Destination
When should you visit Crete?
Crete is big enough to stay lively all year in its cities, but the beach resorts run from about April to October. July and August are hot and crowded, with strong meltemi winds. Spring brings wildflowers and good hiking, and autumn keeps the sea warm with calmer beaches. The Samaria Gorge is usually open from May to October. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September–October
September and October keep the sea warm and the Samaria Gorge open, with fewer people and lower prices than July and August. Days are warm rather than hot.
Best for hiking
May & October
Samaria Gorge is usually open, without summer heat.
Best for swimming
July–September
The warmest sea; busiest in July and August.
Best for wildflowers
April
Green hills and spring flowers.
Best value
April–May & October
Open resorts at lower prices.
September scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Peak season
- Beaches, Knossos and Balos are packed, and prices peak.
- Samaria Gorge season
- The gorge opens and closes with the weather; check the park before you go.
- Winter closures
- Beach resorts close, but Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno stay open.
July–August
About May–October
November–March
Crete travel tip
Base yourself in two places, not one. The island is long and the drives are slow, so split your stay between the west (Chania and the beaches near Balos and Elafonisi) and the east or center (Heraklion, Knossos and the south coast). Visit Knossos right at opening.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 9–15°C
- Mild and the wettest month.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- The lowest rates.
Stay in Chania's old town for the most life in winter.
- City break
- Food
- Temperature
- 9–15°C
- Mild and wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- The lowest rates.
Check the Rethymno carnival dates for your year.
- Culture
- Food
- Temperature
- 10–17°C
- Mild, with showers.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €
- Low rates.
Visit Knossos and the Heraklion museum on the same day.
- Walking
- History
- Temperature
- 13–20°C
- Warm and mostly sunny.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet, busier around Greek Easter.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Join an Easter evening service in a village if your dates match.
- Hiking
- Culture
- Temperature
- 16–24°C
- Warm, sunny and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Start the Samaria Gorge early; it is a long day.
- Hiking
- Beach
- Temperature
- 20–29°C
- Hot and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-to-high rates.
Go to Balos or Elafonisi early to beat the boats and buses.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 23–30°C
- Hot and dry, with meltemi winds.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Peak crowds.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates.
Use south-coast beaches when the north wind blows.
- Beach
- Nightlife
- Temperature
- 23–30°C
- Hot and dry, with strong winds.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Peak crowds.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates.
Book cars and rooms early.
- Beach
- Festivals
- Temperature
- 20–28°C
- Warm and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy early, calmer later.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates fall through the month.
Late September is ideal for both swimming and hiking.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 18–24°C
- Warm, with the first rains.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Hike the gorge before it closes for winter.
- Hiking
- Food
- Temperature
- 14–20°C
- Mild, with more rain.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €
- Low rates.
Stay in a city rather than a resort.
- Food
- Walking
- Temperature
- 11–17°C
- Mild and wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- The lowest rates.
Base yourself in Chania for winter walks.
- City break
- Holidays
Climate
Crete weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 81 mm | 10 |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 60 mm | 9 |
| March | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 49 mm | 7 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 24 mm | 3 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 13 mm | 2 |
| June | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 4 mm | 1 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | 0 |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 18 mm | 1 |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 64°F | 43 mm | 5 |
| November | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | 56 mm | 6 |
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 52°F | 82 mm | 9 |
Climate data: Heraklion, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Crete
What is the best month to visit Crete?
September and October have a warm sea, open hiking trails and fewer crowds than summer.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
Usually from about May to the end of October, depending on weather and safety checks.