Home › Chania › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Chania: month by month
Short answer
May, June, September and October are best, with highs of about 22–27°C, warm sea from June and the Samaria Gorge open. July and August are the hottest (about 30°C) and busiest months, with crowds at Balos and Elafonisi.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 10°C | 11 | low |
| Feb | 15°C | 10°C | 10 | low |
| Mar | 15°C | 10°C | 13 | low |
| Apr | 19°C | 13°C | 6 | medium |
| May | 22°C | 16°C | 5 | medium |
| Jun | 27°C | 21°C | 3 | high |
| Jul | 30°C | 24°C | 1 | very high |
| Aug | 30°C | 24°C | 2 | very high |
| Sep | 27°C | 21°C | 7 | high |
| Oct | 23°C | 18°C | 9 | medium |
| Nov | 21°C | 16°C | 6 | low |
| Dec | 18°C | 13°C | 8 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
About 15°C in March, 19°C in April and 22°C in May; wildflowers, snow on the White Mountains in spring and the Samaria Gorge usually opening on 1 May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry, about 27–30°C, with almost no rain; warm sea and busy beaches.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is warm (about 27°C), October about 23°C with the sea still warm; rain returns from late October.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild but rainy, about 15–18°C by day with 8–11 rainy days a month; good for the old town and village food, less so for beaches.
Events worth planning around
- Greek Orthodox Easter (March, April or May)
- Feast of the Assumption, celebrated across Crete (15 August)
When to avoid
Avoid late July and August if you dislike heat and crowds; avoid winter if you want beaches, boat trips and the Samaria Gorge, which is usually closed from November to April.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
What is the best time to visit Chania?
May, June, September and October.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
Usually from 1 May to late October; check the official status the day before.
Is Chania worth visiting in winter?
Yes for the old town and food, with mild but rainy weather; many beach hotels close.