Crete is one of the warmest places in Greece. The best time to visit is between May and October, when you will get the best weather and the most sunny days.
However, this is also when you will get the highest prices on accommodation and flights. The best time to visit Crete is between May and October, which is called the “high season”.
BEST HOTEL IN CRETE:Domes Noruz
BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Beach: Caramel Grecotel
- For Families:Creta Maris
- For Couples:Abaton Island
- All-Inclusive:Nana Princess
- Adults Only:Stella Island
- In Chania: Domes Noruz
- In Heraklion:Onira Suites
- In Rethymno:Rimondi
During these months, you will get the warmest weather, the most hotels and resorts, and all beaches will be open for swimming and full of life.
READ ALSO:
- Where to Stay in Crete
- Best Hotels in Crete
- Best Villas in Crete
- How To Get From Athens to Crete
- Best Family Hotels in Crete
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So, when is the best time to visit Crete?
Crete has some of the warmest weather in Greece, but the best time to visit the island is between May and October. If you are looking for hot weather, beach life, and swimming, you should visit Crete in May, June, July, August, September, or October.
June, July, August, and September are the hottest months of the year on the island of Crete. You will get over 30 degrees Celsius (more than 85F) and sunshine daily!
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Crete
The weather in May in Crete might still be slightly unstable. You may get some rain and chilly nights with temperatures less than 20 degrees Celsius (20 F), but you will almost certainly get 90% sunny weather. Also, bear in mind that the sea water might still be chilly for swimming, but all stores, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses will be open as it is the beginning of the high season.
Average Temperature in Crete
Average Rainfall in Crete
When should you visit Crete if you don’t care about the warm weather or the beaches?
Suppose you don’t care about the warm weather and only want to do sightseeing, enjoy the cultural heritage, and visit places like Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. In that case, you can visit Crete at any time of the year. You will probably get some sunny weather and temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius.
However, it is important to mention that you will have a much better time if you eliminate the chance of getting rain (quite common in western Crete during the winter months of November-March), so I would advise you to visit Crete during April, May, or October.
Best Time for Family Holidays in Crete
I believe the best month for family holidays in Crete with kids would be late June or July, as August seems very busy, as everywhere else in Greece (it’s also the month that most Greeks go on holidays).
During June or July, the weather is sunny and warm, and the kids will love the sea or any of the amazing all-inclusive resorts with their swimming pools and kids’ facilities. No matter what, though, I must admit that the Crete family hotels are some of the most impressive in Greece, with many amenities and kids’ clubs.
Best Time for Cheap Holidays in Crete
If you want to get the absolute cheapest deals on Crete holidays, you have to go either in April-May or mid- to late October, when everything will be shutting down, but you can still swim in the sea. Remember that April is always the month of the Greek Easter, and it’s always wise to check if your days on the island coincide with these celebrations, as transportation and businesses are disrupted.
What is the weather in Crete in October?
October is a relatively warm month in Crete, with many sunny days and a small chance of rain towards the end of the month. Crete is a huge island; nothing shuts down like on smaller islands such as Santorini or Mykonos. It’s a great month to visit the island, as you can still swim in the sea. This time is considered the end of the high season, or as others call it, the “shoulder season” in Greece.
You will also be able to find cheaper deals on hotels and flights, as it is not recommended for people with kids who go to school. It’s good to know that you must pack a few light jackets because it can be chilly at night (as in all Greek islands during September and October).
How is Crete in the winter (November – March)?
Crete in the winter is not that warm, and you may find areas (especially up in the mountains) with heavy snow and harsh weather. Crete is a relatively big island (the same size as Hawaii‘s Big Island!), and it often feels like mainland Greece. Its landscape includes large lakes and high mountains.
However, Crete has a massive population of more than 700.000 people, especially in the large cities, which are all functional during those months. It is an island that does not stop being alive when tourism stops, like Santorini or Mykonos, for example.
The opposite happens. Locals in Crete are waiting for the tourist season to end so they can get on with their other jobs!
The weather during the winter in Crete can be pretty unpredictable, though, and you will not be able to swim in the sea. It may be 20 degrees Celsius and sunny, but it may also be 0 degrees Celsius and snow or heavy rain.
However, visiting Crete during the winter is a different experience that will also save you some money!
Where to Stay in Crete?
READ THE COMPLETE GUIDE: Where to Stay in Crete
Unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort in Crete, you would need a car on the island for more than five days. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island, or the “Chania prefecture,” as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi, and the most scenic town of Crete, Chania old town.
This is it, then! The best time to visit Crete is between May and October, when you will enjoy the warm weather and the beach life, as you can swim in the warm sea waters.
Crete is a big island that doesn’t shut down when the tourists go. If you want to save money, visit Crete in April, early May, or late October.
FAQs
When Is The Best Time To Visit Crete For Warm Weather?
If you are looking for guaranteed beach weather and fully operational resort facilities, we recommend visiting between June and September. During these peak summer months, daytime temperatures consistently range from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius. However, if you want to balance warm weather with manageable crowd levels, September is the optimal choice, as the sea retains its summer heat but the heaviest tourist traffic has subsided.
Is April A Good Month To Visit Crete?
April marks the beginning of the shoulder season and is an excellent time for hiking the Samaria Gorge and exploring archaeological sites like Knossos without the oppressive summer heat. Daytime temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius. You should note that while the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, the sea remains too cold for comfortable swimming, and many seasonal coastal businesses will just be beginning to open their doors in preparation for Orthodox Easter.
Can You Swim In The Sea In Crete During May?
Swimming in May is possible, but the water will feel brisk. Early in the month, sea temperatures average around 19 degrees Celsius, which most travelers find too cold for extended swimming. By late May, the water warms up to about 21 degrees Celsius, making beach days much more comfortable. If warm water is your primary priority, we suggest delaying your trip until at least late June.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Crete To Avoid Crowds?
To avoid the massive influx of summer tourists while still enjoying mild weather, plan your trip for late October or early November. The island sees significantly fewer visitors during this late shoulder season, meaning you will not have to wait in long lines at the Heraklion archaeological museum or compete for parking at Elafonissi beach. Temperatures sit comfortably in the low twenties Celsius, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming after absorbing the summer sun.
Are Hotels And Tavernas Open In Crete During The Winter?
Crete is the largest Greek island and maintains a substantial year-round local population, meaning the main cities like Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion remain fully functional throughout the winter. You will find plenty of excellent local tavernas and boutique hotels operating normally in these urban centers. However, purpose-built beach resorts and coastal tourist villages shut down entirely from November through March, so you must base your winter trip in a major town.
