Crete is a beach island that also wants hiking boots. The Samaria Gorge and the mountain villages call for real shoes, while the coast in July hits 31°C (88°F) with no rain. These numbers are from Heraklion on the north coast.
Crete weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 24°C75°F | 28°C82°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 28°C82°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F |
| Low | 11°C52°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 21°C70°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
Season by season
Spring
March–MayMild and pleasant. Highs in Heraklion go from 19°C (66°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in April and 24°C (75°F) in May, with lows of 12–16°C (54–61°F). Rain days drop from 6 to 5. Bring layers; the mountains are colder than the coast.
Summer
June–AugustHot and dry. Highs reach 28°C (82°F) in June, 31°C (88°F) in July and 30°C (86°F) in August, with lows of 21–24°C (70–75°F). July averages 0 rain days. Pack sun protection, light clothes and lots of water capacity.
Autumn
September–NovemberStill warm. September reaches 28°C (82°F) with 3 rain days and October 25°C (77°F) with 1. November cools to 22°C (72°F) with 4 rain days. The sea stays swimmable early in the season.
Winter
December–FebruaryMild on the coast, wetter. Highs are 16–19°C (61–66°F) and lows 10–12°C (50–54°F), with 7–8 rain days a month. The mountains get much colder and can see snow. Bring a waterproof jacket and a warm layer.
What to bring to Crete
0 of 23 packed- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
The Samaria Gorge is about 16 km (9.9 miles) in summer heat, so carry a big bottle.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
A large bottle for road trips across the island when July hits 31°C (88°F).
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Rocky gorge trails mean blisters and scrapes, so carry a small kit.
Compression socks help on the long downhill of a gorge hike.
Greece uses Type C and F sockets, so US and UK visitors need an adapter.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps wet swimwear separate after a beach day like Elafonissi.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Useful for warm evenings near the coast and in the countryside.
Clothing
- Breathable shorts and tops · 5 setsJuly hits 31°C with 0 rain days.
- Swimsuits · 2
- Light long pants or skirt · 1Cover knees in churches and monasteries.
- Shirt that covers shoulders · 1For churches and monasteries.
- Light fleece or sweater · 1The Samaria Gorge starts cooler up high.
- Waterproof jacket · 1Winter brings 7–8 rain days a month, Dec–Feb.
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking shoes · 1 pairGorge trails are rocky and loose.
- Sandals · 1 pair
- Water shoes · 1 pairMany beaches have stones and rocks.
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Small daypack · 1For snacks and water on the 16 km gorge hike.
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Blister pads
Documents and money
- Passport
Tech
- Phone charger · 1Chargers are fine at 230V.
What shoes should you pack for Crete?
Hiking shoes with grip, plus sandals. Gorge trails are rocky and loose, and many beaches have stones. Bring water shoes if you plan to swim off rocks.
What do people wear in Crete?
Relaxed, casual clothes. Cover your shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries. Keep swimwear for the beach.
What to pack for the Samaria Gorge?
Broken-in hiking shoes, water and sun protection. The trail is about 16 km (9.9 miles), mostly downhill over rocks, and it is open roughly May–October. Carry snacks, a hat and a light layer for the cooler start up high.
What plugs does Crete use?
Greece uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the same as most of mainland Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Crete
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Crete.
What should you leave at home for Crete?
Heels and heavy rain gear in summer. July averages 0 rain days, and stone paths and beaches punish thin soles.
Around Crete
Packing for Crete: questions people ask
What should I wear in Crete in July?
Light clothes and strong sun protection. Heraklion averages a 31°C (88°F) high, a 24°C (75°F) low and 0 rain days in July.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
Roughly May to October.
How long is the Samaria Gorge hike?
About 16 km (9.9 miles), mostly downhill over rocky ground.
Is Crete warm in October?
Yes. Heraklion averages a 25°C (77°F) high and an 18°C (64°F) low, with 1 rain day.
What adapter do I need for Crete?
Greece uses Type C and F sockets at 230V. US and UK visitors need an adapter.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.