Heraklion features a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer highs often reach 28–30°C, while winter days average 15–17°C. Rain falls mainly from November to March, and sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking in summer. The city’s coastal location brings refreshing breezes, making Heraklion a favourite for sunseekers and explorers alike.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Heraklion, on Crete’s north coast, enjoys a Mediterranean climate defined by long, hot, arid summers and short, mild, wetter winters. From June to September, average daytime highs reach 28–30°C, with July and August being the hottest months. Nighttime temperatures remain warm, rarely dropping below 20°C. Rainfall is minimal in summer – often less than 5 mm per month – and the sun shines for up to 12 hours a day. The Meltemi, a dry northerly wind, frequently brings welcome relief from the heat, though occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C. Sea temperatures peak at 25°C in August, making swimming and water sports especially appealing.
Winters (December–February) are mild, with average highs of 15–17°C and lows around 9–11°C. Most of the city’s annual rainfall (about 500–600 mm) occurs from November to March, with January being the wettest month. Even in winter, Heraklion receives 4–6 hours of sunshine daily, and snow is extremely rare. Spring and autumn are transitional, with pleasant temperatures (18–24°C), moderate humidity, and fewer tourists. Winds are generally mild to moderate year-round, but can be brisk during transitional seasons. Overall, Heraklion enjoys around 2,800–3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of Europe’s sunniest cities.
| Average climate data for Heraklion, Greece | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 28 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 91 | 78 | 58 | 30 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 69 | 59 | 78 | 503 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 53 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 17 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 21 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
The best time to visit Heraklion is from May to June and September to October. These months offer warm, sunny weather (22–28°C), fewer crowds, and comfortable sea temperatures for swimming. Spring and early autumn are ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying Crete’s beaches without the intense summer heat or peak tourist numbers.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to February, when rain is most frequent and days are shorter. While winter temperatures remain mild (15–17°C), wet and windy weather can disrupt outdoor plans. July and August can also be challenging for those sensitive to heat and crowds, as these are the hottest and busiest months.
Heraklion has hot, dry summers (28–30°C) and mild, wetter winters (15–17°C). Rain falls mainly from November to March, while summers are sunny and virtually rain-free. The city enjoys over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually.
Snow is extremely rare in Heraklion. Winter lows can drop to 9°C, but precipitation almost always falls as rain, not snow. The city’s winters are among the mildest in Greece.
June to August are the sunniest months, with up to 12 hours of sunshine daily. Even in winter, Heraklion enjoys 4–6 hours of sun per day, making it one of Europe’s sunniest cities.
The sea in Heraklion ranges from 16°C in winter to 25°C in August. Summer and early autumn are best for swimming and water sports, with warm, inviting sea temperatures.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a warm coat for winter evenings. Comfortable shoes are useful year-round.
Heraklion experiences mild to moderate winds year-round, with the Meltemi breeze strongest in summer. The wind helps keep summer temperatures comfortable and evenings cool, but can be brisk in spring and autumn.
Heraklion is least crowded in winter (November–February) and early spring. These periods offer quieter streets and attractions, but weather may be wetter and less suitable for outdoor sightseeing.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (28.5 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (15.2 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 21.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (22.8 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (10.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 15.8 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (26 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (16.3 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 20.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is January (91.4 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (0.7 mm). Over the whole year there are 503.1 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (10.2 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (0.2 days). Over the whole year there are 53.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 12.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 3.1 h). Over the whole year there are 7.1 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 11). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.4.
