What’s the climate like in Crete?
The current climate of Crete features average monthly temperatures ranging from highs of 31°C during the day to lows of 16°C. The average yearly temperature is around 24°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around 9°C and in the warmer months around 23°C.
The highest temperature recorded in Crete in recent years was 40°C in August 2021. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was 4°C in January 2017.
On average, Crete gets 641 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 1,6 cm is snowfall. For comparison, UK gets 701 mm of precipitation each year.
The climate of Crete is based on weather data from Heraklion. Other locations might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Crete for a full picture of the climate.
Best time to visit Crete?
The best time to go for a sun holiday to Crete is March through December. During this period, you'll have good temperatures and not too much rain, making it a great time to visit Crete. In the other months of the year, there's too much rain or the temperature isn't ideal for a visit if you want sunny and pleasant weather.
Discover cheap sun holidays to Crete
Climate Table of Crete
The climate table of Crete shows the average temperatures, precipitation, snow, and UV index per month. The table gives an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of precipitation in millimetres, the total snowfall in centimetres, and the UV index for each month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
- Average yearly temperature: 24°C
- Highest temperature: 31°C in August
- Lowest temperature: 16°C in January and February
- Precipitation*: 641 mm per year, averaging 53 mm per month
- Snowfall: 1,6 cm per year
- Driest months: 2,2 mm in July, 4,3 mm in August and 11 mm in June
- Wettest months: 129 mm in January, 115 mm in December and 104 mm in February
*Precipitation is measured as a combination of rain, snow, and hail
Plan your next holiday
Don’t miss the best holiday deals for Crete and see what our partners have for you.
Weather experiences in Crete
Average Temperature per Month in Crete
This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Crete, Greece. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.
Average Precipitation per Month in Crete
This graph shows how much precipitation Crete, Greece, gets on average per month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of precipitation is measured in millimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded precipitation per month from past years.
Average Snowfall per Month in Crete
This graph shows how much snow Crete, Greece, gets on average per month. The amount of snowfall is measured in centimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded snowfall per month from past years.
Average UV Index per Month in Crete
This graph shows the average UV index per month in Crete, Greece. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Yearly Temperature in Crete
This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Crete, Greece. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.
Total Yearly Precipitation in Crete
This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Crete, Greece, over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimetres, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Total Yearly Snowfall in Crete
This chart shows the total yearly snowfall in Crete, Greece, over the past few years. The total yearly snowfall, measured in centimetres, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
More Climate Info About Crete
Crete's climate is Mediterranean, meaning it has warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 30 degrees Celsius, while average winter temperatures are around 15 degrees Celsius. This type of climate is due to the island's location in the Mediterranean Sea, which ensures it has high humidity and mild temperatures.
Overall, Crete is a great destination for people who like warm weather and a Mediterranean climate. It has long, sunny summers, mild winters and high humidity, making it an attractive destination for a relaxing holiday.
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Crete, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Flowers begin to bloom and the island comes alive after the quiet winter months.
Summer
Summers in Crete are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. It is the best time to visit the island if you like sun, sea and beaches.
Autumn
In autumn, the temperature drops slightly, but it still remains pleasantly warm. It can get a bit rainier, but most days are still sunny and dry.
Winter
Winters in Crete are mild, with temperatures usually around 15 degrees Celsius. Some rain may fall at times, but it generally remains dry and sunny.
Best Time to Visit Crete
Crete is a beautiful island in Greece with beautiful beaches, historical sights and a rich culture. Crete's weather is lovely, with mild winters and hot summers.
The best time to travel to Crete depends on what you want to do during your holiday. If you plan to enjoy beach life, the high season is the best time to go. This is usually from June to August, when the island's weather is warmest and the water is pleasant for swimming.
If you prefer to explore the island's culture and history, then low season is the best time to travel. This is usually from October to April, when Crete's weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. Locals are then also more inclined to share their cultural wealth with visitors.
Regardless of when you travel to Crete, remember to inform yourself well about local customs and weather conditions before you leave. That way, you can enjoy your holiday on this beautiful island to the fullest.
Weather experiences in Crete
The weather in Crete is rated an average of 3,8 out of 5 stars by 12 visitors. Have you been to Crete? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
Write your own review
Stefan – was here in March
Chilly mornings gave way to sunny afternoons. We had a few rainy days, but overall the weather was lovely!— This text is automatically translated to English
Crete in December offered mild weather, with temperatures around 16°C. Although it was too chilly for swimming, there was plenty of sunshine. There were some rain showers, so not always perfect for outdoor activities.— This text is automatically translated to English
Sven van Noort – was here in January
Crete in January can be changeable. One day sunny and warm enough for a jumper, the next you'll be happy with your mackintosh. Not the ultimate sun destination in winter.— This text is automatically translated to English
Veerle – was here in April
There was plenty of sunshine for a pleasant temperature averaging 20 degrees. However, not ideal for swimming, the sea was still a bit chilly. Some cloudy days, but no major disruptions.— This text is automatically translated to English
Too cool for beach days, but the sun was shining brightly. Swimming in the sea was too cold. Perfect for being outside and enjoying everything. Ideal for a sun holiday. Definitely a 5-star experience. We had an average of 15°C, so too chilly for swimming. There were sunny and grey days, but it never really got summery hot. The sea water temperature was too cold for swimming. Nature was already starting to revive a bit, which made for nice walks.— This text is automatically translated to English
Crete in November was surprisingly pleasant. Although we had some rainy days, the sun mostly shone with temperatures around 20 degrees. Not exactly swimming weather, but still great for sightseeing and relaxing at the beach.— This text is automatically translated to English
Have you been to Crete?
Share your weather experiences in Crete.
Average Weather in Crete by Month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Crete. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.