Month guide · Crete · Greece
Crete in October
What October is really like in Crete: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Crete. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 11.2 hours of daylight. Still warm enough to swim, with raki distilling starting in villages and the first autumn rains late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Crete: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with September (27°C (81°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:27
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:46
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm sea into October, grape and olive harvests and raki-distilling season; quieter beaches.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Kazanemata raki-distilling gatherings in villages (usually late October to November)
- Samaria Gorge usually closes at the end of October
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Messara plain
Matala
A small south-coast bay where Roman-era tombs carved into the soft cliffs were later home to a 1960s and 70s hippie community.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Couples
- Views
Neighbourhood · Sfakia
Loutro
Stay a night or two to enjoy the silence after the day-trippers leave.
- Time needed
- Full day or overnight
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Nature
Waterfront · Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni
A small, deep lake joined to the harbour by a channel forms the heart of this attractive eastern town, ringed by cafés and restaurants.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Views
- Couples
Nature · Sfakia
Imbros Gorge
Arrange a taxi back up to Imbros from Komitades, or walk it as part of a day trip to Chora Sfakion.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Crete.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 16°C and 4 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Crete?
One of the best months to visit Crete, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–June and September. Compare every month.
Crete in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Crete?
It is one of the best months to visit Crete. Still warm enough to swim, with raki distilling starting in villages and the first autumn rains late in the month.
+How warm is Crete in October?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Crete in October?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.