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Best time to visit Crete: month by month
Short answer
The best months are May, June, September and October: on the coast highs are roughly 24–29°C, the sea is warm and crowds are smaller. July and August are hot (about 30–32°C on the north coast, higher in the south) and busiest; winter is mild and green on the coast, with snow on the mountains, but many coastal hotels close.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 9°C | 11 | low |
| Feb | 16°C | 8°C | 9 | low |
| Mar | 16°C | 9°C | 13 | low |
| Apr | 21°C | 12°C | 4 | medium |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 6 | medium |
| Jun | 28°C | 20°C | 3 | high |
| Jul | 31°C | 23°C | 1 | very high |
| Aug | 31°C | 23°C | 1 | very high |
| Sep | 28°C | 20°C | 5 | high |
| Oct | 24°C | 17°C | 7 | medium |
| Nov | 22°C | 14°C | 7 | low |
| Dec | 18°C | 11°C | 9 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
On the coast, highs rise from roughly 17°C in March to about 20–21°C in April and 24°C in May. The countryside is green with wildflowers; the sea is cool until late May, and Samaria opens around May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Coastal highs of roughly 27–28°C in June and 30–32°C in July and August, almost no rain, and the meltemi wind on the north coast. Busy everywhere, especially Balos, Elafonissi and Knossos.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Still warm: roughly 27°C in September and 24°C in October on the coast, with the sea at its warmest. Rain returns in November, when many resort hotels close.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild on the coast, about 15–17°C by day and 8–10°C at night, with the most rain of the year (often 10–15 rainy days a month). The mountains, including the White Mountains and Psiloritis, are cold and often snow-covered.
Events worth planning around
- Rethymno Carnival, before Lent (February or early March), the largest carnival on the island
- Orthodox Easter (usually April), with church services and family feasts in every village
- Battle of Crete commemorations, around 20 May, mainly in Chania and nearby villages
- Anniversary of the Arkadi Monastery holocaust (1866), 8 November, at Arkadi near Rethymno
- Raki distilling season (kazanemata), roughly October to November, in villages across the island
When to avoid
Avoid late July and August if you dislike heat and crowds, especially at Balos, Elafonissi and Knossos. From December to February, check that hotels, boats and gorges are open, and expect rain and short days.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Crete?
Late May, June, September and early October: coastal highs of roughly 24–29°C, a warm sea and fewer crowds than July and August.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
Roughly from May to October, depending on weather and water levels. It can close on very hot or stormy days, so check the day before.
Is Crete good in winter?
The cities are lively and the coast is mild (about 15–17°C), but it is the rainiest season, the mountains have snow and many beach hotels close.