Rethymno weather by month: when to visit
A monthly table of air and sea temperatures and rainy days in Rethymno, with tips for each season.
- Summer brings about 29.5°C by day and a 26°C sea, almost rain-free.
- September and October are excellent for swimming, with the sea at 23–25°C.
- Winter is wetter, and some beach hotels close.
For a beach holiday, aim for late June to October. Spring is lovely for the town and villages, but the sea is still cold.
What is Rethymno's weather like through the year?
Rethymno is on Crete's north coast, between Chania and Heraklion. Summers are hot and dry, winters milder and wetter. The table uses Greeka's averages for the season, April to October.
| Month | Temperature (min–max) | Sea temperature | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 10.5–18.5°C | 17°C | 4 |
| May | 14.5–23°C | 19°C | 3 |
| June | 18.5–27.5°C | 23°C | 1 |
| July | 20.5–29.5°C | 25.5°C | 0 |
| August | 21–29.5°C | 26°C | 1 |
| September | 18.5–26.5°C | 25°C | 2 |
| October | 15.5–22°C | 23°C | 5 |
The source has no table for November–March. These are the rainy months, when many beach hotels close.
Rethymno weather in spring
April has pleasant days (up to about 18.5°C), but cool evenings and a still-cold sea. By May it's warm, about 23°C, with only about three rainy days. It's a good time for the old town, the Venetian Fortezza and mountain villages, as well as Arkadi Monastery.
Rethymno weather in summer
In July and August it's about 29.5°C by day, almost rain-free, with a sea of 25.5–26°C. The town's long beach suits families, but the north wind brings waves. Then it's worth heading to south-coast beaches such as Plakias or Preveli, where the water is usually calmer.
Rethymno weather in September and October
September is excellent: a sea of about 25°C, days of about 26.5°C and little rain. In October the sea is still warm (about 23°C) and very swimmable, but there are about five rainy days. Some beach hotels close at the end of October, though the town itself is active all year.
Rethymno in winter
From November to March there is more rain, and snow can fall in the mountains above the town. The town is quiet and pleasant for walks, cafés and markets, but it isn't beach season.
What to pack for Rethymno
- Summer: a hat, sunscreen and water shoes.
- Spring and autumn: a light jacket for the evening and walking shoes for villages and monasteries.
- Winter: a coat and umbrella.
More on the town and area: Rethymno guide, Crete month by month, Chania weather and flights to Crete. Kosher food and Shabbat in Crete: Chabad Crete. Greece's weather by month is on our weather page.
FAQ
When is the sea warmest in Rethymno? In August, at about 26°C, and in September at about 25°C on average.
What is Rethymno's weather like in October? About 15.5–22°C, a sea of about 23°C, and about five rainy days.
Can you swim in Rethymno in May? Yes, but the sea is fresh, about 19°C. Most Israelis prefer late June onwards.
Is Rethymno rainy in winter? Yes, most of Crete's rain falls between November and March.
