Month guide · Crete · Greece
Crete in July
What July is really like in Crete: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: PeterWikiSK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
July is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 0 rainy days and roughly 14.3 hours of daylight. Peak season: hot and busy, with strong meltemi winds at times; beaches like Balos and Elafonisi are crowded by late morning.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 0
- Daylight
- About 14.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in July
July is the 2nd-warmest month in Crete: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 0 of its 31 days. Compared with June (28°C (82°F)), July is about as warm; by August highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 July)
- About 06:17
- Sunset (15 July)
- About 20:36
- Daylight
- About 14.3 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F)
Summer (June–August). Hot, dry and sunny with warm sea; peak crowds and prices in July and August, and strong winds at times.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, July rates 5 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: July is one of the pricier months.
Events in July
- Village wine and food festivals (summer weekends)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in July
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Castle · Heraklion
Koules Fortress and Heraklion's Venetian walls
Walk out along the harbour breakwater after visiting Koules, then head to Lions Square for bougatsa.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Architecture
Beach · Sitia
Vai Palm Beach
In the far east of the island, a grove of native Cretan date palms runs down to a sandy beach with clear water.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
Historic site · Heraklion
Knossos
Arrive at opening or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and tour groups, and see the museum in Heraklion the same day.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Kids
- Architecture
Museum · Heraklion
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The principal collection of Minoan art, including the original frescoes from Knossos such as the bull-leaping scene, the faience snake goddesses, the bull's-head rhyton and the mysterious Phaistos Disc with its stamped spiral of symbols.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Art
- Rainy day
- Iconic
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Crete.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 22°C and 0 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is July a good time to visit Crete?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Crete in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is July a good time to visit Crete?
It is a shoulder-season month. Peak season: hot and busy, with strong meltemi winds at times; beaches like Balos and Elafonisi are crowded by late morning.
+How warm is Crete in July?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Crete in July?
Expect rain on about 0 days of the month, so it is usually dry.