Cyprus attracts tourists not only for its many attractions. What is there to dissemble: the Russian holidaymaker is primarily attracted to “the sun, air and water”. Add to this also sand or small pebbles. Beach holidays in Cyprus are in great demand. But when does the season on this island-state begin? Is May suitable for holidays in Cyprus? Weather, water temperature and other climatic indicators of the last month of spring will be considered in this article. May is a transition period. Therefore, unlike summer, the weather at the beginning and at the end of the month is different. Since Cyprus is a fairly large island, the temperature indicators at its resorts are different. The information presented in this article will not only help you choose the time and place of rest, but also provide an opportunity to plan your leisure. Indeed, in May in Cyprus there are so many interesting events!
Some information about the state
This is the third largest island in the Mediterranean by area and population. Geographically, it belongs to Asia, but the Republic of Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004. To get into the country, Russian citizens need a visa. De jure, the entire territory of the island (except for land occupied by two British military bases) belongs to the Republic of Cyprus. But de facto 38 percent was captured by Turkey in 1974. She announced the creation of a quasi-state, so still not recognized by anyone. As for this information of a tourist who is only interested in what is the weather and sea temperature in Cyprus in May? There are also resorts in the occupied part of the republic. Moreover, ironically, the mass of the island’s historical sights is concentrated there. In addition, to relax in the unrecognized republic, you do not need to open a Schengen visa. However, in order to get there by air, you must first land at any airport in Turkey. But the prices there are quite reasonable, although the service is inferior to the level of the European standard.
Holidays in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Despite the fact that the Russian Federation did not recognize this quasi-state, Russian travel agencies send their clients there. But is it worth going to Northern Cyprus? The weather in May is more like a high summer for a Russian tourist. Far from the sea, the heat in the daytime reaches +30 degrees. But what about the coast? After all, we are mainly interested in beach vacations! The wind rose on the island during the cold season has a predominant northwest direction. And in May, air flows still bring coolness from Western Europe. But rains are already a rarity. According to long-term weather observations, only five days in May in the northern part of the island are precipitated. If you want to find yourself in the midst of summer heat, choose the resorts of Northern Cyprus, which are located in the southeast of the occupied territory. First of all, this is Famagusta. The city also has a Turkish name - Gazi Magos. The air in this resort warms up during the day to a comfortable +26.6 degrees. But Kyrenia (aka Girne) is not recommended to choose for a vacation in May. This resort is located on the northwestern tip of the island - just under the onslaught of prevailing winds.
Is it possible to swim in Cyprus in May
As for the water temperature, then everything is not going smoothly. The Mediterranean Sea is quite deep. And from school, we remember that water heats more slowly than air. Therefore, with the summer heat reigning on the beach, we can find a situation where the sea seems very, very invigorating to us. But is it worth putting an end to swimming? Not at all! Firstly, the weather and the sea of Cyprus in May favor bathing. Plunge into the water, the temperature of which is + 21, after you warm up the bones under the southern sun - it is a pleasure. And for those who want only a warm sea, you can give some advice. Drive to Cyprus - North or South - at the end of May. By this time, the sea will have warmed up well and its temperature will become quite comfortable for swimming: + 23-24 degrees. And if you still came to Cyprus at the height of the May holidays, choose shallow bays and lagoons. The sea in them for a long daylight has already warmed up.
Weather in Cyprus at the beginning of May
As weather forecasts of different years show, in the first week of the last month of spring, “cooling” annually comes to the island. This word is in quotation marks not by chance. Only Cypriots wear sweaters, and tourists, especially northerners, flaunt in T-shirts and shorts. Indeed, the air temperature during such a "cataclysm" drops to +23 degrees. True, a strong northwest wind blows and, no, no, the sky can be cloudy. But as a rule, this last breath of the cold season does not last long, two or three days. Then the wind abates, and the scorching sun quickly makes the thermometer bar jump up to the +27 degree mark. Do not worry about precipitation. Rains are possible, but their probability is low. The sea is quite suitable for swimming, especially if you choose a beach on the shores of a shallow bay.
Weather in Cyprus at the end of May
After the first decade of the month, summer takes the island into its own hands. The heat intensifies, passing to the end of May in the heat. The probability of precipitation tends to zero. There is not a cloud in the turquoise sky, but the humidity in Cyprus watered by winter rains is still high. With the beginning of the third decade, the beaches of the island begin to fill with crowds of tourists. Prices are growing rapidly. But nevertheless, May Cyprus cannot be compared with the summer crowds. If you want to diversify your beach holiday and visit museums and other attractions, you will not need to stand in line. The sea warms up to + 23-24 degrees. This temperature is comfortable for bathing children. But parents still need to grab long-sleeved clothes for the kids - in the evenings a fresh breeze can rise.
Which resort to choose?
Weather in Cyprus in May (especially at the beginning of the month) allows for excursions. Therefore, it is worth settling closer to the sights in order to spend as little time as possible on transfers. But if we are interested in purely beach vacations, then we will focus only on temperature indicators. At the beginning of the month, you should choose resorts located on the leeward, southeast side of the island. These are Ayia Napa, Larnaca and Limassol. The air temperature there is higher than in other places, and ranges from 25, 6 to 27 degrees in the shade. The hottest microclimate differs Larnaca. But such resorts as Pissouri and Paphos are cooler. And they will not work for you at all, if you get to Cyprus in early May, Polis and nearby resorts. They are located on the windward side of the island, on the northwest coast. The air temperature there rises to + 24.3 degrees in the shade. But as the sun bends toward sunset, a strong fresh wind immediately brings coolness. But if you had a vacation in the island state in the second half of May, you have the right to choose any resort. Summer heat will await you everywhere.
Not a season?
A beach holiday is not the only thing that interests Russian tourists traveling to Cyprus in May. Weather and sea temperature, as we have already found out, are approaching summer rates. But what about the rest? How accessible will entertainment infrastructure be in May? Yes, many small towns in Cyprus turn into sleepy villages in winter. But the fact is that the beach season on the island officially opens in early May. And if so, then open their doors to first visitors to water parks, night clubs, coastal taverns and cafes. And, what is nice, there are still not very many tourists. Travelers in their reviews report that even on the most popular beaches it is very spacious.
Events and Holidays
The weather in May in Cyprus is clear and sunny. This makes it possible to spend holidays in the open. At the very beginning of the month, the whole island is covered by flower fever. Holiday "Anfestiriya" originates from ancient times. According to myths, every autumn, the god of winemaking Dionysus dies to resurrect in early May along with a renewed nature. All cities and towns of Cyprus are decorated with flowers. The holiday reaches unprecedented scope in Paphos and Limassol. Not only exhibitions of exquisite flowers are organized there, but also fairs where various plants can be purchased. And of course, music everywhere, people dressed in historical costumes go on processions, have fun rides and food stalls. Another significant event in Cyprus in May is the European Dance Festival. It takes place only in Limassol. The best dance schools compete among themselves in front of a shocked audience. Spectators can not only look at the classic pa, salsa, tango and folk dances, but also get the first experience in master classes.
Pros of May Holidays
According to tourists, do not be afraid to come to Cyprus at the end of spring. The weather in May is quite summer there. All water parks and other entertainment venues are already working. But the public is quite small, especially in the first half of the month. May tourists, unlike summer tourists, get another bonus: juicy greenery and lush flowering of the surrounding Mediterranean nature.