Rethymnon, on the north coast and western side of Crete receives a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and mild, slightly rainy winters.
Its unique location, equidistant from Europe, Africa and Asia provides this area with a far better climate than many other places in Southern Europe. Yet it still offers easy access from all major cities.
Wide expanses of golden beaches, and long months of warm dry sun ensure Rethymnon is popular with visitors from all over the world in the summer. While the mild winters, and the fact that forecasted temperature never fall below zero, ensures even in the colder months, Rethymnon is still full of life.
The uniqueness of this location also provides Rethymnon with a varied range of natural attractions. There is a diverse range of wildlife unique to the island, distinctive ecosystems and breath-taking natural landscapes all thanks to the incredible beauty of the weather. One moment you can be lounging on the beach and, after a short walk, you can find yourself cooling off in a luscious ravine filled with unusual foliage or enjoying the alpine freshness of the mountains.
Dolphins are keen visitors to the warm waters around Crete. However their preference is for the deeper water, which means you do need to take a boat trip to see them. But with such a harbour side location as Rethymnon, the wealth of water based activities ensure there is always the chance to catch a glimpse.
The presence of the large mountain range that almost divides Crete in two, not only provides a distinctive draw to keen walkers and hikers, it also protects the region from some of the more tropical temperatures experienced in the south. In peak summer months, Rethymnon will be a degree or cooler than Cretan areas such as Elafonsi, as well as more land locked areas of Greece such as Athens. This freshness provides welcome relief, especially on the hottest days, to provide a consistently beautiful and more comfortable climate to the region.
Northerly winds blow all year round in Rethymnon to provide much fresher air. This ensures humidity levels are always comfortable. In the summer months the meltemia wind is also on hand to ensure that, even at peak temperatures, visitors to Rethymnon do not feel too sticky.
If it does get too hot, the sea in Rethymnon is there to entice you in. Water temperatures reach up to 26°C in the peak summer season of July and August, ensuring no one can complain that the water is too cold for a dip.
The beaches in this northern region are traditionally shallower than those in the south of the island, making them more popular with families. However, for smaller children, ensure you choose a beach that is protected from the Northern winds, otherwise the sea can be a bit choppy.
Summer Weather in Rethymnon
Summer in Rethymnon, is traditionally from June until September. However temperatures in May and October ensure their holiday season can start a lot earlier and go on for much longer than usually anticipated.
Average high temperatures during the core summer months rise from a gorgeous 28°C at the start of June to a peak in July and August of 30°C before settling back down to 27°C in September. Northern winds generally blow in off the Mediterranean Sea, easing the heat. This keeps humidity levels low and ensures conditions rarely become unbearable.
June and September night times receive average lows of 18°C which is very unpleasant. But in the peak months, night times rarely drop below 20°C ensuring that accommodation with air conditioning is an absolute must.
The peak season also sees the largest influx of tourists and some find that overcrowding adds to the heat. However, an escape can be found in the cooler foothills that rise up behind the resort and the wide variety of places to stay there.
Rain is unlikely during the summer in Rethymnon either in the day or in the night, with almost all months of the summer experiencing very little, if any, rain at all. When you want a traditional Greek beach holiday that offers long hot days and warm summer nights, Rethymnon is the place to go.
Autumn Weather in Rethymnon
Autumn occurs in October and November in Rethymnon and is wonderfully pleasant time to visit the area. Daytime temperatures are still incredibly warm for this time of the year. And, for many, the night temperatures are far more comfortable too.
The average high temperature in October remain in the mid to low 20's until near the end of the month. And in November, it only falls below 18°C in the days running up to December. However night time temperatures do drop enough to require an extra layer during the autumn season. By November the average low temperature can reach 12°C, showing the first indication that the long, hot summer is finally coming to an end.
Showers are to be expected during this time. There is a significant jump in the rainfall levels seen from the beginning of October. However, even when these showers do occur, the warm weather and long daylight hours ensure they never last for long.
Winter Weather in Rethymnon
Winter in Rethymnon occurs from December until February and can be the time of the most unpredictable weather in the region. Rainfall is relatively high when compared with other times of the year. And precipitation can come in many forms, from short showers and slight drizzle to the odd thunder storm.
The sun can hide behind clouds or come out for days at a time. But even though the average high temperature drops to 14°C in December and 13°C in January and February, there are also plenty of nice days to be had. Some days will be notably chilly with a fresh wind blowing, while on other days it can heat up to t-shirt weather and possibly more.
Night time temperatures see their lowest average in January and February at 7°C. But it almost never gets down to freezing. And while temperatures in the region are far lower than those experienced in the middle of the peak summer season, they are still far more welcoming than those occurring in Northern Europe during the same time.
Spring Weather in Rethymnon
Spring is a magnificent time to be in Rethymnon. From March until May, there is a steady decline in rainfall levels and the weather conditions become a lot more predictable. The area starts to come alive in anticipation of summer, making it a highly popular time for hill walkers and nature lovers.
Average high temperatures rise from 15°C in March, to 18°C in April, to a very pleasant 22°C in May. However, temperatures far exceeding these averages have been recorded, offering a very welcome early summer to those that choose to visit.
Night times remain cool. But as the season progresses, the days become longer with plenty of sunshine for visitors. This sun also starts to heat up the sea in anticipation of the beach lovers which usually start to come out towards the end of May.
Rethymnon receives beautiful summers, very mild winters and excellent periods of spring and autumn to welcome those that want to avoid the peak summer sun. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, the forecast for Rethymnon always offers something to look forward to.