Cyprus in May is usually a great time of year, in my opinion. In the early part of the month, there is a warm spring-like feel to the island. There is still a possibility of rain (or even hail) but, generally, we see clear skies and sunshine. By the end of the month it sometimes begins to feel uncomfortably hot for those who are not used to it. The last week in May is a popular time for British visitors taking advantage of the school half-term break. So this is when the tourist industry really gets going again after the winter. Some hotels and attractions re-open after their lengthy off-season break. Others may start to be open for longer hours.
The fruit shops and supermarkets have an abundance of soft summer fruits during this month. The exception is strawberries, which are usually coming to an end in Cyprus in May. There’s a sad lack of raspberries, blackberries and currants, altogether. Well, other than in very expensive tiny imported packages, or frozen boxes. But apricots, nectarines and peaches are delicious. The locally-grown grapes are excellent value, too, continuing throughout the late spring and summer.
Festivals in Cyprus in May
Labour Day (May 1st) is celebrated in Cyprus as in much of the rest of the world, as a tribute to working people. The Communist party usually has a small, fairly disorganised march to their headquarters. People blow rather tuneless instruments loudly. This was rather a shock when we first heard them, with no idea what they were for! Technically Labour Day is a public holiday, but most shops remain open.
Flower Festival (variable date) is held over one weekend in May, usually towards the end. Cyprus is an interesting mixture of sacred, secular, and mythology. This festival was apparently in honour of Dionysus, god of the grape harvest, originally. During the festival weekend, huge decorative floats are displayed in a colourful parade along the sea-fronts or main streets of the different towns.
Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the Orthodox Church occasionally come during the month of May, although the Western Easter never does. You can read more about Easter in Cyprus on the page about visiting Cyprus in April, as it is most likely to fall then.
See also:
Cyprus in January – Cyprus in February – Cyprus in March – Cyprus in April – Cyprus in June – Cyprus in July – Cyprus in August – Cyprus in September – Cyprus in October – Cyprus in November – Cyprus in December