Water temperature off the coast of Crete. When is the best time to go on vacation to Crete: weather and temperature by months and seasons. Two climatic zones - two different holidays
The climate of Crete is temperate Mediterranean. Mountains stretching along the entire island from west to east divide Crete into three regions with different climates: north coast, south coast and mountains. The north coast is similar to other European Mediterranean resorts. The south coast is warmer, it's more like the coast North Africa. The mountains already have an alpine climate and sometimes even snow falls in winter.
Weather in Crete
In the spring in Crete, the days become warm and you can start swimming from mid-April. beach season is considered open after May 10, when there is almost no rain until autumn.
The summer season in Crete lasts from the beginning of June to the end of September. In June, the water is already warm, and the air temperature is around 25°C. In July and August it gets hot, up to 30-35°C, and it blows northwest wind. On the south coast the sirocco, the wind from the Sahara, can blow, bringing heat and sand. In September, the heat subsides, the wind subsides, and in mountainous areas at night you have to wear a jacket.
In autumn, in October, the temperature still allows you to swim, but it becomes cloudy and damp. In November, the weather becomes unpredictable, strong winds often blow, and it's raining. On the southern coast of Crete, the wind brings sand from Africa.
In winter, by by and large, there is nothing to do in Crete. It often rains, you should not forget an umbrella and warm jackets. Since most of them do not have heating, they are not rented out for the winter. If you want to visit Crete, for example, on New Year- you need to book a hotel. In February, the almond blossoms in Crete and nature begins a new cycle.
Weather forecast for Crete
Weather forecast for the next ten days in largest cities north coast of Crete - Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno:
Water and air temperature in Crete
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Water and air temperature on the northern coast of Crete (Heraklion region)
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Water and air temperature on the south coast of Crete (Sfakia region)
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It is located in the temperate Mediterranean climate zone. Summers on the island are usually hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet, with little or no snow. The island has contrasting seasons, averaging 300 sunny days a year, white mountains in winter and a riot of colors in spring, when numerous flowers bloom.
The mountains of Crete neatly separated the western and eastern parts of the island, protecting the latter from the cold northern winds. Because of the mountain ranges, the weather patterns in the eastern (Sitia area) as well as the southern part of Crete are generally drier and warmer than the weather in the western (Chania area) and northern part of the island. This is evident in the vegetation: Chania is much more fertile and ecological than the desert region of Sitia. There are also coastal towns on the island that are naturally sheltered from the winds due to the shape of their harbors. In these places, the weather is usually mild and the sea is calm, which is much safer for swimming.
Altitude also plays an important role. Snowfall is rare in the coastal regions and on the plains in winter. However, in the mountains, snow can be quite abundant and sometimes does not melt even until June. In winter, one more interesting moment can be observed on the island - at this time there are periods when south winds blow on the island, carrying with them dust from the Sahara desert. The dust adds a beautiful color to the Cretan landscape.
Monthly weather table in Crete
It is worth knowing the weather forecast in advance in order to plan a comfortable vacation. A table of weather in Crete by months will help you get an idea of what the weather is like here in different seasons.
| Happy | At night | Sea | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +14…+17 | +8…+10 | +16 | |
| February | +14…+16 | +8…+10 | +15 | |
| March | +16…+18 | +10…+12 | +16 | |
| April | +19…+21 | +12…+14 | +17 | |
| May | +22…+25 | +15…+18 | +20 | beach |
| June | +26…+30 | +19…+22 | +22 | beach |
| July | +28…+31 | +22…+24 | +24 | beach |
| August | +28…+31 | +21…+24 | +25 | beach |
| September | +26…+28 | +19…+21 | +24 | beach |
| October | +23…+26 | +16…+18 | +23 | beach |
| November | +18…+22 | +13…+15 | +20 | |
| December | +16…+18 | +10…+12 | +17 |
The period from January to March is considered the coldest on the island. average temperature The air temperature ranges from 12 °C to 14 °C, during these months it is quite rainy and windy, and there are often storms at sea. In April and May, the weather does not get warmer, although the sea is still too cold for swimming - only by the end of May the water warms up to 18 - 20 °C. Rainfall is reduced to a few days a month. This time of year is good for those travelers the main objective which are not beach holiday and excursion program.
June is the month when numerous tourists begin to arrive. At this time, the island is hot and sunny, and the sea is already warm. The summer peak occurs in July - August, when the thermometer rises above 30 ° C during the day. Although the temperature does not drop at night, due to the low humidity, it is well tolerated.
