Meltemi Winds in Cyprus — August, Direction, Impact on Sailing and Beach Days

The Meltemi (Μελτέμι) is a seasonal Mediterranean wind known to everyone who has sailed or spent time on the beaches of the Aegean Sea in August. It is present in Cyprus, but in a different form than on the Greek islands — milder and more regionally diverse. For tourists: it can ruin a beach day on the east coast or spoil a sailing trip. For getting a tan: it's a lifesaver against heatstroke. It’s worth knowing what it’s like.

What is the Meltemi?

The Meltemi is a north-easterly or northerly wind blowing across the eastern Mediterranean basin from May to October, peaking in July–August. It is caused by the pressure difference between the expansive Azores High and a low over the Persian Gulf and Anatolia.

In the Aegean Sea (Greek islands) the Meltemi can be very strong — a force of 5–7 on the Beaufort scale (25–55 km/h), with gusts up to 60–70 km/h. In Cyprus, which lies further east and is sheltered by Lebanon and Turkey, the Meltemi is milder.

Meltemi in Cyprus — Island Specifics

Direction: Usually from the north or north-east (NE–N–NW). In Cyprus, the "Meltemi" is often locally called Pounentes (westerly) or Graigos (Greek winds from the north) — terminology that differs from Egyptian and Aegean weather maps.

Intensity in Cyprus:

• North coast (Kyrenia): most exposed to winds from Turkey and the Aegean Sea
• East coast (Ayia Napa, Protaras): easterly winds, can be strong
• South coast (Limassol, Paphos): partially sheltered by landmasses
• West coast (Paphos, Latchi): westerly and north-westerly winds

Season: July–August, peak intensity. Weakens in September.

Typical speeds for Cyprus: 15–35 km/h in steady winds, gusts up to 50–55 km/h on the most intense days.

Impact on Beach Days

When the Meltemi helps:

• 40°C + 20 km/h Meltemi = a perceived temperature of 33–35°C — comfortably like a beach day
• Cools the body during sun exposure
• Keeps mosquitoes and beach flies away
• Waves: a light wave of 0.5–1 m = pleasant

When the Meltemi interferes:

• On windy beaches (east coast in August): umbrellas tip over, sand blows in your face, towels fly away
• Waves of 1.5–2 m: swimming is dangerous for small children
• Waves over 2 m: swimming is dangerous for everyone, beaches with a red flag

Sheltered vs. Exposed Beaches:

Protection from the Meltemi (good for strong winds):

• Coral Bay (Paphos) — sheltered by a cove
• Pissouri Bay — deep cove
• Konnos Bay (Protaras) — behind a headland
• Lara Beach — in a hollow

Exposed (uncomfortable in strong Meltemi):

• Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) — open to the sea
• Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) — east
• Dassoudi Beach (Limassol) — south

Impact on Sailing and Water Sports

Tourist Sailing (boat trips, catamarans):

Excursion catamarans on day trips: when the wind is >25 km/h, some operators cancel or change the route. Standard clause in contracts: "the route may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions."

Private boat charters: Skippers (captains) know the Meltemi and plan routes with the wind or to sheltered coves. Ask about the forecast when booking.

Windsurfing / kitesurfing: The Meltemi is a paradise for these disciplines. A strong, steady wind from the NE is ideal. Kitesurfing schools in Cyprus (Larnaka, Ayia Napa) operate during the summer months.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): With wind >15 km/h, SUP is difficult for beginners — the board catches the wind like a sail. Conditions are only for advanced users or in sheltered coves.

Forecasting the Meltemi — How to Check

Apps that provide a good picture of the sea wind:

• Windy.com — best for wind. Select the ECMWF model
• Windguru.cz — popular among sailors and surfers
• Ventusky — visualizes 3D wind animations

Look for parameters: wind direction (arrow), speed (km/h or knots), wave height (Wave Height in meters).

Meltemi and Flora and Fauna

Strong Meltemi has an impact on the ecosystem:

• Throwing algae onto beaches — Posidonia oceanica (endemic seagrass meadow) — looks like brown seaweed. This is not pollution, it’s a natural ecosystem.
• Sea foam can be created by the wind and waves.
• Impact on wildlife: Birds and marine life can be affected by the strong winds.

Practical Guide — Quick Questions and Answers

Is Cyprus expensive? Compared to Western Europe, it’s mid-range. Cheaper than France, Italy, Germany. More expensive than Poland, Bulgaria, Albania. Restaurant meal: 15-25 EUR/person. 3* Hotel: 60-100 EUR/night. Car rental: 25-45 EUR/day.

What language is spoken in Cyprus? Greek (official), English (widely spoken - a legacy of British rule). Service in English is readily available in tourist areas. Greek is not required.

Do I need a visa? No. Cyprus is in the EU since 2004. Polish citizens enter with a personal ID.

Do credit cards work? Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere in cities. Small villages and markets - cash is useful. ATMs for EUR are available at every bank.

Are tips expected in Cyprus? They are not mandatory, but are appreciated. Standard: 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant, 1-2 EUR for a taxi on a short trip. For hotel service: 1-2 EUR/day for the maid.

Is Cyprus safe? Yes - one of the lowest crime rates in the EU. Police are visible. There are no typical "dangerous neighborhoods" like in other EU countries.

Internet in Cyprus? 4G/5G - 95% coverage in cities. Roaming in the EU without charges for Polish operators. In hotels and cafes: Wi-Fi is usually good.

Shop opening hours? Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 9:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:30. Thursday: 9:00-13:00 (closed afterwards). Saturday: 9:00-14:00. Sunday: closed (except for shopping malls). Note: Wednesday and Saturday afternoons are closed - this is a Cypriot tradition.