Crete in October & November: Weather & Climate

Crete Blog › Crete in October & November: Weather & Climate

What is the weather like in Crete in October and November? Crete is the perfect holiday destination for almost every taste. The Greek island in the eastern Mediterranean not only offers Caribbean-like sandy beaches and plenty of sunshine, but also adventurous canyons, sky-high peaks, ancient cities and dreamy villages. And when is the best time to visit? Holidays in Crete are most enjoyable in the early and late seasons.

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Quick Overview:

• Days of sun in Crete: 300 a year
• Classic Holiday season: mid-May to end of October with temperatures up to 35 °C
• Average Temperature in Crete in October: 17 °C – 24 °C
• Average Temperature in Crete in November: 14°C – 20°C

What is the weather like in Crete?

Crete has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, humid winters. The sun shines on more than 300 days a year. In midsummer, temperatures reach up to 30°C, and on the south coast even up to 35°C. The beach holiday season starts in mid-May and lasts until end of October.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Mai	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max Temp in °C	16	16	17	20	23	27	29	29	27	24	21	18
Min Temp in °C	9	9	10	12	15	19	21	22	19	16	14	11
Hours of sun	4	5	6	8	10	11	12	12	10	7	6	4
Water Temp	16	15	15	16	19	22	24	25	24	22	20	18

What’s the weather like in Crete in autumn?

The average maximum temperature in Crete in October is about 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperatures, at around 15 degrees, are already significantly lower than in the summer months. However, the sea remains pleasantly warm at an average of 23 degrees and is still ideal for swimming. Autumn is the perfect time to travel for those who want to enjoy a peaceful beach holiday at lower prices. With water temperatures of 22°C, you can still float carefree on an air mattress at the end of September, and even in mid-October the air still warms up to 25°C.

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Read: Where to Stay in Crete

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What’s the weather like in Crete in October?

In October, the average daily temperatures in Crete are between 17 °C and 23 °C. Although these temperatures are slightly lower than in the summer months, it is still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and go on excursions into nature.

What are the most beautiful places to visit in Crete in October?

Beach holiday in Crete in October

• Preveli Beach: The sun-kissed, palm-fringed beach on the south side is a great place for a relaxing day by the sea.
• Vai Beach: Another sandy beach with Caribbean flair, this time in the east.
• Elafonissi: This dream beach is certainly one of the most beautiful on the island.

Take a long Beach walk

One day on my last autumn visit to Crete, I walked along the beach for a long time (about 4 km). Passing several resorts and a few beach bars. The locals told me that most people don’t leave their resorts, where they can eat and drink for free, and that the restaurants and bars are naturally suffering as a result. The typical problem, in other words. That’s why I always support the small, local restaurateurs, even if I actually have food and drinks with me

Embark on a Mountain village tour

Some of the mountain villages in Crete are really tiny, sometimes consisting of nothing more than a single street and four houses. I don’t know what it’s like in the high season, but in the low season, there is hardly anything going on. Sometimes I just drove through in the car if it looked too small, deserted and, unfortunately, a bit dreary. But it’s fun to drive through the mountains and just stop wherever you like.

Join a Herb Walk with Donkeys in Crete

The herb walk with donkeys is really lovely and highly recommended. It is offered in the small village of Kournas by Barbara and Arno, a Dutch couple who have been living in Crete for several years. They currently have four donkeys that come along on the walk and can also be led on a leash. Sometimes, however, they don’t feel like it and run away.

It’s best to let go of the lead quickly, otherwise they’ll drag you along behind them. Donkeys can be very stubborn, as we all know. But it’s not a problem if they run away, because they know the way back home. In any case, it was a lot of fun.

What’s the weather like in Crete in November?

Crete is an ideal destination in November for activities such as hiking and culture, with pleasant daytime highs of 17–20 °C and mild nights around 12–15 °C. The weather is more changeable than in the summer months, with around six days of rain per month, but there is also plenty of sunshine. It can be windy, especially near the coast, but the sea temperature is still suitable for swimming at around 19–20 °C.

What are the most beautiful places to visit in Crete in November?

Crete in November is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to enjoy mild weather and spring-like temperatures during the cold season. While the locals are busy harvesting their olives and oranges in the fields, holidaymakers have the perfect opportunity to explore the island at their leisure – far away from the hustle and bustle of the summer months.

What are Activities in Crete in November?

A breathtaking autumn landscape with pleasant temperatures awaits you on your holiday in Crete in November. Towards the end of the month, you may need to turn on the heating in Crete, especially in the evenings. November is considered a very good month for active holidaymakers due to the pleasant conditions. You can also expect endless fine sandy beaches and small bays with wonderful water temperatures, almost for your exclusive use.

• Hiking in Crete: The pleasant temperatures offer excellent conditions for hiking, for example through the Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometre-long UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve with 450 plant and animal species.
• Crete’s museums and cultural sites: Both the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion offer insights into the Minoan past and display evidence of one of the oldest advanced civilisations in Europe.
• Discovering authentic villages: Villages such as Agios Nikolaos and Paleochora offer an authentic insight into the vibrant culture of Crete.
• Savouring Culinary delights: In November, everything revolves around the olive harvest. Fresh olive oil can be tasted directly from the producers. At the beginning of the month, many places also offer the opportunity to experience the distillation of raki up close. The distillation process of the high-proof national drink is called Rakokazana and is celebrated festively in villages throughout Crete.

Can I still swim in Crete in November?

While winter has long since arrived in Central Europe, in November you can still enjoy a break by the sea in Crete and forget all about snow and ice on the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Swimming in November, why not? Die-hards can venture into the – literally – cool water at a water temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius. In sheltered bays or on the beaches in the south of the island, swimming on sunny days can be very pleasant.

When does the season end in Crete?

The main tourist season in Crete ends around mid-October, when temperatures drop and most tourist facilities close. The off-season runs from April to mid-June and from mid-September to October.

The winter months, from November to March, are the post-season and are ideal for hiking and culture, but many hotels and restaurants remain closed during this time.

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Continue Reading: 10 Must-Do Hikes in Crete

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FAQ

What’s Crete like in peak season?

Crete enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and the high season on this beautiful Mediterranean island lasts from late June to September. Over ten hours of sunshine per day, temperatures around 30°C, virtually no rain and water temperatures of at least 20°C create ideal conditions for an unforgettable summer holiday. During this period, the east of the island is generally warmer and drier than the western regions of Crete.

What’s Crete like in mid season?

If you want to enjoy Crete’s breathtaking landscapes and the beautiful coastline of this Mediterranean island in peace and quiet, you should travel in spring or autumn. Between April and the end of May, and from October to mid-November, temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C, only occasional rainfall and over nine hours of sunshine per day provide ideal travelling conditions. Whether for swimming, cycling or hiking, now is the time to enjoy Crete to the fullest.

What’s Crete like in low season?

After a long season, Crete returns to tranquillity during the winter months from December to early March. Nevertheless, especially in the south of the island, mild temperatures between 12 °C and 15 °C provide good conditions for a relaxing holiday. Take advantage of your trip for an unforgettable city break or to discover the island’s excellent cuisine. At the same time, however, you should be prepared for regular rainfall and sometimes strong winds on the coast during a winter holiday in Crete.