Best time to visit · Crete · Greece
The best time to visit Crete
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Crete are May–June and September–October, when the sea is warm enough for swimming, hiking is comfortable and beaches are far less crowded than in July and August. April is lovely for wildflowers and walking but too cool for most swimmers. Winter is mild in the towns, though most resorts close.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and November
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 16°C (61°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- November–March
Seasons
Crete has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, when snow covers the high mountains. The south coast is warmer and drier than the north, and strong winds are common in July and August.
March–May
Spring
Wildflowers, Easter festivities and good hiking; the sea is cool until late May.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry and sunny with warm sea; peak crowds and prices in July and August, and strong winds at times.
September–November
Autumn
Warm sea into October, grape and olive harvests and raki-distilling season; quieter beaches.
December–February
Winter
Mild but rainy, with snow on the mountains; resorts close, but cities and villages carry on as usual.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 9°C | 11 | 17°C | 10 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 16°C | 9°C | 9 | 16°C | 10.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 18°C | 10°C | 7 | 16°C | 11.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 4 | 17°C | 13 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 2 | 19°C | 14 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 28°C | 19°C | 1 | 22°C | 14.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 0 | 24°C | 14.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 30°C | 22°C | 0 | 25°C | 13.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | 1 | 24°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 24°C | 16°C | 4 | 22°C | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 20°C | 13°C | 6 | 20°C | 10.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | 17°C | 11°C | 10 | 18°C | 9.8 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Rethymno Carnival — Crete's largest carnival (usually February or early March, before Lent) |
| April | Orthodox Easter, with village processions and roast lamb (date varies) |
| May | Battle of Crete commemorations around Chania (around 20 May); Samaria Gorge usually opens for the season (May) |
| July | Village wine and food festivals (summer weekends) |
| August | Dormition of the Virgin — village festivals across the island (15 August) |
| October | Kazanemata raki-distilling gatherings in villages (usually late October to November); Samaria Gorge usually closes at the end of October |
| November | Arkadi Monastery anniversary commemoration (8 November) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in November–March, and the sights are quietest in November–March.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Crete?
The best times to visit Crete are May–June and September–October, when the sea is warm enough for swimming, hiking is comfortable and beaches are far less crowded than in July and August. April is lovely for wildflowers and walking but too cool for most swimmers. Winter is mild in the towns, though most resorts close.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Crete?
Usually in November–March. Mild and wet in the towns, with snow on the White Mountains and Psiloritis; resorts are closed but cities stay lively.
+What is the rainiest month in Crete?
January, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Crete get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F).