Climate Crete
Crete is one of those regions of the world with record longevity: if the Mediterranean diet is the basis of Cretan vitality, the climate is the other factor to be taken into consideration. The island, perched at the southernmost point of all Europe, enjoys a Mediterranean climate: the summer is hot and dry; the winter is mild and short. It practically begins in January and ends in March. Rainfall, not very abundant, falls mainly in autumn and winter. This climate is so attractive that you can visit Crete all year round, depending on which season you prefer! In summer, of course! But also in spring, autumn or winter. In spring, Crete becomes a huge garden overflowing with scents; in autumn, it reflects the colours of honey and grapes; in winter, it rests...So, no matter what the season, holidays in Crete are all year round!
A Mediterranean climate
Crete enjoys a very mild and healthy Mediterranean climate. Summers are very hot, spring and autumn enjoy beautiful sunshine and winters are mild and bright. Rainfall is scarce and often of short duration: it usually arrives 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 sides of the mountains every year, but it is very rare on the plains and even more so by the sea! The island of Gavdos as well as the southern coasts of Crete benefit from a warmer Mediterranean climate because of their geographical proximity to Africa. That is why, in summer, the climate 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 favourable in the north than in the south of the island. In spring, which starts in March, the days are already long and warm. Precipitation is low. April and May are undoubtedly the best times to come and enjoy Crete, which is then covered with flowers. In summer, temperatures can reach 40°C, but the winds cool the atmosphere, making it more bearable than on the mainland, where it is less hot. Autumn is the wettest season, especially from November onwards. In winter, while temperatures never drop too much, snowfalls can alter the island's appearance.
A pleasant breeze
Crete's geographical location gives it a warm and dry Mediterranean climate, mitigated by winds such as the meltem coming from the north, which softens the heat in the form of a pleasant breeze. Known by its name of Turkish origin, this wind was known as far back as Greek antiquity: the "étésien" was then a denomination concerning the winds that blow in summer and that Zeus himself sent to mortals to cool them down during the heat. It is a wind that frequently blows in summer over the Aegean Sea and hits Crete with a force that sometimes exceeds 8 on the Beaufort scale. This wind, a life-saver on very hot days, can however be a rather unpleasant surprise for the uninformed. A red flag indicating the prohibition to swim is then obligatorily raised on the organized beaches while the beach rescuers are always present to warn or help. Also remember to inform yourself or consult the weather sites when you choose the unsupervised beaches. People who practice surfing or windsurfing are particularly happy when they see the meltem rising: be vigilant and better informed when you practice these sports alone!
When do we leave?
It's not uncommon to see tourists swimming in the sea on the south coast in the middle of November! The sun, almost always bright, is omnipresent on the island from May to October. The sea water in Chania reaches 22 °C in October and 20 °C in November; Preveli reaches 23 °C in October and 21 °C in November and Milatos 23 °C and 20 °C respectively. In May, almost all along the coast the temperature has already reached 20°C, a temperature acceptable for those who are less cold! Thus, for swimming, Crete remains an ideal destination both in spring and autumn. Of course, the days become shorter as we move towards winter, when we can 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 colours and scents. The season is also suitable for taking part in all the events related to the celebration of the Greek Orthodox Easter. It is also an ideal time to get to know the locals better before the massive arrival of tourists, which somewhat limits their traditional nonchalance. The month of May, which is always sunny in Crete, and with very mild temperatures, allows you to go trekking in the mountains or to go climbing in very pleasant conditions. It is not uncommon, when wandering in the mountains or through the rural areas of the valleys, to attend a "shearing festival": these are festivals that begin in May and last until July, during which the farmers call on their friends to shear the sheep. At the end of the day, a party with songs, dances and raki is planned: let yourself be invited! Agrotourism agencies specializing in agrotourism can take care of this as well.
In autumn, Crete lives to the rhythm of the harvests and grape harvests. From the end of August onwards, honey is collected and the grape harvest begins in the vineyards. The beginning of this period is marked by the harvesting of prickly pears. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the island in autumn, you can take advantage of this time to watch the rakokazanas. From mid-October to December, all Cretans, almost without exception, distil the grapes (kazanema) to make the famous raki. The chances are not lacking to enjoy a glass of raki at the very moment of its production. The festivals around the rakokazanas
are numerous and last several days. From a less festive but no less pleasant point of view, the archeological sites of Crete are remarkably beautiful in autumn: the colours soften, the shapes of the remains assert themselves, freed from the scorching sun, time seems to freeze... Winter in Crete is generally mild, but the winds may make the sensation of cold more intense. However, winter sports enthusiasts can choose Crete to go skiing! In the heart of the Mediterranean, skiing while contemplating the sea from the peaks Psifali (1,984 m) and Strifomadi (1,921 m) offers an unusual and unforgettable feeling. One piece of advice though: as winter sports are not yet developed in Crete, it is advisable to organize this rather exotic experience with a travel agency so as not to end up on a false slope!
