Climate & Weather in Crete

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a unique climate that draws visitors from around the world.

This beautiful Mediterranean gem is split into two climate zones, making it an exciting destination for all seasons.

The main part of Crete enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the southern coasts and Gavdos island have a touch of North African weather.

This mix creates one of the healthiest climates for people to live in and visit.

Near the sea, it’s quite humid with short, mild winters and cool summers.

Most people live close to the coast, where temperatures stay nice and comfortable all year.

Let’s take a closer look at Crete’s weather throughout the year.

Summer Temperatures & Climate in Crete

June

June marks the start of summer in Crete. The weather warms up nicely, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F).

Days are long and sunny, perfect for beach outings and outdoor activities.

What to wear in June:

• Light, breathable clothing like shorts and t-shirts

• Swimwear for beach days

• Light jacket for cooler evenings

June tip: This is a great month to explore Crete’s beautiful beaches before the peak tourist season.

July

July is the hottest month in Crete. Temperatures often reach 29°C (84°F) or higher during the day. Rainfall is extremely rare, and skies are consistently clear and blue.

What to wear in July:

• Very light, loose-fitting clothes

• Sun hat and sunglasses are a must

• Sandals or flip-flops for comfort

July tip: Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest part of the day (usually 12-3 PM).

August

August continues the hot trend in Crete. Temperatures remain high, averaging around 26°C (79°F). The sea is at its warmest, making it perfect for swimming and water sports.

What to wear in August:

• Light, airy clothing

• Swimwear and beach cover-ups

• Don’t forget sunscreen!

August tip: This is peak tourist season, so book accommodations and activities in advance.

Fall Temperatures & Climate in Crete

September

September brings milder temperatures to Crete. The average temperature drops to a comfortable 24°C (75°F). The sea is still warm enough for swimming.

What to wear in September:

• Light clothing for daytime

• Light sweater or jacket for evenings

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring

September tip: This is a great month for hiking as the weather is not too hot.

October

October sees a further drop in temperature, averaging around 20°C (68°F). There might be some rainy days, but it’s generally still pleasant. The tourist crowds thin out, making it ideal for sightseeing.

What to wear in October:

• Mix of short and long-sleeved tops

• Light jacket or sweater

• Umbrella or light raincoat

October tip: Visit Crete’s historical sites and museums without the summer crowds.

November

November brings cooler weather to Crete. Average temperatures drop to about 17°C (63°F). There’s more chance of rain, but sunny days are still common.

What to wear in November:

• Warm layers

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes

November tip: This is a great time to experience local life and traditions in Cretan villages.

Winter Temperatures & Climate in Crete

December

December marks the start of winter in Crete. Temperatures average around 14°C (57°F). You might see snow on the mountain peaks, but coastal areas remain mild.

What to wear in December:

• Warm clothing – sweaters, jackets

• Waterproof coat

• Warm socks and closed shoes

December tip: Experience Cretan Christmas traditions and festive markets.

January

January is usually the coldest month in Crete. Average temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F). Mountain areas can be quite cold, while coastal regions stay milder.

What to wear in January:

• Warm, layered clothing

• Winter coat

• Gloves and scarf, especially for mountain visits

January tip: This is a great time to enjoy Crete’s cozy tavernas and try hearty local dishes.

February

February remains cool in Crete, but signs of spring start to appear. Temperatures average about 12°C (54°F). You might see beautiful almond blossoms towards the end of the month.

What to wear in February:

• Warm layers

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

February tip: Look out for Carnival celebrations, which often fall in February.

Spring Temperatures & Climate in Crete

March

March brings the first signs of spring to Crete. Temperatures start to rise, averaging around 14°C (57°F). You’ll see wildflowers starting to bloom across the island.

What to wear in March:

• Layers for changing temperatures

• Light jacket or sweater

• Comfortable shoes for walking

March tip: This is a great time for nature walks to see Crete’s beautiful spring flowers.

