Crete is the warmest of the Greek islands in October because of its geographical location in the South Aegean Sea, close to North Africa. While the heat isn't as insufferable as it is during the summer months, it's still a bit intense, mainly if you're not used to mid-20s temperatures.
The perfect packing list. While short pants, skirts and short-sleeved t-shirts are essential fording the perfect layered outfit, make sure that a sweater, light jacket, long pants and comfortable walking shoes are part of your ensemble as at this time of tyear the weather can change from hot to chilly within minutes.
And, yes, you can also swim in Santorini in October. In fact, the sea is sometimes even warmer than in June! Plus, you get a little extra when visiting the island's shores as October is a low-tourism month.
Visiting in October represents a good-value time to go, when you can enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. The islands start to wind down ahead of winter, but usually stay open until the end of the month.
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.
The average high temperature for the day is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Early October is normally already warm enough to comfortably sunbathe and dine outside at night, with little chance of rain. The Ionian and Aegean seas are rapidly cooling by mid-October; if you enjoy swimming, go early in the month.
During October the average high temperature's 23ºC, which is perfectly warm enough to relax on the beach when the weather's clear. You should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings as things can get a bit chilly, while a waterproof jacket's also a good idea.
While short pants, skirts and short-sleeved t-shirts are essential fording the perfect layered outfit, make sure that a sweater, light jacket, long pants and comfortable walking shoes are part of your ensemble as at this time of tyear the weather can change from hot to chilly within minutes.
All you need is some light sweater and some heavier in case it gets cooler at nights.Do wear your shorts that's how we are used to seeing our guests around but we have to be a little bit more formally dressed because we go to work; When we are on vacation we wear shorts too.
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 a much more real and enjoyable place than Rhodes, which is pretty much given up to tourism. I'm afraid that also having visited both islands many times over the past 20 years, I'd have to say that Rhodes can offer just as much history as Crete, given it's smaller size.
Actually some of Greece's best beaches are in the Peloponnese, and weather will easily be warm enough to swim in October, or even later. Spend some time in the south, in Laconia and Messina, which have some beautiful seaside towns.