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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's slightly cooler on Crete at about 30º?+. September and October are wonderful months for a holiday in both Cyprus (Cyprus in September, Cyprus in October), and Crete.
What are the hottest places in Europe in October? The warmest place in mainland Europe in October is Cyprus (26°C) followed by Malta (25ºC), Dalyan (25ºC) in southern Turkey and the Greek island of Kos (25ºC).
What's amazing about visiting Rhodes in October is that you can visit historic places without it being far too hot, and without them being far too busy.
Located between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is the hottest destination in Greece. Monthly temperatures average 30°C (86°F) throughout the summer, with very little rainfall. It's one of the most southerly isles in the country, which helps explain its sizzling temperatures.
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.
Is it windy in Crete during October? You're unlikely to experience any strong winds. Expect a gentle breeze that increases to moderate at times during October. With moderate humidity and mild air temperatures, the breeze will have a slight cooling effect.