The height of summer and the heat begins to dissipate by September. It's still warm, but the sun is already beating down like summer. The rains start to come on in October and November, the weather on the island becomes more and more unpredictable.
Crete is a unique Mediterranean pearl. The island allows its guests to enjoy the traditional Greek subtropics combined with North African motives. The weather in Crete, the diversity, softness and comfort of the climatic zones on the island are the result of an extremely successful and extremely southern geographical location.
The Mediterranean has been famous for centuries for its mild climate and ideal weather conditions Everything here is conducive to relaxation.
And Crete in this respect is an excellent example of an ideal combination of two climatic zones.
The humid subtropics and the North African heat for thousands of years brought up hedonism in the Greeks, which is instantly transmitted to everyone who sets foot on the coast.
The southernmost of all the major Greek islands, Crete pleases us who love comfort and magical beauty with mild winters and hot summers.
The variety of relief and landscape on the territory of the island creates a special dynamism of weather conditions.
The weather can vary significantly even within a 30 km zone. For example, a mountain range running from east to west protects southern part islands from the "cold northern winds". Although, in summer period time to freeze in Crete is unlikely to succeed.
Two climatic zones - two different holidays
The island allows its guests to choose: mild subtropics or hotter and drier - a matter of several kilometers between coasts.
Southern and northern Crete differ not only in weather, but also in the density of tourists on square meter beach. By the way, if you prefer a clear cloudless sky and a light breeze, then in the northeast of the island the combination of these conditions is the most optimal.
The northern coast is humid, cooler, and cloudy with precipitation is more common there. But at the same time, the water temperature is slightly higher.
The North African climate is hot, windy and dry. This is how one can characterize the southern and east coast Crete. Sunbathing and swimming in the south is better in bays protected from the winds of the Sahara.
Despite the fact that the air in the south is warmer, the water is a couple of degrees cooler than at the opposite end of the island.
The most deserted beaches, a great place for solitude and escape from civilization, are also located in the southern part of the island.
Landscape elements: their unique dynamism
The weather in Crete differs significantly depending on the terrain: in the mountains, the climate is harsh, winters are snowy.
After winter snowfalls, until mid-June, you can still see snow caps on the tops of the mountains.
In summer, it is cooler in the mountains than on the coast, and temperature fluctuations during the day are more pronounced. Near the sea the weather is milder and more even.
Weather on the island of Crete by months
The weather in Crete varies dynamically and vividly with the change of seasons. Even during the winter months of the official off-season, the island remains very attractive for tourists.
And not only sights. On the south coast even in January days you can find warm, dry, sunny weather. This is a great option to defuse the atmosphere of cold gray Nordic everyday life.
It gets really hot on the island in summer. Despite the water masses surrounding the island, in the hottest summer months the thermometer can rise above 40C - but only on the south coast.
Every month in Crete is special
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January: cold, rainy, overcast and cloudy. The January weather is characterized by inconstancy, and occasionally it pleases those present with sunny days. The average air temperature is 12.5C, but it is possible to catch +18C;
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February does not differ significantly from January: winter in Crete pleases with good weather, except in the south of the island. A little warmer - 13.2C, a little sunnier and days with weather suitable for festivities fall more often;
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March: cold, windy in the north, keeps the temperature +13.6C. But there is already more sun. And in the south of Crete, the temperature sometimes rises to +26 and sunny days fall almost as often as rainy ones;
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April- the height of spring in Crete. Everything blooms and pleases the eye with a variety of colors, the temperature rises to 15-20C, and it rains less and less (6 days per month);
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May in Crete is ideal for those who prefer active recreation, do not like strong heat and are ready to swim at a water temperature of +19. The air warms up to 20-25C and only 4 days you can catch the rains;
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June- hot, sunny, beachy. The temperature rises to 28C, and in the south to 32C;
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July, as well as August very hot, dry and windy months in all parts of the island. The time when Crete is dominated by sea breeze. The temperature rises to 30-40C, and only the mountains or the sea will help to get away from the heat;
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September- time velvet rest in Crete, when the water temperature is still high, the sea breeze has already been replaced by a light breeze, and the air warms up to 25-27C;
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October- it is still warm, dry, sunny, but the air is already noticeably cooler, especially at night. +22C, several rainy days, periodically overcast sky and a storm in the first half of the day are quite typical for Crete;
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november- the weather becomes changeable. Sunny days alternate with rainy days cold wind, the air warms up to 15-17C;
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December- a month of unpredictable weather in Crete: sunny days give way to rainy, cold winds - warm, during the day the air temperature rarely rises above 15C.
Seasons
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Spring.
