Today's weather for Rethymnon, Greece21st Nov 2009 11:20

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Weather Overview for Rethymnon

Rethymnon, on the north coast and western side of Crete, receives a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot and dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Summer in Rethymnon, from June till September, has its temperatures jump started by the already hot end of spring. Average high temperatures rise from a gorgeous 28°C in 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 and conditions rarely become unbearable due to the low humidity of the season. June and September night times receive average lows of 18°C which is not unpleasant, but in the peak months night times rarely drop below 20c which some might find a little trying. The peak season also sees the largest influx of tourists and some find that overcrowding adds to the irritation of the heat. However, an escape can be found in the cooler foothills that rise up behind the resort. Rain is very unlikely during the summer. Early and late summer are great times to visit this Crete to avoid the excessive heat and crowds of the peak summer months.

Autumn, in October and November, still receives very pleasant daytime temperatures. The average high temperature in October remains in the mid to low 20s until near the end of the month and in September, it only falls below 18°C from the middle of the month. However, at night time the temperature does drop enough to require an extra layer; by November the average low temperature is 12°C. Showers are to be expected as from the beginning of the season a jump in rainfall levels is seen.

Winter, from December till February, receives highly unpredictable weather. Rainfall is relatively high, falling in all manner of forms: short showers, pathetic drizzle and the odd storm. The sun can hide behind clouds or come out for days. The average high temperature drops to 14°C in December and 13°C in January and February. Again, the average statistic is not be trusted as the season sees great fluctuations in temperature depending on rain, sun, wind and cloud cover. It can get very chilly even in the day time, but on the odd occasion it can heat up to t shirt weather. Night time temperatures see their lowest average in January and February at 7°C and it almost never gets down to freezing.

Spring, from March till May, sees a steady decline in rainfall levels and weather conditions settle down. The average high temperature rises from 15°C in March, to 18°C in April, to a pleasant 22°C in May. Night times remain cool but as the season progresses the sun comes out more and day times are generally suitable for walking holidays, but probably not beach lounging.

Rethymnon shares its climate with other resorts on the north coast of Crete. Hills in the middle of the island trap the north Etesian winds and keep the north coast cooler, greyer and wetter than the south. This sounds awful but this is a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea and conditions are relative. As a rule, Rethymnon receives beautiful summers. Hordes of tourists react accordingly.

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