Today's weather for Heraklion, Greece9th Feb 2010 13:50

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Weather Overview for Heraklion

Heraklion is Crete’s largest city and is also the islands capital. Located on the Northern coast of the island, the city enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. Heraklion’s climate can also classed as a temperate marine. Heraklion (also known is Iraklio) lies in Crete's lowlands which results in much milder temperatures than those villages located at high altitudes as you move up into the mountains.

A Mediterranean climate is characterised by long, hot, dry summers, mild winters and relatively short seasons of autumn and spring. Heraklion is no exception to this classification. The only mild difference is that as you head inland toward the mountains you will experience cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow fall once you reach higher altitudes. The Crete climate as a whole is mild and healthy and is absent of any dramatic changes.

Summer

Summer in Heraklion really begins in June, with the barometer beginning to rise by the end of May. The average temperature across summer sits at about 28 ºC. June and September each see average maximums of 27 ºC and average minimums of 19 ºC. These months are ideal times to visit as they fall outside the heart of peak season so beaches, cafes and accommodation will not be as busy yet you can still reap the benefits of the gorgeous weather and come home with a flawless tan! July and August see average highs of 29 ºC and 28 ºC respectively, with the minimum only falling to 22 ºC. It is not uncommon for Heraklion to experience scorching hot temperatures in the high thirties and low forties so its best to pack sufficient sunscreen and cool summer clothes!

Like most Mediterranean coastal cities, the town is given a break from the mid summer heat when the refreshing breeze off the sea begins to blow. In addition to the welcome seasonal sea breezes, the humidity in Heraklion is relatively low comparative to other parts of Greece so the heat is bearable. On the island, temperatures are generally higher the further east you travel and once you reach the coastal towns alone the Libyan Sea- so Heraklion receives a bit of a break from the high temperatures that other parts of the island experience.

Winter

By late September to early October the rainfall slowly begins to pick up, averaging 53mm precipitation in October and 55mm in November. December experiences the greatest rainfall, averaging 62mm precipitation across the month. Winter on the whole is mild, with snowfall only in the mountains and the majority of the rain falls on the plains. While late Autumn and winter sees the island at its wettest, if visiting during this time you will still experience a great amount of beautiful, sunny days.

December experiences an average temperature of 14 ºC, with January and February falling to 12 and 13 ºC. March sees the average temperature pick up to about 14 ºC, before rising again in April to a comfortable average of 20 ºC. Rainfall is moderate and is broken up by clear, sunny days and will have died down almost completely by late April. The mountain regions see higher rainfall than the lowlands of Crete.

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