When the Sky Turns Brown

Several times yearly (mainly spring): Sahara dust from North Africa. Visibility drops, everything covered in fine sand. 1-3 days. For allergy sufferers: serious. For others: fascinating phenomenon with spectacular sunsets after.

What Happens

5-15 times/year, mainly Mar-May. Duration 1-3 days. Visibility 2-5 km. PM10 levels 5-10x normal. Dust on everything outdoors. Spectacular sunsets afterward.

The section on "When the Sky Turns Brown" was the most valuable for us. We couldn't find this information anywhere else before our move. It saved us a lot of time and hassle.

– Couple from Bonn, in Larnaca since 2022

Protection

Close windows/doors. AC on recirculate. Don't dry laundry outside. Wash car AFTER (sand is abrasive). Allergics: FFP2 mask, antihistamines. After: rinse balcony, check pool filter.

Sahara Dust in Cyprus

Topics: When the Sky Turns Brown, What Happens, Protection

CMC Practical Tip

When the Sky Turns Brown Several times yearly (mainly spring): Sahara dust from North Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sahara dust dangerous?

Healthy people: unpleasant, not dangerous. Asthmatics/allergics: serious – stay indoors, FFP2 mask.

How often?

5-15 times/year, mainly Mar-May. Some barely noticeable, others dramatic.

What about my car?

Wash AFTER with lots of water. Don't wipe dry (sand scratches paint). Don't use wipers on dusty windshield.

Warning app?

Cyprus Met Service website/social media. CNA news app. Stammtisch WhatsApp.

How CMC Supports You

At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.

As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.

Further Reading