The southern Greek island of Crete has mild Mediterranean winters and hot summers, with high sunshine 12 months a year, very small seasonal changes in temperatures and rare extreme weather conditions. During Cretan summer, the average temperature ranges between 20-30ºC (70-90°F) and in winter between 8-15ºC (47-60°F).

With short, moderate winters and cool summers, Creta Island is divided into two climate zones: the Mediterranean in the north and center, and the North African zone along the southern coasts, including Gavdos Island.

Most places on Crete island receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, while Gavdos which is the Southern European island and South Crete receive over 2400 hours. In summer time the daylight last until 9.00 pm. Be careful of the UV rays during midday, which are very strong in the summer.

When is the best time to visit Crete

While it depends on what are you looking for, summer is arguably the best time to visit Crete, because of the warmer weather and a large amount of sun, though can get very hot and sometimes becomes a problem. Spring and autumn are also nice, the crowds are thinner and hotel and airfare prices are lower, making it more attractive than in summer. 

The warmest months of the year are July and August, while the coldest months are January and February.

The majority of the city areas are along the coasts, thus there are milder temperatures there. The far south experiences subtropical weather in the summer, and inland mountain areas can get as low as -10°C (14°F) in the winter.

Summer in Crete

June to August is the summer in Crete which is mild hot, with temperatures between 20-33 degrees Celsius and sunny skies, the maximum temperatures reaching sometimes 40 degrees Celsius, but the Meltemia windσ blowing down the Aegean Sea from the North, mitigate the warm weather. In most places, you can wear a light T-shirt during the day and add a light jacket at night. On dry south shores, the sun gets warmer and you should always wear a sun protection, hat, sunglasses and have cold water with you. The water sea is wonderfully warm. You should use strong sun protection and plan to stay out of the sun from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Beach life is great with sea temperatures averaging 22°C or above during the summer.

The sunlight can quickly burn your skin especially between 12 am and 3 pm. Use SPF 40+ sunscreen.

So, if all you care about is swimming and hitting a beach, the best time to travel το Crete is summer and the month Ι prefer is July.

Autumn in Crete

Autumn is the mildest season on the island, the average temperatures are between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius and the sea waters are still hot. Shorts and pants are suitable, while a sweater is appropriate for the night.

The weather is not as hot anymore, but the sea is still warm. It is also one of the preferred periods for people who love nature and hikers.

Tourism comes to an abrupt stop at the end of October with the end of tourist charter flights from the European capitals. Autumn months are quiet, but the chances of nice weather are much higher. Yon go swimming until the end of November.

Autumn can be a great time to visit Crete as temperatures are cooler and there is still a lot of sunshine. Cool weather is pleasant for wandering around than the hot days of summer. Most museums and attractions have extended open hours until November 1st.

It’s quieter and there are fewer people in the popular museums and archaeological sites. There is still some nightlife and the beaches are very quiet. The weather in Crete is perfect for lunches with great wine and dinners with raki in outdoor restaurants, most taverns and restaurants are outdoors, hanging out in local kafeneia and cafes, going to the quiet beaches, and exploring the cities of the island and the countryside. Usually, the weather stays pretty warm above 17°C at least until the beginning of December and sometimes it stays warm with some days of rain for most of the winter.

Regarding clothing, the heaviest thing you need in autumn will be a wind-breaker and chances are you won’t use it and a heavy sweater for late fall. Flip-flops, sandals and sneakers will still cover all the situations.

Winter in Crete

Crete’s winter lasts from January until the first 15 days of March, when temperatures are, between 7 and 15 degrees Celsius (48 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Tourists during these months prefer hiking and seeking a city break in the major cities of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos or Chania.

There is a lot of snow in the mountains – Yes – and some rain in the rest areas, the sunny days are very common during the winter also. Long trousers, long-sleeved tops, and jackets are appropriate, and if you’re heading into the high mountains, gloves and sweaters are also a good idea. Accommodation and food is tough to find in tourist resorts (most are closed) but will have no problems in the cities. Winter is a good time to visit Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion without long cues.

The sea in winter is cold (coldest point is in February) but you may still see local people going swimming. After all, 16°C is still quite bearable once you get past the initial shock. A positive side of visiting Crete in winter will be the views of the Psiloritis mountain which will be covered in snow.

Snow appears in late December early January through March, though cold snaps can occur and in April. Most snow in Crete falls in Psiloritis mountain, the Lefka Ori and Dikti. The sea temperature is still fine and not lower than 17-20°C. The lowest temperatures occur in February, and March, but rarely drops below 7°C in the shores.

Spring in Crete

The Spring brings a variety of weather conditions, from cold, frosty days to sunny and hot days, the weather is considered “mild” and good for outdoor activities, therefore it’s easier to enjoy the sun, beaches and walks. Long trousers and several layers fits well as they can be removed and added as the weather conditions changes during the day.

In Spring, temperatures fluctuate between 16 and 24°C.

Crete is an ideal place for agriculture and farming, despite the low levels of rainfall. It’s interesting that Crete farms can produce from cabbage, chestnuts and lotus to grapes, watermelons, mangos and bananas.

The sea water is still too cold for swimming. After the rains, the island is a garden covered in colorful flowers. April is the first month when people start to visit and tourists and is also the time of the famous Greek Easter, which is usually a week later than the Catholic Easter. This is the most important holiday of the year and gives you the best chance to experience the local hospitality and tradition.

The difference between spring and autumn is that in spring, the sea temperature is still cold and there is still snow in the mountains, but nature is blooming green in contrast in autumn – the sea is still warm and nature is not as green as spring.

How Much Does It Rain In Crete?

The majority of Crete’s yearly precipitation—which is among the lowest in South Europe—occurs in brief showers in the winter. Rainfall is uncommon from May through September, however it does somewhat rise in January and February.