Crete is open and uncrowded in shoulder season (April to June, September and October)
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Crete, being the most Southerly Greek Island and probably the driest, and Cyprus have long seasons with the sunshine often stretching into and past October half term. Expect daytime temperatures to be perfect, around 25 degrees with cooler evenings but still plenty of sunshine.
Crete is open and uncrowded in shoulder season (April to June, September and October) Most businesses and attractions are open, which means you can rent a beach umbrella, enjoy a seaside taverna lunch and visit a remote church on a mountain pass.
Greek islands which are smaller and less touristic have a shorter season, larger islands like Crete, Corfu and Santorini have extended seasons sometimes up to full year. Hotels have different opening/closing dates but the general rule for islands is that they open in April and close at end October.
Crete is open and uncrowded in shoulder season (April to June, September and October) Most businesses and attractions are open, which means you can rent a beach umbrella, enjoy a seaside taverna lunch and visit a remote church on a mountain pass. Prices are moderate and the availability of flights and rooms is good.
Best Time for Good Weather and Swimming: The warmest weather in Crete (and all the Greek islands) is between late May and early October when it's sunny, hot, and the water is perfect for swimming.
Ierapetra and the area around it is the hottest of Crete and even in October the temp is great for sunbathing (and swimming) since it rarely goes below 27C.
Many beaches in Crete are actually better in the fall because there are no more crowded. It's a lovely time to stroll the very famous Balos, Preveli, Vai, Falassarna, or totally disappear on one of the wild and secluded beaches in the South.
The best time to visit Greece is outside the busy summer peaks, during spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October). Temperatures are warm but not stifling, and you'll find that destinations are open but still relatively quiet.
Generally, on November the sea temperature is not lower than in June (20°C). The lowest temperatures occur on January, February and March, but never fall below 14°C. Temperature starts decreasing significantly when the first snow melts on the mountains, especially on beaches with rivers and torrents.
With average daily high temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, it's usually still warm enough in early October to sunbathe in comfort and to dine outside at night, with little chance of rain. By mid-October the Ionian and Aegean seas are cooling quickly; if you love to swim, go early in the month.
South Crete is generally a couple of °C warmer (but water temperatures are roughly similar). The east of the island, has less rain than the north and especially the north-west.
Winter (late October through mid-March) is colder, with some rainfall. Sights may close during lunch, tourist information offices keep shorter hours, and some tourist activities vanish altogether. Hotel rates are soft; look for bargains.