The climate of Crete (Greece)
Crete is Greece’s largest island and is situated in the
Mediterranean Sea. Crete has a long history starting with the Minoan
period. The most popular archaeological attraction dating from this
period is the Palace at Knossos. This Minoan palace was almost
completely excavated and restored in the last century. After the
Minoan period the island was ruled by Romans, Arabs, Byzantines,
Venetians and Turks. In most of the old city centers remains can still
be found from these periods. The cities of Chania and
Rethymno still
have Venetian ports. After these periods the island was independent
for several years, then it became part of Greece. Nowadays Crete is
one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean Sea; each
year millions of people come here to enjoy the sun, sea and everything
else the island has to offer. The northern part of the island
especially is popular with youngsters and people who come to Crete to
enjoy the sun, sea and beach. The southern part of Crete is much less
touristy. People who want to enjoy some peace and quiet and want to
experience the authentic Greece countryside visit this part. Bear in
mind that the sea is rougher on the south side of the island than on
the north side.
Crete has a warm Mediterranean climate strongly influenced by its
location in the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm and very dry.
During the day temperatures are 30 degrees on average. Cities on the
coast get a refreshing sea breeze. Cities in the interior hardly get
any wind; it may feel warmer here than it actually is. During the
warmest days of the year temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius are not
uncommon here. Winters are much colder but still mild. Most
precipitation can be expected during the winter.
Climate information
The figures below are based on long term weather and climate records.
They are an average for the island of Crete. The south western part
gets more precipitation than the north eastern part. Small deviations
in temperature can be recorded on the island.
Specific climate information is available for the following places:
Agios Nikolaos, Chania,
Hersonissos, Elounda,
Gouves, Heraklion,
Ierapetra, Koutouloufari,
Malia, Myrtos and
Rethymno.
More climate information
Climate figures are very useful but don’t present a general impression
of the climate and the eventual weather circumstances within a certain
period. The figures don’t always reflect the chance of wintry weather,
extreme heat or hurricanes. That is why we offer useful extra climate
information for each month of the year:
Disclaimer
The information at this site was carefully composed from climate data collected by meteorological services, meteorological offices, climate experts and other sources. “More climate info” is based on statistics, climate data and personal experience. No rights can be derived from this site. Weather has no memory and gives no guaranties. Nothing is as changeable and unpredictable as the weather. The authors of this site feel in no way responsible for any damages caused by misinterpretation or other circumstances that may influence your holiday or trip to a certain destination. We provide information, it’s up to the reader to use it to it’s benefit.
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