Month guide · Crete · Greece
Crete in September
What September is really like in Crete: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Crete. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. Warm sea, fewer crowds and the grape harvest; one of the best months for beaches and hiking.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Crete: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 30 days. Compared with August (30°C (86°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:03
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:28
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°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, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
September has no major recurring festival in Crete, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Southwest Crete
Elafonisi
Visit early or late in the day; avoid taking sand or shells, as the area is a protected nature reserve.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Island · Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
Spinalonga
A small island in the Gulf of Elounda fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century and used as a leper colony until 1957.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Views
Castle · Rethymno
Rethymno Old Town and Fortezza
Visit the Fortezza late in the afternoon for the sunset view over the sea.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Architecture
- Kids
Historic site · Messara plain
Phaistos and Gortyn
The Minoan palace of Phaistos sits on a ridge with views over the Messara plain to Mount Psiloritis; it was here that the Phaistos Disc was found.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Off the beaten path
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Crete.
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 19°C and 1 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Crete?
One of the best months to visit Crete. The other best months are May–June and October. Compare every month.
Crete in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Crete?
It is one of the best months to visit Crete. Warm sea, fewer crowds and the grape harvest; one of the best months for beaches and hiking.
+How warm is Crete in September?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Crete in September?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.