Climate Overview
Crete is located at the southernmost tip of Europe — on the same latitude as Tunisia. The climate is Mediterranean with long, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The crucial difference is between the north and south coasts as well as the coast and mountains:
| Region | Summer (Jun–Aug) | Winter (Dec–Feb) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast | 25–35°C | 10–16°C | Meltemi wind in Jul/Aug cools |
| South Coast | 28–40°C | 12–18°C | Hotter, sheltered, African |
| Mountains (Lefka Ori) | 15–25°C | 0 to -10°C | Snow from Nov to May on peaks |
| Plateaus (Lasithi, Omalos) | 20–28°C | 5–10°C | Cool, green, ideal for hiking |
Water Temperatures: The sea warms up slowly — only from mid-June does it reach 22°C. The peak is in August/September with 25–27°C. Even in November, the sea still has a pleasant 21°C. On the south coast (Libyan Sea), the water is usually 1–2°C warmer than in the north.
Meltemi: The famous north wind of the Aegean summer blows in Crete mainly in July and August, especially on the north coast. It cools pleasantly but can become uncomfortable on exposed beaches. The south coast and sheltered bays remain unaffected.
