The island of Crete has a temperate Mediterranean climate. It experiences hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Crete has the mildest climate in Greece due to its southerly location and surrounding waters.

Northern Crete is similar to most other European Mediterranean resorts. Southern Crete is hotter, drier and sunnier, averaging over 2800 hours of sunshine a year.

  Mountainous regions are cooler and see more pronounced seasons. They experience heavy snowfall in winter at high altitudes. On the peaks snow can remain as late as June and in midwinter mountain passes can become completely blocked off.

Summer, from June till September, sees average highs in the high 20s, peaking just below 30ºC in July and August.

 In the peak months temperatures can often get into the low 30s and sometimes soar towards a stifling 40ºC in the south, especially when the island is treated to the sirocco wind. The sirocco blows up from the south, originating in Africa in the Sahara. This brings uncharacteristically high temperatures, aridity and sometimes sand.  A whopping twelve hours of sunshine per day can be expected in June and August.

Autumn, still sees great temperatures but is often wet and overcast. . However, night time temperatures drop to around 16ºC in October and 13ºC in November: extra layers are required. The beginning of the winter rains start to fall in October and increase throughout the season.

Winter, is mild but wet and blustery. Rainfall is at its highest in winter and forces the perceived air temperature plummeting down. Day time highs usually sit around 16ºC, falling below 10ºC at night but rarely below 5ºC. Subzero temperatures and snow are alien to coastal Crete  and the odd clear day can receive temperatures near 20ºC, but summer-like weather should not be expected. The sea, around 15ºC, is okay for brave water sports enthusiasts with wetsuits but too cold for swimming.

Spring as expected, improves as it progresses. Rainfall drops off rapidly,  The average high temperature gets quickly into the low 20s though night time lows remain cool. Sunshine levels increase to six hours per day in April and a glorious eight in May.