Crete Holiday Weather Overview
Crete, the biggest of all the islands in Greece, is full of interesting sites. Crete’s historic importance in today's world is that it is the home of the Minoan civilization with important archaeological findings at Knossos, Phaistos and Gortys. The island is also famous to the thirsty tourists for its overwhelming natural beauty. As the island is blessed with beautiful landscape, mysterious caves, stunning coastline and alluring sandy beaches, it becomes a world class tourist spot.
Things to do and see in Crete
Tourists have lots of things to do in Crete. Time actually flies there. Besides falling love with natural beauty they can remain themselves busy with water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling and so on.
In fact, Crete with its superb facilities eagerly waits to fill your holiday. Moreover, tourists may wish to visit neighboring islands like Gavdos, Los, Kos, Mykons, Paros, Rhodes and Santorini if they have enough time to discover the hidden wish of visiting some more outstanding tourist destinations.
Best month to visit Crete
Although sea temperature remains cold and although your plan can be spoiled by a little rain, spring is arguably the best time to visit Crete. During July and August the island remains both hot and extremely crowded. Most of the tourist prefer the period between mid-September and October to spring.
Climate in Crete
The island of Crete enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with a very little variation. During summer months the average high climbs to mid thirties while in winter it becomes much enjoyable and chilly. Snowfall is not uncommon in Crete during the winter season. The island receives a great level of sunshine all year round.
Summer in Crete
During summer, which beings in June and lasts till September in Crete, the average maximum temperature of the island stands at the high 20s. Although the nighttime temperature is also high but because of low levels of humidity it is nicely bearable. However, in the peak month temperature may often fluctuate and stays at mid 30s. The season sees more than twelve hours of sunshine each day, especially in the months of June and August.
Autumn in Crete
Autumn in Crete begins in October and lasts till mid November. Like almost the summer, the temperature remains high in this season. Air temperature stays around 20ºC during the earlier days of autumn and it gradually lows down as the season progresses. Night brings cold sometimes as the temperature may fluctuate or falls below 16ºC in October and 13ºC in November. The people receive five or six hours of sunshine throughout the autumn.
Winter in Crete
Although winter in Crete, from December till March, is mild yet it is wet and gusty. The wind can bring storms, though steady precipitation help air temperature dipping down. Daytime maximums usually stand around 16ºC; falling below 10ºC at night but hardly does it goes under 5ºC.
Spring in Crete
Rainfall drops off rapidly during spring in Crete. Spring usually comes in April and continues its journey till the following month. The regular maximums get rapidly into the low 20s though nighttime lows remain cool. Sunshine levels increase to six hours for each day in April and it reach at eight in May. Tourists prefer spring to autumn for visiting Crete for enjoyable sunshine and rain although the sea remains cold until the middle of the season.
What to pack and wear in Crete?
Tourists can enjoy their visit in Crete wearing casual dresses like T-shirts, Shorts and Skirts etc. However, before visiting any religious places like churches and monasteries tourists have to be careful about their dresses as the authority does not allow bare leg and uncovered shoulder there. As the winter in the island may be wet you should bring the raincoat or umbrella if you desire to visit Crete in this season.
Best months to visit Crete?
May and April are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Crete. The weather averages gathered from Crete weather forecast and Crete weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 24°c and average of 309.7333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Crete?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 10°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Crete?
February and January receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 52.86mm.
Travelling to Crete? Check out our Weather averages of Crete to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Crete section.