Crete climate and temperatures

Climate type
Mediterranean
Best time to visit
September – November
Avg. temperature
14°C – 30°C
Annual rainfall
600 mm
Warmest month
August (35°C)
Coldest month
January (11°C)
Driest month
July (22 mm)
Wettest month
October (84 mm)

The climate of Crete is Mediterranean (Köppen: Csa), with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C in winter (December–February) to a maximum of 31°C in summer (June–August). The average annual temperature is around 24°C.

During the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of 9°C, while summer nights average around 23°C.

Popular destinations in Crete

View all destinations in Crete

Climate table of Crete

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in Crete by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp. max (°C) 14 16 17 19 23 27 30 30 27 23 18 16
Temp. min (°C) 6 7 9 11 15 19 22 22 19 15 10 7
Rainfall
Droplet
Droplet
Droplet
DropletDroplet
Droplet
Droplet
Droplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
Droplet
Rainfall (mm) 46 34 46 64 43 23 22 75 77 84 61 25
UV index 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 6 5 4 4

Best time to visit Crete

The best time to visit Crete is May, June, July en September. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between May and September, average high temperatures range roughly from 25°C to 28°C, while rainfall remains limited. For a sun or beach holiday, May, June, July, August en September are the most suitable months. It is often warm to hot and relatively dry during this time. For a city trip, round trip, or active holiday, April, May, June en September are often more comfortable, as it is warm without the heat becoming too intense. The warmest month is August, with an average daytime temperature of around 31°C. The driest month is July, with about 2 mm of rainfall, while January is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 129 mm. Snow is rare here, but may occasionally fall in January.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in Crete. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in Crete. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in Crete. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in Crete based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in Crete over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in Crete

The weather in Crete is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to Crete? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in Crete is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.