April

April sees warmer weather in Crete. Average temperatures climb to about 17°C (63°F). There might be some rain, but days are often sunny and pleasant.

What to wear in April:

• Light layers

• Mix of short and long-sleeved tops

• Light raincoat or umbrella

April tip: Easter often falls in April, bringing beautiful traditions and celebrations.

May

May is when Crete really starts to warm up. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F). The sea begins to warm up, making beach days possible.

What to wear in May:

• Light, summer clothing

• Light sweater for evenings

• Swimwear for warmer days

Weather in Chania

Chania, located in western Crete, enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are mild and wet.

Average temperatures in Chania:

• Summer (June-August): 25-30°C (77-86°F)

• Winter (December-February): 10-15°C (50-59°F)

Chania receives about 620mm of rainfall annually, mostly in winter. The city experiences around 300 days of sunshine per year.

Summer tip: Cool off at the beautiful beaches near Chania, like Balos or Elafonissi.

Winter tip: Explore the charming Old Town of Chania on cooler days.

Weather in Heraklion Crète

Heraklion, Crete’s capital, has a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with some rain.

Average temperatures in Heraklion:

• Summer (June-August): 26-29°C (79-84°F)

• Winter (December-February): 12-16°C (54-61°F)

Heraklion gets about 400mm of rainfall per year, less than Chania. The city basks in sunshine for around 310 days annually.

Summer tip: Visit the nearby Palace of Knossos early in the day to avoid the midday heat.

Winter tip: Enjoy Heraklion’s museums and cafes on cooler days.

Weather in Rethymnon

Rethymnon, situated between Chania and Heraklion, has a climate similar to both. It experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.

Average temperatures in Rethymnon:

• Summer (June-August): 24-29°C (75-84°F)

• Winter (December-February): 11-15°C (52-59°F)

Rethymnon receives about 550mm of rain per year. The city enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine annually.

Summer tip: Take a stroll along Rethymnon’s beautiful Venetian harbor in the evening.

Winter tip: Explore the well-preserved Old Town on pleasant winter days.

Weather in Lassithi

Lassithi, in eastern Crete, has a slightly different climate due to its varied landscape. The coastal areas are warm and dry, while the mountainous regions can be cooler.

Average temperatures in Lassithi (coastal areas):

• Summer (June-August): 25-30°C (77-86°F)

• Winter (December-February): 12-16°C (54-61°F)

Lassithi receives about 500mm of rainfall annually, mostly in winter. The region experiences around 300 days of sunshine per year.

Summer tip: Visit the famous Vai or Elounda.

Winter tip: Explore the Lassithi Plateau, which can see snow in winter.

For all regions, it’s important to note that temperatures can be 5-10°C cooler in mountainous areas compared to the coast.

Sunshine in Crete

Crete is famous for its abundant sunshine.

Most places on the island get over 2000 hours of sun each year.

The sunniest spots, like South Crete and Gavdos, enjoy more than 2400 hours of sunshine annually.

In summer, daylight can last until 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities.
The air in Crete is very clean, which means the sun’s rays are strong.

To stay safe in the sun:

1. Try to stay in the shade when possible.
2. Wear a shirt, hat, and sunglasses.
3. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours.

Rainfall in Crete

Crete doesn’t get much rain, especially in the summer.

Most of the rain falls in the mountains, which helps water the surrounding areas.

Even with little rain, Crete is great for farming because of its smart use of water storage.

Fun fact: Crete grows a wide variety of plants, from chestnuts that need cold weather to tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes!

Humidity in Crete

Crete’s humidity levels add another layer to its diverse climate.

The island’s relative humidity averages around 65% annually, but this figure fluctuates throughout the year.

In winter months, humidity peaks at about 70-75%, making the air feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.

Summer sees a drop in humidity, typically ranging from 50-60%. July and August, the driest months, can see humidity levels dip as low as 45% in some inland areas.

