Climate Crete
Crete is one of those regions of the world that boasts record longevity: if the Mediterranean diet is the basis of Cretan vitality, the climate is the other factor to consider. The island, perched at the southernmost point of Europe, enjoys a Mediterranean climate: summers are hot and dry, winters mild and short. It starts practically in January and ends in March. Rainfall is not very heavy, falling mainly in autumn and winter. This climate is so attractive that you can visit Crete all year round, depending on the season you prefer! Summer, of course! But also in spring, autumn and winter. In spring, Crete becomes an immense garden overflowing with perfumes; in autumn, it reflects the colors of honey and grapes; in winter, it rests... So, whatever the season, vacations in Crete are all year round!
A Mediterranean climate
Crete enjoys a mild, healthy Mediterranean climate. Summers are very hot, spring and autumn enjoy plenty of sunshine and winters are mild and bright. Rainfall is rare and often short-lived, usually occurring between November and March. Only the winds sometimes cool the climate, but this has the advantage of mitigating the summer heat. Snow covers the peaks and slopes of the mountains every year, but is very rare on the plains and even rarer by the sea! The island of Gavdos and the southern coast of Crete benefit from a warmer Mediterranean climate, due to their geographical proximity to Africa. This is why, in summer, climatic conditions have the characteristics of a subtropical climate. In general, the average maximum temperature in summer varies between 20 and 30°C, and in winter between 10 and 15°C. The Cretan climate is more favorable in the north than in the south of the island. In spring, which begins in March, the days are already long and warm. Rainfall is scarce. April and May are undoubtedly the best times to come and enjoy Crete, then covered in flowers. In summer, temperatures can reach 40°C, but the winds cool the atmosphere, making it more bearable than on the mainland, where it's not as hot. Autumn is the wettest season, especially from November onwards. In winter, although temperatures never drop too low, snowfalls can change the island's appearance.
A pleasant breeze
Crete's geographical location means it enjoys a warm, dry Mediterranean climate, mitigated by winds such as the meltem from the north, which softens the heat in the form of a pleasant breeze. Known by its original Turkish name, this wind has been around since ancient Greek times: "etésien" was the name given to the summer winds that Zeus himself sent to cool mortals in the heat. This is a wind that frequently blows in summer over the Aegean Sea, affecting Crete with a strength that sometimes exceeds 8 on the Beaufort scale. This wind, which can be a lifesaver on very hot days, can nevertheless come as a rather unpleasant surprise to the unwary. A red flag indicating that bathing is forbidden is raised on organized beaches, while beach lifeguards are always on hand to warn or help. When choosing unsupervised beaches, be sure to check the weather forecast. Surfers and windsurfers are particularly happy when they see the meltem rise: be vigilant and better informed when practicing these sports on your own!
When do we leave?
It's not unusual to see tourists bathing in the sea on the south coast in the middle of November! The sun, almost always shining brightly, is omnipresent on the island from May to October. Sea temperatures in Chania reach 22°C in October and 20°C in November; in Preveli, 23°C in October and 21°C in November; and in Milatos, 23°C and 20°C respectively. By May, almost the entire coastline has already reached temperatures of 20°C, an acceptable temperature for the less chilly! So, for swimming, Crete remains an ideal destination in both spring and autumn. Of course, the days get shorter as we move into winter, giving us the opportunity to enjoy life in the island's big cities.
In spring, visitors have the chance to admire the island's natural riches in all their splendour, with all their colors and fragrances. It's also the perfect season to take part in all the events associated with the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations. It's also an ideal time to get to know the locals better, before the massive influx of tourists limits their traditional nonchalance. The month of May is always sunny in Crete, with very mild temperatures, making for pleasant hiking and climbing conditions. It's not uncommon, when wandering the mountains or through the rural areas of the valleys, to witness a "shearing festival": these are celebrations that begin in May and last until July, during which farmers call on their friends to shear the sheep. At the end of the day, there's a party with song, dance and raki: let yourself be invited! Agritourism agencies can also arrange this for you.
In autumn, Crete is alive with harvesting and grape-picking. From the end of August onwards, honey is collected and harvesting begins in the vineyards. The beginning of this period is marked by the harvesting of prickly pears. If you're lucky enough to be visiting the island in autumn, you can take the opportunity to attend the rakokazanas. From mid-October to December, almost without exception, Cretans distill the grapes(kazanema) into the famous raki. There's no shortage of opportunities to enjoy a glass of raki as it's being produced. Rakkokazana celebrations are numerous and last several days. From a less festive but no less enjoyable point of view, Crete's archaeological sites are remarkably beautiful in autumn: the colors soften, the shapes of the remains assert themselves, freed from the overpowering sun, time seems to stand still..
Winter in Crete is generally mild, but winds can make the cold feel even more intense. However, if you're a winter sports enthusiast, Crete is the place to go skiing! In the heart of the Mediterranean, skiing while contemplating the sea from the Psifali (1,984 m) and Strifomadi (1,921 m) peaks offers an unusual and unforgettable sensation. A word of advice, however: as winter sports are not yet developed in Crete, it's advisable to organize this rather exotic experience with a travel agency to avoid getting sidetracked!