Plaka, Crete weather: what to expect each month
Plaka is a small fishing village near Elounda, opposite Spinalonga island. Its weather is like nearby Agios Nikolaos: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
- In summer, June to September, temperatures reach about 26–28°C and there is almost no rain.
- The sea is warmest in July, August and September, about 25°C, and still pleasant in October, about 23°C.
- In winter, December to February, there are about 11–12 rainy days a month and about 14–16°C by day.
For swimming, the best time is June to October. For walking and visiting Spinalonga without heavy heat, April, May and October are more comfortable. The figures are averages; always check the forecast before you travel.
Where is Plaka?
Plaka is a small fishing village in eastern Crete, a few kilometres north of Elounda, right opposite Spinalonga island. Short boats leave the village for the island. As there is no weather station in the village itself, the figures here are averages for Agios Nikolaos, the larger nearby town, according to weather2travel.
Weather by month
| Month | Max temp | Sea temp | Rainy days | Sun hours a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 16°C | 12 | 4 |
| February | 15°C | 15°C | 11 | 5 |
| March | 16°C | 15°C | 8 | 6 |
| April | 19°C | 16°C | 5 | 8 |
| May | 23°C | 19°C | 3 | 10 |
| June | 26°C | 22°C | 1 | 12 |
| July | 28°C | 25°C | 1 | 12 |
| August | 28°C | 25°C | 1 | 12 |
| September | 26°C | 25°C | 1 | 10 |
| October | 22°C | 23°C | 5 | 7 |
| November | 19°C | 20°C | 8 | 5 |
| December | 16°C | 18°C | 12 | 4 |
These are long-term averages. In any given year some days can be hotter or cooler.
What it means for your holiday
Summer (June to September): hot and dry, about 26–28°C by day with almost no rain. The sea is warm and pleasant. Midday heat can be heavy, so swim and explore in the morning and late afternoon. Crete sometimes has a northerly summer wind that cools things a little but can bring waves.
Spring (April and May): pleasant for walking, about 19–23°C. The sea is still cool, about 16–19°C, so swimming in May is mainly for the brave.
Autumn (October and November): October is one of the best months: about 22°C with a warm sea of about 23°C. November brings more rain, and many tourist places close.
Winter (December to March): mild, about 14–16°C, but with more rainy days and fewer sunshine hours. Good for walks and villages, not a beach holiday.
When to visit Spinalonga
Spinalonga, with its Venetian fortress and historic leper colony, is very busy in summer. To enjoy it without heavy heat, go early in the morning, or in spring and autumn. The boats from Plaka are short and run often in season.
Where to stay and more
FAQ
When is it hottest in Plaka? In July and August, with an average of about 28°C by day.
When is the sea warmest in Plaka? In July, August and September, about 25°C. In October the sea is still warm, about 23°C.
Does it rain in Plaka in summer? Hardly. From June to September there is on average one rainy day a month or less.
When is the best time to go to Plaka? For swimming, June to October. For comfortable sightseeing, April, May and October.
