The best time to visit Crete is from mid-May to June or from September to October. May brings with it warmer waters and beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted throughout the island's natural attractions.
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Weather in CreteThe hottest months are between May to October, which is the best time to go for guaranteed sunshine and minimal rainfall. The weather in Crete is mild for the most part. April and May are very pleasant with an average temperature of 24°C and lows of 12°C.
Chania Town is probably the most beautiful town in Crete. The Old Town of Chania, with the evident Medieval style, is a wonderful place to walk around, lined up with elegant Venetian mansions.
Best Place in Crete to Stay for First-Timers: ChaniaEasily the prettiest city on the island, Chania features a gorgeous harbor strung with sea-facing tavernas with a warren of pedestrian-only backstreets paved with pretty sandstone setts in the Old Town.
For travelers whose primary aim is to connect with the genuine spirit of Crete, away from the noisy clubs and throngs of tourists, it's essential to tread the less beaten path. ...
Crete is Greece's largest island—just driving from one end to the other makes for a five-hour journey, and there's much to do and see in between. If you want to experience all Crete has to offer, plan to spend a full week exploring its monasteries, olive groves, towns, and coast.
The average Crete temperature decreases as you travel north. July and August are the warmest months, and January is the coldest month of the year. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC (70-90°F) and in winter between 10-15ºC (50-60°F).
This means that even when the north coast is uncomfortably windy, the south coast may be calm and pleasant. The exception to this is where gorges and valleys channel the north winds, which can create areas of intense winds at certain spots along the coast. This is especially true at Frangokastello and Plakias Bay.
The average high temperature in October is 24ºC, so you won't need much more than your beach gear, shorts and t-shirts. You should pack a few warmer things for the evenings, as it's still pleasant but temperatures fall to around 15ºC at night.
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.
Ierapetra is called the sunniest city in Crete. Moreover, it is the southernmost town in Europe, which provides the view onto the coast of Africa. This place combines the features of a typical resort with a rich historical heritage.
Crete has better beaches but they're spread out and it takes a fair bit of effort to see the best beaches. Santorini is small and it's easy to get around to all the popular beaches. Crete has more small traditional (non-touristy) villages. Santorini is more romantic and better suited to a honeymoon.
You can spend as much or as little as you want in Crete. At the budget end of the spectrum, you're aided by the island's size and popularity, which means options are many. With some planning and shopping around, you can get good deals on transport and accommodation.
The island is known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, and the crime rate is low. However, as with any destination, it is important to take the usual safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not leaving your belongings unattended.