The best time to travel to Crete
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Our expert recommendation
The best time to visit Crete is in spring or fall, when wonderful temperatures promise a fantastic vacation and you can enjoy the island's many attractions at your leisure.
Viktoria Pilz
Tourlane travel expert for Greece
Updated on 11/24/2025
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Crete’s climate follows the four seasons, but the transitions between summer and winter are especially mild. This makes the island easy to visit from late March through mid-November, when you’ll enjoy a stable Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, very little rain, and temperatures ranging from 55°F to 86°F, depending on the region.
Crete in the high season
Crete enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and the island’s high season runs from late June to September. With over ten hours of sunshine daily, air temperatures around 86°F, virtually no rainfall, and water temperatures of at least 68°F, this period offers ideal conditions for an unforgettable summer getaway. During these months, the eastern part of the island is typically warmer and drier than the west, making regional differences worth considering when planning your trip.
Crete in the off-season
If you want to enjoy Crete’s breathtaking landscapes and Mediterranean coastline in a more peaceful setting, spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit. From April to late May and again from October to mid-November, temperatures range from 68°F to 77°F, rainfall is minimal, and the island enjoys more than nine hours of sunshine a day. Whether you’re swimming, cycling, or hiking, this is the perfect time to experience Crete at its most comfortable and relaxed.
Crete in the low season
After a long travel season, the winter months from December to early March bring a quieter atmosphere to Crete. Even so, mild temperatures between 54°F and 59°F, especially in the island’s southern regions, create pleasant conditions for a relaxed getaway. Winter is a great time to enjoy a laid-back city break or explore Crete’s excellent culinary scene. Just keep in mind that this season also brings more frequent rain and occasional strong coastal winds, so it’s worth packing accordingly.
“Visit the enchanting fishing town of Agios Nikolaos in spring. Stroll through the many small alleyways. Enjoy the view of Lake Voulismeni. Or visit one of the unique olive farms near the town.
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Viktoria Pilz
Travel expert for Greece
Diving & snorkeling
If you’re planning to dive in Crete, the best time to visit is April through October. During these months, water temperatures range from 72°F to 81°F, offering excellent conditions for discovering the island’s underwater world. Snorkeling is especially enjoyable in the quieter months before and after peak summer — from April to June, and again from October onward — when the water is warm and the coastal areas are more peaceful.
Hiking
If you’re planning an active vacation and want to hike Crete in the best possible weather, spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit. During these months, pleasant temperatures up to 68°F, minimal rainfall, and long hours of sunshine create excellent conditions for exploring the island on foot. From March onward, you can also witness Crete’s landscapes come alive as the island awakens from its brief winter rest, revealing vibrant colors and fresh greenery.
Golf
A vacation on Crete is perfect for golfers. The best time to play is in spring and fall, especially from October through late November. During these months, you’ll enjoy a mild climate with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures around 68°F, creating ideal conditions for exploring the island’s excellent golf courses at a comfortable pace.
Horse riding
In principle, you can go horse riding on Crete all year round. However, due to the increased rainfall in the winter months, a riding trip along the coast or through the picturesque mountain regions is particularly worthwhile between the end of March and the beginning of November, when long hours of sunshine and a mild, dry climate ensure optimal conditions.
