Winter Sea Swimming in Cyprus: Where, When and Water Temperatures

Yes, you can swim in the sea in Cyprus right through winter. The water is still around 22°C in November, cools to 18–20°C over December and January and reaches its low of about 16–17°C in February and March, mild enough for regular swimmers to carry on all year.

What changes in winter is everything around the water: no lifeguards, fewer people, shorter days and stronger winds. This guide covers sea temperatures month by month, the beaches where winter swimmers actually go, the clubs you can join, and how to stay safe.

How cold is the sea in Cyprus in winter?

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism's Visit Cyprus climate page gives open-sea averages of 16–17°C from January to March, and about 15–17°C close to the shore in February, when shallow water cools fastest. Long-term averages for individual resorts tell the same story, with very little difference between coasts.

Monthly averages, rounded. Individual days vary, especially after storms or in shallow bays. See also our Cyprus weather month by month guide.

In practice, most newcomers find November and early December easy, January bracing, and February and March the real test. Air temperature and wind matter as much as the water: a 17°C sea feels mild on a still, sunny morning and harsh in a north wind at 8°C. For the land side of winter, see our guide to winter in Cyprus and staying warm.

For the day's figure, the Cyprus Department of Meteorology's sea area forecast, published on dom.org.cy and carried by the Cyprus News Agency, gives the sea surface temperature together with wind force and sea state for the west, south, east and north coasts.

Which beaches are best for winter swimming in Cyprus?

In winter you want a beach with a gentle, sandy or pebbly entry, shelter from the prevailing wind and, ideally, other swimmers around. The places below are where winter swimming groups are known to meet.

Facilities in winter. Beach pages list toilets, showers and changing rooms, but they describe the summer set-up. Akti Olympion B, for example, has toilets, showers and changing rooms on its east side, yet we could not confirm which beach facilities stay open from November to March, so assume you may have no shower or changing room. Keep a towel, warm clothes and fresh water in the car.

Lifeguards. Visit Cyprus lists lifeguards on organised beaches such as Akti Olympion from April to October. From November to March there is normally nobody watching. Even in summer 2026 many towers were short of staff, and the Interior Ministry launched a new lifeguard certification system in August 2026. Our Blue Flag beaches guide explains what the flag means in season.

Are there winter swimming clubs in Cyprus?

Yes, and joining one is the safest and most sociable way to start. Most groups are informal, meet early in the morning and welcome newcomers who simply turn up.

Christmas and New Year's Day sea swims

Winter swimmers in Cyprus mark the season in the water. In Paphos, the club's 1 January swim ends with music and the cutting of the vasilopita, the New Year cake; some members also swim on Christmas Day. Larnaca's group holds a final swim on the last Saturday of the year. Programmes for Christmas 2026 and 1 January 2027 had not been announced when we checked in October 2026, so ask the clubs nearer the time. If you join a New Year dip for the first time, pick an organised one with other people around.

How do you stay safe swimming in winter in Cyprus?

Cold water shock. The RNLI treats water at 15°C or below as cold water, where the sudden chill can cause a gasp, rapid breathing and a sharp rise in heart rate. The Cypriot sea rarely gets that cold, but a February sea is close, and the effect fades in under a minute. Walk in slowly, let your breathing settle before you swim, and never jump or dive straight in. If you get into trouble, the RNLI's Float to Live advice is to lean back, float and wait for the shock to pass.

Wind and waves. Winter storms bring rough seas and strong currents to exposed beaches. Check the Department of Meteorology forecast and warnings on dom.org.cy before every swim; if there is a wind or sea warning, or the waves look big, stay out. Our guide to weather warnings in Cyprus explains the colour codes.

Jellyfish. The large nomad jellyfish, Rhopilema nomadica, is not only a summer visitor: in March 2024 the Department of Fisheries reported it off the south and south-east coasts, mainly between Larnaca and Vasilikos. If stung, remove tentacles with a plastic card rather than bare hands, rinse with sea water or vinegar (not fresh water) and get medical advice if the reaction is strong.

Never swim alone. Swim with a group or a friend, tell someone when you expect to be back, and swim parallel to the shore within your depth.

Emergencies. Call 112 for ambulance, police or sea rescue.

What kit do you need for winter sea swimming?

• Swimsuit and a bright cap. A coloured cap makes you easy to spot from the beach and from boats.
• Tow float or swim buoy. It makes you visible and gives you something to hold. Decathlon Cyprus sells open-water swimming buoys.
• Wetsuit (optional). Many local regulars swim without one, but a wetsuit adds buoyancy and can reduce the risk of cold water shock.
• Neoprene gloves and socks for the colder months and stony entries.
• Warm layers, a changing robe or big towel, and a hot drink for afterwards. Get dry and dressed straight away.
• Phone in a waterproof pouch so you can call 112.

Health notes

Cold water raises your blood pressure and heart rate, so if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or another health issue, talk to your doctor before you start; our GESY guide explains how to see a personal doctor in Cyprus. Long-time swimmers in Cyprus advise starting in summer or autumn and carrying on as the water cools, so your body gets used to it gradually. Keep swims short in midwinter: the Paphos club keeps February swims to 20–30 minutes at most, and beginners should stay in for far less. If you start shivering hard or your hands stop working, get out.

What to do next

• Check this week's sea temperature and wind on the Department of Meteorology forecast.
• Visit your nearest group on a calm morning and ask to swim with them.
• Pick up a tow float and a bright cap before the water drops below 20°C in December.
• For summer swimming spots, see our Blue Flag beaches guide.