: Cyprus recognizes the Russian Sputnik-V vaccine, and tourists vaccinated with it have the right to enter the Republic without PCR tests. Unvaccinated tourists need to take a PCR test within 72 hours before departure, this applies to both adults and adolescents 12-18 years old.

Upon arrival in Cyprus, they will have to pay and undergo another PCR test (15 euros at Larnaca Airport, 19 euros at Paphos airport). The results will be available within three hours and sent via SMS after departure from the airport.

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• Best Luxury Villas in Cyprus