The sunny island
Cyprus is without any doubt one of the warmest countries in Europe. The climate is subtropical Mediterranean, and summers are hot, with temperatures that can reach almost 50°C in the hottest days.
However, from the end of December until the middle of March, you will hear most people complaining about the weather. But how can someone complain while living in an island with 340 sunny days per year?
Winter in Cyprus exists, and actually, it even snows.
Cypriots and tourists often enjoy snowboard and ski in Troodos. You can have a look on one of the highest points in Cyprus here.
In the main cities, the temperatures are never too low, and the days are usually fine, if it’s sunny. The nights can be chilly though, helped by the fact that the sun sets quite early (around 5pm in January).
Nicosia is the coldest city during winter (besides being the hottest during summer). When it snows in the mountains the temperatures drop, and when you wash your hands you will feel like some melted snow directly came from the top of Troodos into your sink.
The main problem is that the houses are not made for winter. Usually every apartment has at least one air-conditioner cold/hot, but no centralized heating nor good insulation of windows or walls. Few lucky ones have a fireplace in their living room, but might still freeze in the other rooms.
Some tips
During the last years, I found some solutions to help survive the winter without spending a fortune on the electricity bill:
1- Get out of your house
When you feel cold, go outside, most probably it will be warmer than inside.
In the evening, try to find a cozy café near your house, to drink hot tea, read a book or watch a movie. Cypriots are sociable and you might end up making new friends.
2- Take care of your apartment
At the moment I’m aware of only one person among my friends that does not have mold in his house. This is a very common problem in Cypriot houses, as building materials are often poor and not much is done regarding the insulation.
If you can, before choosing an apartment to rent, have a look at the windows and general conditions of the building.
During summer it’s common practice to insulate the rooftop, usually by placing specific foam. If you are renting, double check with your landlord if this is something they are supposed to do, and make sure it’s done before the end of summer, it will avoid leaking and mold inside the house.
3- Use carpets & curtains
Having very thick curtains on the windows and carpets on the floor will contribute in keeping your room warm.
Thermal insulation films can be purchased online and placed on the windows, as well as specific thermal curtains that might be added to doors or placed in the corridor. They will help maintaining the heat inside for a longer time.
4- Do physical activity during the day
If your schedule allows it, do physical activity when the sun is up and shining. Get out for a walk during your lunch break or go for a run in the morning. The sun rises around 6.30 am in January in Cyprus, so you will have plenty of time before your daily activities.
5- Invest in thermal clothes
A huge help is given by thermal underwear and good quality clothes and boots.
Most of the times you won’t need to wear a base layer during the day, but in the evening it provides an extra protection while you walk in the freezing streets.
Good boots are important as well, especially when it rains and you need to jump around the puddles in the streets.
Summing up, there are way colder places on the planet, but some preparation is needed if you are planning to spend winter in a Cypriot house!
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