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Heraklion, the capital of Crete, has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The city averages 17.8°C (64°F) and receives roughly 520 mm of rain, almost all of it between October and March. Summers are hot and nearly dry, while winters stay mild and wet. This page sets out the weather month by month so you can plan around real temperatures and rainfall. See our guide to the best time to visit Heraklion for season-by-season advice, and the main Heraklion travel guide for the full picture.
Heraklion Weather by Month: Climate Overview
Heraklion sits on Crete’s north coast at sea level, protected from the worst of the meltemi wind and warmed by the Libyan Sea to the south. The hottest months are July and August, both averaging a high of 28.6°C (83.5°F) and a low of 22.1°C (72°F), with under 1 mm of rain each. The coldest is January, at 15.2°C (59°F) high and 9.0°C (48°F) low. Rainfall peaks in December at 97 mm and bottoms out at 1 mm in July and August. The table below shows the full year. Once you have your dates, our guide to where to stay in Heraklion breaks the city down by area.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sea (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.2 | 9.0 | 91 | 16 |
| February | 15.5 | 8.9 | 77 | 16 |
| March | 16.8 | 10.0 | 59 | 16 |
| April | 20.2 | 12.2 | 29 | 17 |
| May | 23.5 | 15.3 | 15 | 20 |
| June | 27.3 | 19.3 | 4 | 23 |
| July | 28.6 | 22.1 | 1 | 25 |
| August | 28.6 | 22.1 | 1 | 26 |
| September | 26.2 | 19.7 | 18 | 25 |
| October | 23.3 | 16.8 | 59 | 23 |
| November | 20.0 | 13.5 | 76 | 20 |
| December | 16.7 | 10.7 | 97 | 18 |
Heraklion Weather by Month: Winter
December
December is the wettest month, with 97 mm of rain over about 11 rainy days. Highs average 16.7°C (62°F) and lows 10.7°C (51°F), so you still need a jacket after dark. The sea drops to 18°C (64°F).
January
January is the coldest month, averaging 15.2°C (59°F) by day and 9.0°C (48°F) at night, with 91 mm of rain across 10 rainy days. Snow in the city itself is very rare, though it sometimes dusts the White Mountains to the west. Indoor sightseeing is comfortable, and the city’s carnival season starts to build; see our Heraklion events and festivals page.
February
February brings 77 mm of rain and highs of 15.5°C (60°F). Days are often bright and clear between showers, and almond trees flower across the island. Sea temperature holds at 16°C (61°F), too cold for most swimmers.
Heraklion Weather by Month: Spring
March
March warms to 16.8°C (62°F) highs with 59 mm of rain. Afternoons turn warm but evenings stay cool, and the sea is still 16°C (61°F). Orthodox Easter often falls in April, so March is usually a quiet shoulder month.
April
April reaches 20.2°C (68°F) highs with rain falling to 29 mm. Beach season starts to open, and by late April many seafront tavernas reopen their terraces. Sea temperature climbs to 17°C (63°F).
May
May averages 23.5°C (74°F) highs, 15.3°C (60°F) lows and just 15 mm of rain. Sea temperature hits 20°C (68°F), warm enough for a first swim. This is one of the best months for sightseeing before the summer heat; see our things to do in Heraklion guide.
Heraklion Weather by Month: Summer
June
June averages 27.3°C (81°F) highs with only 4 mm of rain. Sunshine peaks at around 350 hours for the month, and the sea reaches 23°C (73°F). Evenings are warm and dry, ideal for open-air dining.
July
July is one of the two hottest and driest months, with 28.6°C (83.5°F) highs and just 1 mm of rain. The meltemi wind usually keeps the coast bearable, but midday sun between 12:00 and 16:00 is intense. Sea temperature reaches 25°C (77°F).
August
August matches July at 28.6°C (83.5°F) highs and under 1 mm of rain. Sea temperature peaks at 26°C (79°F), the warmest of the year. Crowds peak around the 15 August Assumption holiday, so book ferries and rooms well ahead.
Heraklion Weather by Month: Autumn
September
September averages 26.2°C (79°F) highs with rain rising to 18 mm. The sea stays warm at 25°C (77°F), and many locals rate September the best swimming month because the water is warm and the beaches are quieter.
October
October drops to 23.3°C (74°F) highs with 59 mm of rain. The first real autumn storms usually arrive in the second half of the month, though sea temperature is still 23°C (73°F) early on. See our Heraklion neighborhoods guide to pick the right base for shorter daylight hours.
November
November averages 20.0°C (68°F) highs with 76 mm of rain. Rainy days become frequent, and many beach resorts close for the winter. It is a good month for museums and tavernas rather than the coast.
Heraklion Weather by Month: Sea Temperatures and Sunshine
The sea around Heraklion ranges from 16°C (61°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in August. It stays above 23°C (73°F) from July through early October, giving you roughly a four-month swimming season. Sunshine totals about 3,000 hours a year, with July the sunniest month at around 370 hours and December the dullest at about 120. For packing lists, currency and airport details, read our Heraklion travel tips and FAQ.