The tourist season in Crete begins in relatively rainy April, but April and May are months for an amateur who is not afraid to sometimes get caught in the rain. At the beginning of the season, Crete pleases the eye with an indescribable amount of flowering wild and ornamental plants. the winds have already cleared up, and the sea temperature is already quite suitable for swimming. The ideal time to relax in the spring in Crete is May. -
Summer.
Hot, windy - the height of swimming and relaxation. In summer it is good to travel around the island, but sometimes the absence of clouds in the sunny sky can only be compensated by artificial shadow. July and August are the hottest and most windy weather. -
Autumn.
The beginning of autumn, right up to mid-late October, is the Velvet season on Crete. The winds subside, the sea is still very warm, and the summer heat has gone. But by November bathing season on the island comes to an end and the famous rainy weather when it seems as if the rain will never end, but will fall endlessly from the sky, pounding on the roofs and leaking around the collar. -
Winter.
This time of the year in Crete is windy, wet, rainy and cool. With constantly changing weather. But even in the harshest winter month - January - there are very, very pleasant sunny days. There is even a Halcyon week - "quiet days" - when the winds calm down, the rains stop and you can watch the sunny sky for several days in a row and enjoy the warm humid air.
The weather and dress code depend on whether you are in the south or in the north of the island. In the south, and in January, you can periodically walk along the embankment in shorts and a light T-shirt.
Water temperature
From January to December, the water temperature in Crete remains at or above 17C– from January to March.
In April and December, the temperature is slightly higher - +18C. During these months, visitors to the island go swimming if it's a sunny day.
May and November delight the sea +20C, and if in November it is already rainy and blowing strong wind, then in May you can already swim safely.
But the inhabitants of the island open the swimming season no earlier than June, when the water temperature in the sea rises to 22-24 C– in October, at a similar sea temperature, heat-loving Cretans prefer to relax on the shore.
July and August are the most warm months the sea is warming up up to 24-26 and 26-27C respectively. And it maintains such a temperature until velvet September.
When is the best time to go to Crete
It is difficult to name the most optimal time for a holiday in Crete.
universally recognized tourist season starts in April and ends in October. But even winter in Crete has its pleasant features.
From April to October the weather on the island is stable, Atmosphere pressure fluctuates minimally over months. Hot, dry and sunny.
For lovers active rest best fit late spring and early autumn - when the water is well warmed up for swimming, and the heat of the day does not interfere physical activity and prolonged exposure to the sun.
The summer period is the most popular - June, July and August - the months ideal for beach holidays and nightly parties. It is warm to swim at any time of the day and you don’t have to worry too much about warm clothes on the road.
The velvet season in September and October is ideal not only for active tourism, but also for family vacation with kids.
The identity of air and sea temperatures, the absence of heat and the scorching sun during the day more than compensate for the evening and night coolness. If you are going to Crete in autumn, take warm clothes with you.
Despite all the variability, windiness and rain winter weather, Crete is in demand for tourists even in the autumn-winter period. Especially the inhabitants of the northern regions.
Bribes November and December with sunny days and relatively warm sea. Even if it rains in the morning at this time of the year, the sun will most likely shine by lunchtime.
And even in a cold, rainy January, it is still worth trying to guess that very sunny and warm week of calm in order to walk around the island. Admire the winter stormy sea, or maybe plunge into its cool restless waves.
The weather in Crete changes not only from month to month, but also from year to year. Each month has its own temperature ranges and the most expected weather.
913Crete is one of the most attractive places on earth. The sunny island attracts tourists with its clean beaches, high-class service, fabulously beautiful landscapes. The water temperature in Crete in 2018 ranges from +15 to +25. The Greek island is located in the Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winters with little snow and hot summers. The number of sunny days in this paradise reaches 300 per year. The sea on the island of Crete is warm and gentle.
Table of water in Crete by months
To choose the most favorable time for a trip to the island, you should carefully study the weather forecast. I would not want my vacation to be spoiled by rains, storms and cold seas. The table below contains average data about the water temperature in Crete in different seasons.
The main value of this island is its beaches, harbors, coasts. What seas wash Crete? Cretan, Libyan and Ionian. Which sea in Crete is the best, it is impossible to answer unambiguously. The relief of the island is very extraordinary. There are flat areas, and lowlands, and mountainous regions. The most attractive time for tourists is, of course, summer. But even in the cold season, travelers come here with different countries peace, because the island boasts rich history, unique architecture, interesting traditions and customs. To decide on the date of the trip, study the water temperature by months in Crete. November-March is the right time to get to know the culture of the island. You can’t swim, the sea is cold, it often storms, the weather is windy and rainy.
