Is January a good time to visit Crete?

January is not an optimal month for Crete (Score: 35/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.

How warm is it in Crete in January?

In January, Crete sees daily highs of 16°C. Nights cool to 9°C, with a daily average of 12°C.

How much rain falls in Crete in January?

In January, Crete receives an average of 93 mm of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.

How many sunshine hours does Crete get in January?

Crete averages 6 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.

How warm is the water in Crete in January?

Water temperature in Crete in January averages 16°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.

Is January a good time to visit Crete?

January is not an optimal month for Crete (Score: 35/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.

How warm is it in Crete in January?

In January, Crete sees daily highs of 16°C. Nights cool to 9°C, with a daily average of 12°C.

How much rain falls in Crete in January?

In January, Crete receives an average of 93 mm of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.

How many sunshine hours does Crete get in January?

Crete averages 6 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.

How warm is the water in Crete in January?

Water temperature in Crete in January averages 16°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.

Crete · January

Low season

Greece · Europe

Climate Overview

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
MAX🌡MAX	16°	16°	18°	21°	24°	28°	30°	30°	28°	24°	21°	18°
MIN🌡MIN	10°	10°	11°	13°	16°	21°	24°	24°	21°	18°	15°	12°
☀️Sunshine	6h	7h	9h	10h	11h	13h	13h	12h	10h	8h	7h	5h
🌊Water Temp	17°	16°	16°	18°	21°	24°	26°	27°	27°	24°	21°	19°
🌧Rain Days	9d93mm	7d73mm	4d38mm	2d21mm	2d21mm	0d4mm	0d0mm	0d2mm	1d12mm	4d58mm	4d50mm	7d82mm

Best travel time current monthMonthly averages 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data

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

January in Crete is on the cool side — with highs around 16°C it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.

Daytime temperatures reach up to 16°C, cooling to 9°C at night (daily average: 12°C). With 6 sunshine hours per day and 9 rain days (93 mm), this is one of the cloudier months. At 16°C, the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.

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

Kreta im Winterfrühling: Die Berge des Psiloritis tragen noch Schnee, die Olivenernte ist vorbei, der Strand gehört den Fischern. Für Wanderer auf dem E4-Fernwanderweg oder in der noch geschlossenen Samaria-Schlucht ist das die ungestörteste Zeit.

Packing list for Crete in January

Langarmhemden und leichte Hosen
Leichte Jacke
Pullover oder Fleece
Sonnencreme
Sonnenbrille
Leichter Regenschirm oder Regenponcho
Reiseapotheke

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Crete?: January is not an optimal month for Crete (Score: 35/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.
How warm is it in Crete in January?: In January, Crete sees daily highs of 16°C. Nights cool to 9°C, with a daily average of 12°C.
How much rain falls in Crete in January?: In January, Crete receives an average of 93 mm of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
How many sunshine hours does Crete get in January?: Crete averages 6 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
How warm is the water in Crete in January?: Water temperature in Crete in January averages 16°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.