What is the best time to visit Crete?

Make no mistake about it – Crete, as is perhaps any other location forming part of Greece, is best known for its majestic beauty displayed during the warmer months of the year. Early spring brings a variety of different colours whose intensity makes for the perfect complement to the generally green scenery, blue waters and skies, and light-coloured buildings. Crete is at her majestically beautiful best when in full bloom. But before you go to a luxury travel agency to have it booked, there are some things you will need to think about first, like when to go!

Do you think summertime is the best time to visit, particularly when it’s drier?

It depends on what kind of traveller you are, as well as exactly what you plan to get up to while you’re exploring the largest of the Greek Islands. The fact that peak tourist season (high season) is at the confluence of the driest and warmest months would suggest that summer is indeed the best time to visit, but once again, it all depends on what kind of traveller you are and what you like to get up to on your travels.

Getting lost in the local culture, with a hint of winter sports fun

So let’s turn things around and start with a catering to winter lovers, who come alive during the colder months of the year and don’t let the big chill of pretty typical European winters put a damper on things. Crete is not readily associated with outdoor activities such as skiing, but head on in during the coldest months, which are the rainiest as well (November to February), and you’ll be in for some of the best skiing anywhere. The White Mountains make for one of the most impressive locations for skiing!

Wintertime is also the best time for the likes of the Tsikoudia Festival, for the culture lovers…

Hit up the Rethymnon Carnival if you’ll be around during the period running from the end of January to around mid-February.

High season

Now, given the likely scenery you would be made to look at when considering the destination for a visit, the best time to visit Crete would undeniably be either from mid-may to June, or you can rather choose to visit over September to October. Depending on a range of metrics you can use to come to an official time period, high season is when the temperature is considered to be at its most comfortable to enjoy the great outdoors. That would mean May to August, but naturally the prices are raised to go with the demand.

If it’s a warm sea you want to bask in, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of less-crowded beaches, it’s highly recommended to visit over September and October!

Otherwise Crete has plenty more to offer than just the beautiful beach vibe, with around 300 days of sunlight each year. The rolling landscapes are diverse in the beauty they offer and as explored, there are many different activities to get lost in – not just those which involve typical outdoor summer fun.

Either way, planning ahead is vital for you to make the most out of your trip to one of the more popular holiday destinations in the region, with good reason too!