Heraklion Airport Weather

Crete’s Weather, Climate And Best Times To Visit

One of the main reasons why the Greek island of Crete is such an attractive destination for tourists is the great weather that the region enjoys throughout the year. Crete, which is the largest of the Greek islands, is in the Mediterranean Sea and as such throughout the year benefits from mild temperatures and usually plenty of sunshine for visitors to bask in.

There are many beaches around the island where you can catch some rays or play in the sea, and if that’s your top priority with visiting Crete then it’s understandable that you’d want to try to time your vacation for when the weather will be at its sunniest, with the lowest possible rainfall. Keep reading for some key details on the island’s weather, climate and ideal times to visit.

Typical types of weather you’ll experience on Crete

Sun: The island usually gets more than 2,000 full hours of sun in a given year, and that figure can be even higher in certain parts of the island such as Gavdos. Daylight ends around 9pm in the summer, and it’s easy for your skin to burn without protection. Even when it’s cloudy, it’s highly recommended that you use sunscreen to prevent against any burns.

Rain: Crete tends to have very low amounts of rain throughout the year, and even when it occurs, you’ll find it’s often high in the mountains and nearby areas. You can probably gamble on not packing an umbrella for your trip, as you’re unlikely to witness many very rainy days.

Snow: Despite the overall sunny weather and mild temperatures, the island does sometimes get snowfall between January and March, although it can still happen at other particularly cold times of year. The bulk of the snow will fall across the mountains and not lower altitudes.

Sea Temperature: Another important metric for tourists hoping to enjoy swimming off the coast of Crete, the sea temperature never dips lower than 14°C even in the coldest months. The highest sea temperature that you’ll likely experience will be about 19°C or 20°C.

Deciding on the best time of year to visit Crete

Every tourist visiting Crete has different plans for what they do on the island, and some people might want to come during colder months so that they can spend plenty of time outside without the danger of sunburn. Below you’ll find important details on exactly what to expect during the four seasons on the island, which should help you to make an informed decision.

Spring (March to May): This season has perhaps the greatest mix of weather, ranging from bright sunshine to cold and cloudy days. It’s advised to pack trousers and several layers of clothing that can help to guard against any potential cold weather.

Summer (June to August): If you’re searching for idyllic Greek weather, this season is the perfect time to visit Crete with temperatures soaring and practically no clouds in the sky. You’ll be comfortable wearing t-shirts and shorts, and remember to also pack sunglasses and hats.

Autumn (September to November): During this season you can expect the average temperatures to dip slightly compared to summer, but the weather is still fantastic for tourists. You’ll want a jacket at night to protect you against the colder evenings.

Winter (December to February): As you might expect, winter is the coldest season on Crete and you can even see some snowfall high up along the mountains. Still, the sun will be shining brightly most days, so pack clothes for both warm and cold weather to be on the safe side.