WEATHER

Crete has a temperate mediterranean climate with hot dry summers, and mild rainy winters. The west typically receives the most rainfall, whilst the east and south are generally slightly warmer and drier. Up in the mountains winters can be very cold with heavy snowfalls resulting in road closures. Snow can stay on the tops of the White Mountains until late May.
January has the worst weather of the year, being wet, windy and cold. Things begin to improve slightly through February and March as the first blossoms begin to appear. April and May is springtime in Crete, and the island is covered in wild flowers. As the year progresses temperatures constantly improve, and rain diminishes. From the middle of May until October rain is extremely unlikely. June sees the tourist influx accelerate rapidly up to capacity, whilst July and August are the busiest and hottest months, and command the highest prices. The seasonal north winds, the Meltemi blow at this time, and some may find it a little too hot. It's well worth giving some thought to your accommodation having air conditioning and a pool if you are planning on coming at this time. In September the temperatures and tourist numbers begin to fall. October is a little cooler still and some rain may fall then. It can still be very pleasant though. In November and December the weather becomes unpredictable. Some days can be very pleasant, but others can be cold and wet, not unlike a British summer really. Seasonal winds blow up from the south at this time from North Africa.

 

AVERAGE DAILY HIGH TEMPERATURES Celsius & Farenheit

 

AVERAGE NIGHTIME TEMPERATURES Celsius & Farenheit

 

AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL millimeters

AVERAGE SEA TEMPERATURES Celsius & Farenheit