Travel advice
Best time to visit Crete: weather, sea temperature and prices through the year
Crete has a longer summer than most Greek islands. The sea is warm from June to October, and spring is green and mild. Here is what to expect month by month, and where to stay when you go.
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In short: the best time to visit Crete
June and September are the best months for most people. The sea is warm, prices are lower than in July and August, and there is plenty of room on the beaches. For hiking, April, May and October suit best. If you travel out of season, choose a hotel with an indoor pool.
Hotel with an indoor pool: Check availability and prices at Elia Agia Marina Resort
Temperatures month by month
The figures are for Chania and show the average daily high and the sea temperature.
January: 14 degrees in the air, 16 in the sea
February: 15 degrees in the air, 15 in the sea
March: 16 degrees in the air, 15 in the sea
April: 20 degrees in the air, 16 in the sea
May: 25 degrees in the air, 19 in the sea
June: 28 degrees in the air, 22 in the sea
July: 31 degrees in the air, 24 in the sea
August: 31 degrees in the air, 25 in the sea
September: 28 degrees in the air, 24 in the sea
October: 24 degrees in the air, 22 in the sea
November: 20 degrees in the air, 20 in the sea
December: 17 degrees in the air, 17 in the sea
The seasons on Crete
Spring: April and May
The island is green, and flowers line the roads. There is still snow on the highest mountains in April. The sea is fresh, but the air is good for walks and day trips. The Samaria Gorge usually opens in May.
Summer: June to August
June is warm but not too hot, and the sea is good for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, with more than 30 degrees in the middle of the day and a northerly wind. Prices peak in the school holidays.
Autumn: September and October
The sea is at its warmest in August and September. October still brings beach weather, but the days get shorter and some restaurants close. October half term is popular with families.
Winter: November to March
Winter is mild, but it rains more, and many beach hotels are closed. The towns of Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion are open all year. It is a good time for city breaks, museums and food.
The Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is open from May to October, and spring is a fine time for the hike. Photo: Adrien Antal / Unsplash
The hotels we pick outside high season
Elia Agia Marina Resort
Elia Agia Marina has an indoor pool and a spa with massages and facials, so you can swim even when the sea is cool. The outdoor pool is open in season, and room service is available around the clock. Agia Marina and Platanias are about ten minutes away by car.
Best for: travellers visiting in spring or autumn.
Good to know: With an indoor pool you can swim even when the sea is cool.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Elia Agia Marina Resort
Minoa Palace Resort, Platanias
Minoa Palace has four outdoor pools and an indoor pool, so there is always somewhere to swim. The spa offers hot stone massage, and there is a sauna, a steam room and a tennis court. Four restaurants and a beach bar make the resort as appealing in May as in August.
Best for: families and couples who want plenty of pools to choose from.
Good to know: The resort has four restaurants and a beach bar.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Minoa Palace Resort
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Galaxy is a five-star hotel in Heraklion with an outdoor pool, massage and two restaurants. The city is open all year, so the hotel suits a winter city break. The airport is only about six kilometres away. The spa, the steam room and the pool keep the stay comfortable on cooler days.
Best for: an off-season city break, with Knossos and the museum close by.
Good to know: The hotel is in town, not on the beach.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Porto Veneziano Hotel, Chania
Porto Veneziano sits on the waterfront in Chania harbour, with a café, a bar and a garden. Breakfast and parking are included, and guests praise the breakfast. In winter the old town is quieter, and the harbour is just as lovely. It is a good choice for a long weekend of food, museums and the old town.
Best for: a winter weekend with restaurants and the old town on the doorstep.
Good to know: It is a three-star hotel, so the rooms are simple and practical.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Porto Veneziano Hotel
Our first choice for spring and autumn
Elia Agia Marina Resort
Elia sits in Agia Marina west of Chania, with outdoor and indoor pools and a spa. In spring and autumn you can swim indoors when the sea is cool, and walk along the beach when the sun is out. Breakfast and parking are included, so a hire car is easy to bring.
Frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Crete
When is it hottest in Crete?
July and August are the hottest months, with an average high of around 31 degrees in Chania. It can get much hotter on the south coast and inland. The sea stays around 24 to 25 degrees. If you struggle in the heat, June and September are better choices.
Can you swim in Crete in October?
Yes, the sea is around 22 degrees in October, warmer than in June. The air reaches about 24 degrees in the middle of the day. The days get shorter, and some beach hotels and tavernas close towards the end of the month. Book a hotel that stays open through October.
When is the cheapest time to visit Crete?
Prices are lowest in winter, but many beach hotels are closed then. May, early June and October often bring good prices and fine weather. July, August and the October half term are the most expensive. If you book early, you get the widest choice of rooms.
Is Crete a winter destination?
Crete is mild in winter, with around 14 to 17 degrees during the day. It rains more often, and the sea is cool. The towns are open all year, so winter suits city breaks, food and museums. It is not the time for a beach holiday.