Crete month by month: when to go, weather and sea temperature
Crete is one of the most popular Greek destinations for Israelis, with an unusually long season. Here is what the weather and sea are like each month and what to bear in mind.
- The most pleasant months are May–June and September–October: warm sea (22–24°C) and fewer crowds than July–August.
- July–August: virtually no rain, highs around 29°C in Heraklion and strong meltemi winds.
- Winter is wet (up to about 95 mm in December) and storms sometimes hit between October and February; check warnings before flying.
If you are flexible, October or late May–June usually offer the best balance of warm sea, prices and crowds. For Israeli school holidays such as Passover and Sukkot, book early. In winter Crete suits walks and food more than the beach.
Crete weather by month
Figures are Heraklion averages for 1991–2020, from Climates to Travel. The west, around Chania, is wetter in winter, and the mountains are colder, sometimes with snow.
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rain (mm) | Rain days | Sea °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 15 | 90 | 10 | 16 |
| February | 9 | 16 | 65 | 8 | 16 |
| March | 10 | 17 | 50 | 6 | 16 |
| April | 12 | 20 | 25 | 3 | 17 |
| May | 16 | 24 | 15 | 2 | 19 |
| June | 20 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| July | 23 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| August | 23 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| September | 20 | 27 | 10 | 2 | 24 |
| October | 18 | 24 | 45 | 4 | 23 |
| November | 14 | 20 | 60 | 6 | 20 |
| December | 11 | 17 | 95 | 10 | 18 |
More on Greek weather month by month: Greece weather by month.
When is the best time to visit Crete?
- April–May: wildflowers, gorge and village walks. The sea is still cool (17–19°C), but swimmable by late May.
- June: one of the best months: hot but not scorching, a 22°C sea and before the peak.
- July–August: high season. Warm sea and no rain, but crowded and expensive, and the meltemi can blow hard on the north coast.
- September–October: the warmest sea of the year (23–25°C), fewer people and falling prices. From October, rainy days and storms start to appear.
- November–March: quiet season. Some resort hotels close, but Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are lively all year.
Crete during Israeli holidays
| Holiday | Dates | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hanukkah | 5–12 December 2026 | Winter and wet; good for city breaks |
| Passover | School break 13–28 April 2027 | Pleasant spring; Greek Easter is 2 May 2027, so no overlap |
| Sukkot | Begins the evening of 15 October 2027 | Still swimmable, but some risk of rain |
Demand for flights and kosher food rises at holiday times. See Sukkot in Greece, Passover in Greece and Hanukkah in Greece. For kosher food on the island: Chabad of Crete.
Storm season in Crete
Between October and February storm systems sometimes bring heavy rain and wind to Crete; in late September and early October 2026, for example, red warnings were issued for the island. If you travel then, check the forecast and Greek national weather service warnings before you go, keep mountain and gorge plans flexible, and expect boat trips to be cancelled at times.
Flights to Crete through the year
According to FlightConnections there were about 21 nonstop flights a week from Tel Aviv to Heraklion in October 2026. Direct flights from Israel to Chania run mainly in summer. Schedules change, so check with the airlines. Full guide: flights to Crete. With children, see also Greece with kids month by month and our Crete guide.
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Crete? For most people, June or September–October: a warm sea, little rain and fewer crowds than July–August.
Can you swim in Crete in October? Yes. The Heraklion average is about 23°C, though October brings more rainy days and occasional storms.
How hot is Crete in August? The average high in Heraklion is about 29°C and the sea about 25°C, but heatwaves and the south coast can be hotter.
Is Crete worth visiting in winter? Yes, if you want cities, food and walks rather than the beach. Winter is wet and some resort hotels close.
