Crete's
climate is mild and healthy, without dramatic changes,
and is classified as a temperate, marine climate.
Winter
is generally mild with snowfall only in the high mountains,
rain on the plains and a great deal of sunshine.
The
summer is hot and dry, warmer in eastern Crete and particularly
hot on the shores of the Libyan Sea.
This mild, warm climate favours the cultivation of trees,
vegetables and plants throughout the year which in other
areas of Greece are cultivated only in summer. Crete
is a magnificent Greek Island located at the centre
of the Mediterranean and combines the old with the new.
Scenically this wonderful Island offers incredible mountain
ranges, fabulous beaches with unspoilt villages, pretty
resorts and basks in the warm sun until autumn.
Crete is a haven for nature lovers with a wealth of
seasonal changes, with natural flora and wild life.
You will find ancient history to explore together with
peace and tranquillity in many areas of the Island.
Chania is a picturesque old Venetian harbour town and
resembles Venice without the waterways; instead, narrow
paths with delightful shops will surround and tempt
you. Nightlife and eating out range from
basic
to trendy, just soak in the atmosphere of quaint village
tavernas to the bustling, arty and sophisticated harbour
nightlife.
The
Weather in Crete Month by Month
January: Cold, rainy and windy. There
is a one-week period during January when the weather
is generally good and the winds cease. This period is
called the Halcyon Days.
February: Slightly warmer and sunnier
than January. The almond trees bloom in February, the
first trees to bloom.
March: Usually cold and windy but there
are many sunny days too. In March 2001 there was a heat
wave with temperatures as high as 30 °C but that was
an exception. The first daring swimmers appear.
April: Spring time in Crete with medium
temperatures and low rainfall. Crete is full of wildflowers
and it is magnificent.
May: Warm and sunny. Rain is unlikely
to occur past May 10. The meltemi seasonal North winds
have not yet started to blow, the sea is calm and nature
is at its best. May is considered the best month for
outdoors activities. A jacket will prove useful for
the night.
June: Sunny and hot. Time for the beach!
July and August: Windy and very hot.
July and August are the months that the seasonal North
winds blow. It is hard to do anything else during these
months, than spend the entire day at the beach. Look
for a shady place and drink plenty of water. Do not
forget your hat and sunscreen.
September:
Sunny, less windy and slightly cooler. Good for outdoors
activities. Get a light jacket for the night, especially
if you plan to visit any mountainous areas.
October: Sunny, very few windy days
but some rain will fall, especially in the west part
of Crete. Good for outdoors activities. October is the
month that the traditional drink of Crete, raki, is
distilled from grape skins. Warm clothes are rarely
necessary.
November: The weather becomes unpredictable.
It may be sunny but there are plenty of rainy and windy
days too. Pack a sweater and don't forget your umbrella.
December: Conditions vary from year
to year with a mixture of windy, calm, rainy, sunny,
cold and warm days. Pack warm clothes together with
your swimming suit. There are days when the temperature
along the south coast makes swimming possible and pleasurable.
