We will tell you when is the best time to relax in Crete. Monthly weather: air and water temperature, precipitation and climate features. When does the beach season start and end? Reviews of tourists about the weather in different seasons.
When is the best time to relax in Crete
Warm weather on the island begins in April and lasts until December. The swimming season in Crete starts in late May - early June and ends in late October - early November. Most vacationers come in July and August.
When is the best time to relax in Crete with children? To avoid extreme heat, plan your trip in the second half of July, September or the first half of October.
Crete Monthly Weather
January
Water and air temperature. In the middle of winter, the air temperature on the island is +14 ... + 16 ° С, and sea water is + 16 ° С.
Weather. Partly cloudy weather in Crete in January. Cold winds blow from the sea, and often storms. It rains for half a month. The amount of precipitation is 78 mm, and the humidity is 60%. The driest weather is in Lassithi.
Reviews of tourists. After the New Year holidays, a pleasant calm ensues on the Greek island. Vacationers like that in January tours to Crete are inexpensive, and there are few tourists in the resorts in the off-season. Visit the famous Palace of Knossos, see the ruins of the ancient city of Gortyn and ancient monasteries!
February
Water and air temperature. In February, the air temperature in Crete is + 16 ° С, and sea water is + 15 ° С. It's cold to swim!
Weather. February weather is similar to January. It is more humid in the western part of the island and warmer in the south than in other areas. Daylight hours increase to 11.5 hours. It is snowing in the mountains, and it is raining in coastal areas. The air humidity reaches 62%.
Reviews of tourists. Low season in Crete is popular with tourists not only because of the low prices for tours. Vacationers like that at the end of winter they can swim in indoor pools with heated water, walk and go on excursions. In the last decade of the month, the colorful Apocries carnival takes place on the island.
March
Water and air temperature. In March, the air temperature is +17 ... + 18 ° С, and the sea water temperature is + 16 ° С.
Weather. The island wakes up after winter. There are more sunny days - 15, the number of rainy days is reduced to 4, and the level of precipitation does not exceed 60 mm. It is chilly due to strong winds. Take more warm clothes!
Reviews of tourists. Vacationers enjoy traveling to the natural and historical sights of Crete. Negative reviews are left only about the seasonal sirocco wind that blows from the Sahara Desert. In the spring, it brings dust and stuffiness to the southern coast.
April
Water and air temperature. In the first month of the holiday season in Crete, the air temperature rises to + 19 ... + 20 ° С, and sea water + 17 ° С.
Weather. April weather pleases with warmth, sun and light rains. The amount of precipitation does not exceed 20-30 mm. In the middle of spring, the leaves turn green, flowers and citrus groves bloom.
Reviews of tourists. By the end of the month, most of the hotels are already open, and the tourist infrastructure is fully operational. It's too early to swim, but it's time to relax by the sea, get to know the interesting places of Crete and even sunbathe a little! According to tourists' reviews, trekking, bike tours, horseback riding tours and jeep safaris around the island are popular in April.
May
Water and air temperature. The last month of spring in Crete is warm. The average air temperature during the day is +22 ... + 23 ° С. At noon, the thermometer rises to + 25 ° С, and at night it does not drop below +14 ... + 15 ° С. Sea water is warmed up to +19 ... + 21 ° С.
Weather. The beginning of the swimming season in Crete pleases with warmth, blooming nature, sun and refreshing sea. The number of sunny days increases to 24. There is a little precipitation - 35 mm per month, and the humidity is low 60%.
Reviews of tourists. In May, it is better to go to Crete for excursions, trekking in the mountains, diving and boat trips. According to tourists, starting from the 20th of the month, the sea is already suitable for long swims.
June
Water and air temperature. In early summer, the air temperature in Crete is + 28 ° C during the day and + 18 ° C at night. Sea water is warm + 22 ° С.
Weather. The island has pleasant sunny weather. Daylight hours increase to 14.5 hours. The sea is calm, without a big wave. It never rains.
Reviews of tourists. June is a good time to relax in Crete with children. According to tourists, there is still no exhausting heat in the first half of the month, so many go on excursions. Then it gets hot and vacationers switch to beach vacations and water sports.
July
Water and air temperature. In July, the air temperature rises to +29 ... + 30 ° С. Sea water is warmed up to +24 ... + 25 ° С. The beach season in Crete is in full swing!
Weather. The island is very hot. There are almost no clouds and rain.
Reviews of tourists. Midsummer is good for beach activities, water parks and sailing trips. In July, Crete hosts many colorful festivals, the most interesting of which is the Rethymno Wine Festival. According to tourists, due to sea breezes and moderate air humidity, daytime heat on the island is easier to endure than in mainland Greece.
August
Water and air temperature. August is as hot as July. The average air temperature during the day is +29 ... + 30 ° С. The sea is very warm + 25 ° С.
Weather. In the last month of summer only 1-2 days are rainy. The rest of the time the weather is sunny and dry. In the 20th of August, strong Meltemi trade winds begin to blow from the Aegean Sea. Because of them, the heat subsides, but waves rise on the sea.
Reviews of tourists. Hot August weather is good for beach holidays, water sports, visiting water parks and entertainment centers. According to tourists' reviews, sea cruises, snorkeling and diving are popular.
September
Water and air temperature. In September, the air temperature drops to + 27 ° С. The sea water is comfortable for swimming + 25 ° С.
Weather. There are still a lot of sunny days, and precipitation is insignificant - there are only 2 rainy days per month. Light clothes are enough for walking, and on windy days you will have to warm yourself.
Reviews of tourists. The velvet season is the best time to come to Crete with small children. In September there is no heat, little rainfall, and the sea is warm. At the beginning of autumn, it is pleasant to swim, sunbathe, go to the mountains and go on excursions on the island.
October
Water and air temperature. In October, the air temperature during the day is + 24 ° С, and at night + 16 ° С. Sea water temperature + 23 ° С.
Weather. The weather in Crete is capricious in October. Sunny days alternate with cloudy ones. Sometimes it is rainy and windy. The amount of precipitation increases to 40 mm, and the air humidity rises to 63%.
Reviews of tourists. In the middle of autumn, Crete hosts the chestnut and fish festival. Cloudy, cool weather is suitable for excursions. The swimming season in Crete lasts until late October - early November. In addition to beachwear, tourists are advised to bring umbrellas and light jackets.
November
Water and air temperature. In November, the air temperature drops to + 21 ° С, and sea water - to + 20 ° С. It's already cool to swim!
Weather. There are more rainy days, and the air humidity rises to 64%.
Reviews of tourists. The low season in Crete is not like the chilly and cold autumn in Russia. Although rainfall is increasing, the Greek island enjoys pleasant weather. There are many more greenery and flowers. The beach holiday is over, so tourists are switching to health tourism and excursions.
December
Water and air temperature. In December, the air and sea temperatures in Crete are the same + 17 ° С.
Weather. The sky is cloudy almost all the time. It rains nine days a month.In Chania, the weather is damp and humid, while the island capital of Heraklion is relatively dry and warm.
Reviews of tourists. Vacationers leave conflicting reviews about December Crete. Some believe that the beginning of winter on the island is slushy. Others are sure that in December there are good conditions for a relaxing holiday by the sea. Local residents are actively preparing for Christmas. Tourists enjoy exploring the sights, walking and having picnics.
