Heraklion has a Mediterranean climate with very warm summer months and relatively mild but damp winter months. The summer months of July and August see the highest average temperatures at very warm 25°C. The winter months of January and February see the lowest average temperatures at relatively cool 12°C but can still be enjoyed if having days out in this popular holiday destination. Evening temperatures can dip to a cool 9°C in the winter months of January and February but this is the coldest temperatures will be throughout the year.
The month with the highest rainfall is the wintery December, seeing an average of 100mm falling over 14 days. The months with the lowest rainfall are the summer season of June, July, August and September which only see 10mm of rainfall falling. The maximum hours of sunshine per day in Heraklion is 12 hours in the summer months of June and July while the lowest hours of sunshine is 4 hours per day in the winter months of December, January and February.
The month with the highest sea temperature is the summer month of August, seeing an average temperature of a warm 26°C, perfect for water activities. The month with the lowest average sea temperature is the winter month of February which has an average temperature of a cool 16°C. Because of the very warm temperatures, low rainfall and warm sea temperatures in the summer months, this destination is a very popular choice for holidaymakers.
Heraklion is located on the north coast of the island of Crete, which belongs to Greece, and it takes around 6 hours to fly there from the UK. Most tourists pick this destination for the lovely summer weather, good food and beautiful beaches. There are also many sights of historical interest if you are travelling slightly out of season to avoid the crowds but make the most of the mild spring and autumn weather.
Summer Weather in Heraklion
The summer months in Heraklion, Greece start from June, last till August and see the highest average temperatures throughout the year. In June, the average temperature is a very warm 23°C increasing to 25°C in July and August which is the highest average in the year. During the summer months, temperatures can reach highs of a hot 27°C to 28°C with evening lows of a warm 19°C to 22°C. Even when the temperature is at its lowest, 19°C is still warm enough to enjoy days out and do all the things you planned. However, you can always check the weather forecast before booking any days out.
From June, the average monthly rainfall is just 10mm falling over an average of 1 day which remains essentially the same through July and August meaning these are the driest months of the year. June and July will also have 12 hours of sunshine which is the highest in the year and allows for plenty of time to sunbathe and swim. The hours of sunshine then starts to decrease to 11 hours in August which is still more than enough time to enjoy days out.
In June, the average sea temperature is a warm 23°C which increases to 25°C in July and again to a very warm 26°C in August which is the annual peak. This is the perfect time of year for getting a sun-tan, swimming and enjoying some Mediterranean summer weather!
Autumn Weather in Heraklion
The autumn months begin in September and initially see temperatures dip slightly but remain warm as the tail-end of summer clings on. For example, in September, the average temperature is a very warm 23°C with highs of 26°C which decreases to a warm 20-23°C in October and again to 17-19°C in November. These are hardly chilly temperatures compared to other northern European destinations during this season but night-time lows do drop from 19°C to 14°C by the end of autumn. Still, whether the temperatures are at their highest, lowest or anywhere in-between, you will still be able to enjoy everything about Heraklion including the many museums and monasteries.
Likewise, September sees an average sea temperature of a warm 25°C which is the second highest in the year so swimming is still a possibility. This then decreases to a still warm 23°C in October and again to a fairly warm 21°C in November. Not to mention, in September there are 9 lovely hours of sunshine per day to enjoy, which only decreases to 6 hours per day in October and again to 5 hours per day by November. This is the second lowest of the year and the main indicator winter is approaching. The chance of there being a windy day in September is 29% which then increases to 37% in October and again to 39% in November.
Winter Weather in Heraklion
From December until February experiences the lowest average temperatures in the year for Heraklion with relatively cool temperatures. Starting from December, the average temperature decreases from 14°C to 12°C in January and February which is the lowest average temperature of the year. The winter months can also see temperatures reaching a high of a warm 15°C to 16°C while evenings dip to a cold 9°C to 11°C which is the lowest in the year, so you may need a coat.
The average sea temperature in December is a relatively cool 18°C which then decreases to 17°C in January and again to 16°C in February which is the lowest all year and means swimming is off the cards. December will see a 44% chance of a windy day which then increases slightly to 45% in January and February which is the highest in the year. This is matched by high levels of rainfall between 80mm and 100mm per month. Throughout the winter there will only be 4 hours of sunshine per day which is the lowest Heraklion will see.
Heraklion ruins, Greece.
Spring Weather in Heraklion
Spring in Heraklion starts in March and sees relatively mild weather throughout. In March the average temperature is a relatively cool 13°C which is the second lowest in the year. This then increases to a warm 16°C in April and again to a still warm 19°C in May. There are also peaks of 16°C to 23°C and lows of 10°C to 15°C in the evenings which is an improvement since the winter months.
Rainfall has also lessened since winter with the average monthly rainfall in March being 50mm falling over 9 days, decreasing to 40mm falling over an average of 6 days in April and again to 20mm falling over an average of 4 days in May, indicating the oncoming dry summer season. March will see 6 hours of sunshine per day which then increases to 8 hours of sunshine per day in April and again to a glorious 10 hours of sunshine per day in May. Sea temperatures are also improving during this season from 17°C to 19°C, nearly ready for swimming again.
If you would like to see more about how these averages are calculated please visit this page.