Summer in Cyprus: Coping with Heat, Power Cuts, Mosquitoes and Wildfires (2026 Guide)

Summer is when Cyprus is at its most beautiful and its most demanding. From June to September, and often into October, heat shapes daily life, and in recent years power cuts, mosquitoes and wildfires have joined the list of things to plan for.

Who is this guide for?

Everyone living in Cyprus through the summer, and especially newcomers spending their first summer here, older people, families with young children, pet owners and anyone working outdoors.

How do you cope with the heat?

Coastal towns are humid, often in the low to mid-30s°C. Inland areas, including Nicosia, are hotter and regularly pass 40°C during heatwaves. The Department of Meteorology issues yellow, orange and red warnings; follow them on the news or its website.

Practical tips

1. Plan around the sun. Run errands, exercise and walk dogs before 10am or after sunset.
2. Drink water all day and carry it in the car.
3. Keep the home cool. Close shutters in the morning, ventilate at night and service your air-conditioning before June.
4. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even briefly.
5. Check on older neighbours during heatwaves.

When orange warnings are in force, the Department of Labour Inspection can order a halt to heavy and moderate outdoor work between 12pm and 4pm in the affected areas, as it did in July 2026.

What about power cuts?

On 22 July 2026, during a heatwave, record demand and simultaneous faults at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos power stations led the grid operator, TSO Cyprus, to run controlled rolling cuts. Each group of areas lost power for about 18 to 20 minutes during the evening, when solar output falls away. Earlier in July, industrial action at EAC had also raised the risk of cuts.

How to prepare

• Cut use at the evening peak, roughly 6pm to 10pm: avoid running several air-conditioning units at once and gather the household in one cooled room.
• Keep a torch, power bank and charged phone ready.
• Protect sensitive electronics with surge protectors.
• Keep the fridge closed during cuts; short outages should not spoil food.
• If someone in your home depends on powered medical equipment, tell EAC and plan a back-up.

How do you deal with mosquitoes?

Mosquito numbers peak in late summer and after rain. Invasive species have also arrived: the Aedes aegypti mosquito was found in the Larnaca area in 2022, and authorities have been working to contain it.

West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes, is a seasonal risk from late summer into autumn. In 2026, 14 cases, nine confirmed and five probable, and one death had been recorded by 17 September.

Prevention

1. Remove standing water every week: plant saucers, buckets, pet bowls, gutters, drains and unused pools.
2. Use insect repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk.
3. Fit screens on windows and doors.
4. Report breeding sites to your municipality, which runs mosquito control.

See a doctor if you develop a fever, headache or body aches after mosquito bites, especially if you are older or have health conditions.

What do you need to know about wildfire season?

Wildfire risk is high from roughly May to October, and the Forestry Department issues red alerts on the most dangerous days. Starting a fire is a criminal offence.

• No burning of garden waste. Dispose of cuttings safely instead.
• Barbecues only in designated areas, and never leave charcoal unattended.
• From 1 June to 30 September, using tools or machinery that produce heat, flames or sparks is banned inside forests and within 2 km of them.
• Never throw cigarettes from cars or on paths.
• Report smoke or fire immediately on 112, or to the Forestry Department on 1407.

If you live near forest or scrubland, clear dry vegetation around your home early in the season, keep a hose ready and know your exit routes. Follow instructions from the police and fire service if an area is evacuated.

Will there be water restrictions?

Cyprus is prone to drought. In early 2026, district water authorities warned that summer supply could fall about 10% short of demand. Use water carefully, fix leaks quickly and check whether your building has a water tank, which helps if supply is interrupted. Your local water authority announces any cuts.

What to do next

Head for the hills on hot weekends with our hiking routes guide, and read our health, safety and practical tips. If you are new, set up your accounts with our guide to electricity and water, and see bringing a dog or cat to Cyprus for pet care tips.