Coastal regions tend to maintain slightly higher humidity due to sea breezes, often 5-10% above inland levels.

Interestingly, the mountainous areas of Crete experience lower humidity, sometimes 15-20% below coastal readings.

This variation in humidity across the island contributes to Crete’s microclimates, allowing for diverse flora and agricultural products.

Snow in Crete

Yes, it snows in Crete!

Snow usually falls between January and March, mainly in the mountain areas.

The snowy peaks of Lefka Ori, Idaet Dikti create a beautiful winter wonderland.

When most people think of Crete, images of sun-soaked beaches and azure waters come to mind. However, this Greek island harbors a secret winter wonderland in its mountainous heart, offering a stark contrast to its coastal paradise.

Crete’s snow season typically spans from December to March, with January and February being the snowiest months. While the island’s beaches remain mild, a different world exists above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) elevation. The majestic White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in western Crete, reaching an impressive 2,454 meters (8,051 feet) at their peak, receive the lion’s share of the island’s snowfall.

On average, these higher mountains experience between 10 to 20 snow days per year. In particularly heavy snow years, accumulations of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) have been recorded in the White Mountains, transforming the landscape into a scene more reminiscent of the Alps than the Mediterranean.

This snowy realm isn’t just for show. It plays a crucial role in Crete’s ecosystem and economy. The White Mountains act as a natural water tower, with melting snow feeding rivers and aquifers throughout the year, sustaining the island’s lush landscapes and agriculture. Moreover, the snowy conditions support unique alpine ecosystems, with over 150 endemic plant species adapted to these harsh winter environments.

For the adventurous traveler, Crete offers unexpected winter sports opportunities. A small ski center on Psiloritis Mountain (Mount Ida), standing proud at 2,456 meters (8,058 feet), typically operates for 2-3 months each year. This unique facility, where one can ski with views of the Mediterranean, attracts winter sports enthusiasts looking for an unconventional experience.

While coastal areas of Crete rarely see temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) in winter, the mountains tell a different story. Temperatures can plummet to -10°C (14°F) or lower, creating a true winter wonderland. The area around Nida Plateau, at an elevation of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet), boasts the highest probability of snow, averaging 15 snow days per year.

Snow at sea level in Crete is extremely rare, making it a memorable event when it occurs. The last significant snowfall in Heraklion, the island’s capital situated at sea level, was in February 2004 – the first such occurrence in 25 years.

Crete’s snowy mountains are not just a natural phenomenon but also steeped in mythology. According to Greek legends, Zeus, the king of gods, was born in a cave on Mount Ida. The winter snows were said to have hidden the infant god from his father Cronos, adding a layer of mystique to the island’s wintry peaks.

In recent years, Crete’s snow has become an attraction in itself. Winter tourism, including activities like snowshoeing and winter hiking, has grown into a niche market, drawing approximately 5,000 visitors annually to experience the island’s snowy mountains. This diversification of tourism helps support local economies during the traditionally quieter winter months.

However, like many places around the world, Crete’s snowy realms are feeling the effects of climate change. Studies suggest that snowfall on the island has decreased by approximately 5% per decade since the 1960s, a trend that could have significant implications for the island’s water resources and unique alpine ecosystems in the future.

Sea Temperatures

The sea around Crete stays warm for most of the year.

Even in November, the water is as warm as it is in June (19-20°C or 66-68°F).

The coldest months for swimming are January, February, and March, but the water never gets colder than 14°C (57°F).

For more information about traveling to Crete, check out the Organisation nationale grecque du tourisme.

Don’t forget to follow Cretorama on Instagram for stunning photos of Crete’s landscapes and attractions.

For the most up-to-date travel information, including any current requirements or restrictions, please visit the Site officiel de la région de Crète.

No matter when you choose to visit, Crete’s amazing climate and beautiful scenery are sure to make your trip unforgettable. Start planning your Cretan adventure today with Cretorama, your ultimate guide to this Mediterranean paradise!