Crete month by month

The best time to visit Crete

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Crete is May · June · September: 24° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	15° / 9°	Low	$	Quiet
February	16° / 9°	Low	$	Quiet
March	17° / 10°	Low	$	Quiet
April	20° / 12°	Moderate	$$	Great
May	24° / 15°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
June	27° / 19°	High	$$$	Ideal
July	29° / 22°	High	$$$	Great
August	29° / 22°	High	$$$	Great
September	26° / 19°	High	$$$	Ideal
October	23° / 17°	Moderate	$$	Great
November	20° / 13°	Low	$	Fair
December	17° / 11°	Low	$	Quiet

Best months May June September April

The year in Crete

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Crete.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 20°C · Warm and dry, Samaria Gorge opens

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Ideal

Jun–Aug · highs around 28°C · Hot, rainless days and a warming sea

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 23°C · Hot days, warm sea, thinning crowds

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Quiet

Dec–Feb · highs around 16°C · Rainy, mild and very quiet

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

June ·September

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·February

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·February

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

April ·May ·June

Practical basics

Region: Europe
Local currency: EUR
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 9° – 29°
Strongest months: May, June, September
Good for: beach · islands · culture · food

Events in Crete

Apr–May Orthodox Easter — Easter follows the Orthodox calendar and falls between April 4 and May 8; Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays.
May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct Samaria Gorge Season — The national park in the White Mountains is open to walkers from May 1 to October 31.
Aug Dormition of the Virgin — August 15 is a public holiday across Greece and falls at the busiest point of the summer season.
Oct Ohi Day — A national holiday on October 28, marked by parades and church services.

Every month in Crete

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Crete in January 15° · $ Quiet Crete in February 16° · $ Quiet Crete in March 17° · $ Quiet Crete in April 20° · $$ Great Crete in May 24° · $$ Ideal Crete in June 27° · $$$ Ideal Crete in July 29° · $$$ Great Crete in August 29° · $$$ Great Crete in September 26° · $$$ Ideal Crete in October 23° · $$ Great Crete in November 20° · $ Fair Crete in December 17° · $ Quiet

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Crete?

What is the cheapest time to visit Crete?

January — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 80%.

What is the weather like in Crete?

Average highs sit around 29°C with lows near 9°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Crete