Climate of Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Climate of Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Located on the island of Cyprus, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are nothing more and less than United Kingdom military bases. These military bases are a remnant of Britain’s rule. After Cyprus became independent in 1960, Britain did not want to lose its military position in Cyprus and so they were kept. Remarkably, the two bases have their own laws and legal system, which are, however, very similar to that of the Republic of Cyprus. Akrotiri is located in the west of the island (near Limassol) and Dhekelia is further east, but both on the south coast. In total, about 15,000 soldiers live on these bases. The Commander in Chief of these bases is also the administrator of this part of the United Kingdom.

Like the rest of Cyprus, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia has a Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers and short mild winters. In the winter months it can rain heavily and even snow. Winters are very mild and the temperature will rarely drop below freezing even on the coldest nights. The sea temperature is very pleasant all year round. In the summer months the temperatures can rise considerably, but fortunately the almost always present sea breeze provides cooling.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

Maximum temperature Minimum temperature Hours of sunshine per day Days of rainfall per month Water temperature
January 14℃ 6℃ 5 12 18℃
February 15℃ 6℃ 6 11 17℃
March 17℃ 7℃ 7 9 17℃
April 21℃ 11℃ 9 5 18℃
May 25℃ 14℃ 10 3 20℃
June 29℃ 18℃ 12 1 24℃
July 32℃ 20℃ 12 1 26℃
August 32℃ 20℃ 11 1 27℃
September 30℃ 18℃ 10 1 27℃
October 26℃ 15℃ 8 4 24℃
November 21℃ 11℃ 7 7 22℃
December 16℃ 8℃ 5 12 19℃

Best time to visit Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Do you want to know when is the best time to travel to Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia? You can determine the best time to travel to a destination based on the weather and climate. In addition, there are other factors that are not directly related to the weather and that can influence the best travel periods for a travel destination. Think, for example, of holidays or festive periods, which makes traveling more interesting or not, because daily life comes to a standstill as a result. Chances are you’ve never heard of Sovereign Base Areas or Akrotiri and Dhekelia in your life. That is not crazy. These are two British military bases located on the island of Cyprus. The base is a remnant of Cyprus’ colonial era. When the country became independent in 1960, the United Kingdom did not want to give up its military positions. As a result, both Akrotiria and Dhekelia are now overseas territories of the United Kingdom.

The chance that you will travel to Akrotiri or Dhekelia as a tourist is very small. It is mainly (British) soldiers and suppliers who visit the bases. If you are one of the people who can or must travel to this special destination, you can look forward to the fairly mild and pleasant Mediterranean climate. In winter, the weather is mild with afternoon temperatures of around 13 to 17 degrees Celsius. In summer it is warm with maximum temperatures around or above thirty degrees.

If the weather is a factor, the best time to travel is April, May, June, September and October. We assume that a holiday in the sun is not the destination, otherwise July and August would also be fine.

Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia