Is December a good time to visit Crete?

December is not an optimal month for Crete (Score: 42/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.

How warm is it in Crete in December?

In December, Crete sees daily highs of 18°C. Nights cool to 12°C, with a daily average of 15°C. Peaks reach around 23°C, the coldest nights around 6°C.

How much rain falls in Crete in December?

In December, Crete receives an average of 82 mm of rain over 7 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.

How many sunshine hours does Crete get in December?

Crete averages 5 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.

How warm is the water in Crete in December?

Water temperature in Crete in December averages 19°C — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.

Crete · December

Low season

Greece · Europe

Climate Overview

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Ø day, ↑ warmest🌡Ø day↑ warmest	16° (61°)20° (68°)	16° (61°)22° (72°)	18° (64°)24° (75°)	21° (70°)28° (82°)	24° (75°)34° (93°)	28° (82°)34° (93°)	30° (86°)33° (91°)	30° (86°)32° (90°)	28° (82°)33° (91°)	24° (75°)30° (86°)	21° (70°)26° (79°)	18° (64°)23° (73°)
Ø night, ↓ coldest🌡Ø night↓ coldest	10° (50°)4° (39°)	10° (50°)5° (41°)	11° (52°)6° (43°)	13° (55°)9° (48°)	16° (61°)12° (54°)	21° (70°)15° (59°)	24° (75°)20° (68°)	24° (75°)20° (68°)	21° (70°)17° (63°)	18° (64°)13° (55°)	15° (59°)10° (50°)	12° (54°)6° (43°)
☀️Sunshine	6h	7h	9h	10h	11h	13h	13h	12h	10h	8h	7h	5h
🌊Water Temp	17° (63°)	16° (61°)	16° (61°)	18° (64°)	21° (70°)	24° (75°)	26° (79°)	27° (81°)	27° (81°)	24° (75°)	21° (70°)	19° (66°)
🌧Rain Days	9d93mm (3.7")	7d73mm (2.9")	4d38mm (1.5")	2d21mm (0.8")	2d21mm (0.8")	0d4mm (0.2")	0d0mm (<0.1")	0d2mm (0.1")	1d12mm (0.5")	4d58mm (2.3")	4d50mm (2.0")	7d82mm (3.2")

Best travel time current monthØ = average · ↑ warmest day · ↓ coldest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data

Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.

December in Crete is on the cool side — with highs around 18°C (64°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.

Daytime highs average 18°C (64°F), cooling to 12°C (54°F) at night (daily average: 15°C (59°F)). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 6°C (43°F). With 5 sunshine hours per day and 7 rain days (82 mm (3.2 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The sea is 19°C (66°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.

Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.

Crete in late winter: the Psiloritis mountains still carry snow, the olive harvest is over and the beach belongs to the fishermen. For hikers on the E4 long-distance trail — the Samaria Gorge is still closed — this is the most undisturbed time.

Packing list for Crete in December

Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
Light jacket
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Light umbrella or rain poncho
Travel first-aid kit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Crete?: December is not an optimal month for Crete (Score: 42/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.
How warm is it in Crete in December?: In December, Crete sees daily highs of 18°C (64°F). Nights cool to 12°C (54°F), with a daily average of 15°C (59°F). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 6°C (43°F).
How much rain falls in Crete in December?: In December, Crete receives an average of 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain over 7 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
How many sunshine hours does Crete get in December?: Crete averages 5 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
How warm is the water in Crete in December?: Water temperature in Crete in December averages 19°C (66°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.