Greece
Crete Weather & Climate
Minoan palaces, the Samariá Gorge and Greece's largest and most varied island
26°C
Max sea
29°C
Max air
June
Best month
0mm
Driest month
Minoan palaces, the Samariá Gorge and Greece's largest and most varied island
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and, for many, the most complete destination in the Aegean — a place that combines extraordinary ancient history (the Minoan civilisation, Europe's oldest, flourished here for 2,000 years), dramatic mountain scenery, a wildly varied coastline and a local culture so proud and distinct that Cretans often refer to themselves as Cretans first and Greeks second. The Samariá Gorge, in the southwest, is one of Europe's longest gorges and one of its finest hiking experiences. The Minoan palace at Knossos is the most important Bronze Age site in the Aegean. And the beaches — from the famous pink sand of Elafonisi to the calm waters of Bali on the north coast — cover every type.
When to go: May to October is beach season. July and August are very hot and crowded. June and September are excellent.
The best months to visit Crete are June, July, August. Peak season is July with the best combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | UV | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 16°C | 94mm | 3 | 26 |
| Feb | 13°C | 15°C | 71mm | 4 | 25 |
| Mar | 15°C | 15°C | 47mm | 5 | 23 |
| Apr | 18°C | 16°C | 22mm | 7 | 20 |
| May | 22°C | 19°C | 9mm | 9 | 18 |
| Jun | 27°C | 22°C | 2mm | 11 | 15 |
| Jul | 29°C | 25°C | 0mm | 12 | 13 |
| Aug | 29°C | 26°C | 1mm | 11 | 13 |
| Sep | 26°C | 26°C | 11mm | 9 | 14 |
| Oct | 22°C | 24°C | 46mm | 7 | 18 |
| Nov | 18°C | 21°C | 74mm | 4 | 22 |
| Dec | 14°C | 18°C | 97mm | 3 | 25 |
The best time to visit Crete is June, July, August. Peak season is July when temperatures reach 29°C with virtually no rain. May to October is beach season. July and August are very hot and crowded. June and September are excellent.
Sea temperatures in Crete range from 15°C in February to 26°C in August. The sea is very warm at its warmest.
Winter temperatures in Crete average 13°C with sea temperatures of 16°C. Conditions are milder in winter.
The driest month is July with 0mm. The wettest month sees 97mm. Crete receives 474mm annually.
Cold and cool seas. Some rain (94mm). UV 3.
Cold and cool seas. Some rain (71mm). UV 4.
Cool and cool seas. Very little rain (47mm). UV 5.
Cool and cool seas. Very little rain (22mm). UV 7.
Mild and refreshing seas. Virtually no rain (9mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and warm seas. Virtually no rain (2mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Hot and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (0mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Hot and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (1mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (11mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Mild and warm seas. Very little rain (46mm). UV 7.
Cool and refreshing seas. Some rain (74mm). UV 4.
Cold and refreshing seas. Some rain (97mm). UV 3.
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