The beginning of the beach season falls in May, the height is in July. By mid-June, the water in the sea warms up perfectly. At this time, warm weather prevails in Crete, the water temperature — +22. There are plenty of offers for lovers of not only passive, but active recreation. This includes diving, surfing and wellness procedures, as well as dolphinariums, amusement parks, boat trips by the sea. In Greece, on Crete, the water temperature in the sea in summer does not fall below +21.
Water and air temperature in Crete in august
August is vacation time. This month is the busiest on the island. The sea is very warm and gentle. The water temperature in Crete in August is +23-+26. In some areas, the sea heats up to +29. It rarely rains. The air temperature can reach +35, but the heat does not interfere with vacationers. The pleasant climate is maintained thanks to the Meltemi winds that come with Aegean Sea and bring with them a pleasant coolness.
Sea temperature in Crete in september
The beginning of autumn is warm, but the sun is not so hot anymore. Rain falls more frequently. The water temperature in Crete in September in Crete is comfortable for swimming (+23). Don't forget to follow the forecast. It will be unpleasant if a walk by the sea is spoiled by a storm or rain. Although there are not many gloomy days in September, and in such weather you will find something to do.
October water temperature in Crete
The last month of the beach season is no longer as busy as the previous ones. During the day, the temperature barely rises to +26. Water in Crete in October - +22. The weather becomes unpredictable. At this time, you can combine a beach holiday with excursions, sightseeing, getting to know the local culture. Boats cruise to the volcanic island of Santorini. Crete has many historical monuments, museums, wild beaches. Divers can dive into undersea world coastal zones of the seas surrounding Crete, visit grottoes and caves./p>
AT high season the air is warmed up to +30°C, and the sea +24.9°C. In low - air +16.4°C, water +16.2°C, precipitation 67.5 mm, 6 rainy days, 16 sunny days in total. This is a city in Greece. The weather in Crete by months, winter, spring, summer and autumn is shown in the chart below. The beach season here lasts at least 5 months.
The best months to travel
In July, June, August - the best time for relax. Worth a good warm weather from +28.6°C to +31.8°C. At this time of the year there is little rain, no more than 0 days per month, from 0.0 to 26.2 mm of precipitation falls. Also in Crete there is a warm sea with a water temperature of + 22.6 ° C to + 26.6 ° C and swimming is a pleasure. Sunny days are maximum for the whole year - from 26 to 30 days. The monthly climate and temperature in Crete are calculated based on recent years.
Air temperature in Crete by months
The difference in daily air temperature throughout the year is 15.4°C, but due to the presence of the sea, the weather in Crete and the climate in Greece are quite mild for months. Most cold month- January, when the air warms up to +16.4°C, and the warmest is August from +31.8°C.
Water temperature in Crete
The beach season here lasts 5 months: June, October, September, July, August. The temperature in the sea at this time of the year is from +22.6°C to +26.6°C for a pleasant swim. Worst weather in Crete and the water temperature recorded in March is +16.2°C.
Number of rainy days and precipitation
An unsuccessful month for travel is February, it rains on average 6 days. Maximum monthly rate precipitation is 67.5 mm.
Comfort Rating
Climate Summary
| Month | Temperature air during the day |
Temperature water |
solar days |
Rainy days (precipitation) |
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| January | +16.4°C | +16.9°C | 16 | 4 days (49.5mm) | |
| February | +16.6°C | +16.4°C | 16 | 6 days (67.5mm) | |
| March | +18°C | +16.2°C | 17 | 5 days (41.7mm) | |
| April | +21.3°C | +17.2°C | 24 | 2 days (19.2mm) | |
| May | +23.8°C | +19.6°C | 29 | 3 days (17.0mm) | |
| June | +28.6°C | +22.6°C | 26 | 3 days (15.2mm) | |
| July | +29.7°C | +25.6°C | 30 | 1 day (0.0mm) | |
| August | +31.8°C | +26.6°C | 28 | 0 days (26.2mm) | |
| September | +27.2°C | +25.4°C | 27 | 2 days (23.2mm) | |
| October | +25°C | +23.1°C | 25 | 4 days (33.4mm) | |
| November | +19.5°C | +20.4°C | 19 | 1 day (26.6mm) | |
| December | +18°C | +18.5°C | 17 | 4 days (51.2mm) |
Number of sunny days
Beautiful sunny weather will delight tourists in July - as many as 30 sunny days per month. Great time for holidays in Crete.
Wind speed
The wind gains its maximum strength in January up to 5.2 m/s with gusts up to 7.2 m/s.