Best Time to Visit Crete: The Longest Swimming Season in Greece (April to November)

Because Crete lies further south than any other major destination in Europe, on the exact same latitude as Tunisia and Cyprus, just 300 kilometres north of the African coast., it enjoys the longest, warmest summer and autumn season in Greece. While northern islands cool down by late September, you can comfortably swim in the sea in Crete from early May right through the first week of November.

Spring: Wildflowers, Gorges & Archaeological Walks (April, May and Early June) is the most lively season for hikers and history lovers. In April and early May, snow still caps the 2,453-metre peaks of the White Mountains and Mount Ida while the valleys below burst into a carpet of wild orchids, red poppies and yellow chamomile under 22°C to 26°C skies. On 1 May, Samaria Gorge officially opens for the season, water levels at the Kourtaliotiko waterfalls are at their roaring peak, and you can tour Knossos and Phaistos without midday heat.

High Summer (Mid-June, July and August) brings guaranteed cloudless blue skies, 30°C to 33°C afternoons and warm 25°C, 26°C water at Balos and Elafonisi. If visiting in July or August, arrive at Elafonisi and Knossos early in the morning to beat midday crowds and buses.

Golden Autumn: Warm Seas & Raki Distilling (September, October and Early November) is arguably the best time of the year to visit Crete. Throughout September and October, daytime temperatures sit at a glorious 25°C to 29°C, the sea has been heated by four months of summer sun (staying at 23°C to 25°C right through late October, especially on the southern Libyan Sea coast around Loutro, Plakias and Matala), and in October/November villages across the hills light wood fires beneath copper stills for the festive Kazanemata (new-season tsikoudia / raki distillation feasts).

Winter (December to March) is mild on the coast (15°C to 17°C by day) with real alpine snow up on the mountains; Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion are large university towns that stay lively and open 365 days a year. Check what to wear in Crete before packing.