When is the best time to visit Crete?

Really there is no best time to visit, it depends what your priorities are, and what type of traveler you are, and what experience you are keen to get involved with.

Crete has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, so you are able to be confident of getting some rays.

Well, we think the best time is the quieter time, we like a bit of peace and quiet, local flavor, hiking and natural beaches. Crete is such a large island that you can find space and fresh air any time of year. There are a few beaches that get crowded in summer, but it is easy to choose not to visit those particular spots.

September & October. These are mild months, with really good weather and not too hot. Highs from 27°C to lows of 19°C in September and 24°C to 16°C (at night) in October. This is good weather for rambling and hiking, and the water temperature is perfect average at 23°C. There are far fewer visitors and transport services start to reduce in frequency. The locals who work in tourism services are a bit tired and some close up shop.

However, we have found a great deal still open and enjoyable in these months, and again you can politely bargain for good rates at small hotels and pensions. Those locals with vineyards are gathering in the grape harvest, both for wine-making and raisins. This is also the season local still, making ‘rocket fuel’ from the remains of the wine harvest – tsikoudia.

November & December. The weather is still mild and the water is swimmable. Tourist levels are much reduced due to the end of charter flights. Bus and ferry schedules are reduced and many of the taverns and shops in smaller villages close down. Chances of good weather are high, yet some rainy days may need to be endured.

Highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. It is a good time to experience the real life of the island. Some olive picking starts in December. Lambs and pigs are killed for the feasts of Christmas and New Year. It is a great time to visit Crete.