Having spent our first full year in Crete we are at last beginning to have some understanding of the weather. The first rule is that there are no rules. Last year in June we had maximum temperatures well over 40 degrees for much of the month, for the first half of the month this year we are averaging about 27 degrees and the maximum has rarely exceeded 30 degrees. If you speak to people who have been here over several years they all seem to agree that every year is different; however there is a basic pattern which is fairly predictable..
The weather in Crete is very much affected by local topography. There are three mountain ranges with heights up to 2457 metres (approx 8000 feet). However the ranges are all different, The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the west are the most impressive with very steep sides and lots of high rocky peaks. The central range has the highest peak on the island (Ida or Psiloritis) but it does not appear so dramatic as the summit is surrounded by more gentle rolling hills. The Eastern range (Dikti) is less high and is less likely to induce rain.
The effects of the mountains together with the effects of the sea and prevailing winds means that in very general terms the west of the island is greener, wetter and slightly cooler than the east which can often appear very arid. Not too much should be read into these generalities as there are other factors to consider. The south of the island, which includes the southernmost part of Europe can be very hot indeed. Warm southerly winds from North Africa, are common, and mild sandstorms are not unheard of. In hilly terrain the temperature will drop around one degree Celsius per 150 metres of altitude, thus making a drive into the mountains a very refreshing experience in the summer. The temperature along the coastal strips is cooled by the dampness of the sea. We have monitored the maximum temperatures in Roumeli for a year and compared the temperatures with those of Rethymno on the coast. Although we are approximately 80 metres above sea level we are also two kilometres inland and twenty kilometres further west. These factors are apparently enough to ensure that during the summer months daytime temperatures are virtually always two degrees warmer than Rethymno.
Different people like different temperatures and so we cannot say what the 'best' months of the year are for weather. Rain is virtually unheard of from mid June to September. May & early June are ideal for walking, gardening, swimming etc (although pool water temperatures can be low). May and October can be very hot but with occasional three or four day spells of rain and overcast skies. If you are looking for wall to wall sunshine to top up your tan you may be unlucky in early May & late October if you are only here for a single week, - however if you are able to come for a fortnight you are sure to go home well tanned. November and December, as well as April are the months preferred by many ex-Pats. Temperatures are cooler but the days are mainly sunny. During these months there is no need to take an afternoon siesta and many people can be seen out walking or doing work on their villas and gardens. January, February and early March can be a little cold and very damp, however there will still be many warm sunny days. The Crete tourist authorities promise visitors 300 days of sunshine a year. That leaves around 65 days a year for rain and cloud - much of that will be in January & February.
Cretans will tell you that Crete is getting hotter every year and that the island temperatures are aligning with North Africa. Although this may be a slight exaggeration there is no denying that the summer months are HOT !
Maximum Daytime
Temperature in Degrees Celsius |
Summary of likely weather pattern, actual weather varies annually | |
|---|---|---|
| January to Mid March | 10 to 20 |
Lots of rain & wind but with some bright sunny days. Night time temperatures can fall to almost freezing but rarely drop below 6 or 7 degrees at sea level. Lots of snow will fall on the mountains. Still pleasant compared with Northern Europe but deemed to be the worst time of year by those living here.. |
| Mid March to April | 14 to 25 |
The weather changes almost daily with some rain and wind, and the return of warm sunshine, very spring like. The island is lush green and the wild flowers for which Crete is so well known start to appear. |
| May to Mid June | 25 to 33 |
Mainly warm and sunny with some short sharp showers. Ideal for villa maintenance and outdoor activities. The mountains can be at their best but the lowlands will start to become dry. By 1st June the snow has normally gone from the mountains and those who have villas with grass lawns will be struggling to keep them green. Can be a very pleasant time of year for those who don't like it too hot.. |
| Mid June to Mid September | 25 to 42 |
Very hot both day and night. Regular southerly winds which can drain all your energy with their heat intensity and sand bearing properties. Evenings can be very pleasant. Most tavernas have their seating outside. Local Greeks and Ex-Pat residents normally have a siesta in the afternoon. Generally it is only tourists who venture onto the the beach between midday and 4 o'clock. The majority of the island appears dry and dusty. |
| Mid September to October | 20 to 29 |
A return to Spring like weather, still comfortably hot. Swimming in the sea can be very pleasant as the water remains warm. One or two periods of cloud, wind and rain may occur and may last several days - particularly in October. |
| November and December | 14 to 25 |
Still generally pleasant but with gradually increasing amounts of wind and rain. Starting to cool but sunbathing is still possible on many days. Swimming in the sea on the south coast can be possible right up to Christmas. |
Forecast for the next few hours |
 |
Click Here for Earlier Website Entries
