Heraklion Weather

Heraklion is a bridge between the Cycladic climate and life in urban Greece, offering sky-high temperatures and drought during the summertime and a mildly cold winter.

In brief, Heraklion has warm and dry weather throughout summer, peaking in temperature between July and August. During the winter days, the prefecture has lower temperatures and a few rainfalls per month.
Given that it is a tourist destination regardless of weather and time, lots of facilities and accommodation options in Heraklion remain open. Visitors during the winter and springtime can take a small break from the daily routine and stop by the most famous districts of urban Heraklion, whereas its coasts are relatively warmer than other spots around the country, making it a good destination for both mountain and sea exploration.

Consider visiting the idyllic Heraklion no matter the time of year, even despite the rampant increase of tourists throughout the high season!
Also, be aware that most tourist-focused facilities and accommodation options open after March and close down before November.

Below, you can see the average temperatures in Heraklion by month. We have also gathered information regarding the weather by month.

Average High & Low Air Temperature (in °C/°F)

 

Discover the weather in Heraklion by month:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

January in Heraklion is the coldest month of the season.

The average temperature is 12.4°C/54.3°F (maximum: 15.5°C/59.9°F | minimum: 9.3°C/48.7°F)
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 1.1°C/34°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 25°C/77°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 4 hours.
Humidity reaches 68%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 20 kph (12 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 17°C/62.6°F; hence, swimming is not recommended.

Like January, February has few hours of sunlight, cold sea waters, and a humid environment.

The average temperature is 12.5°C/54.5°F (maximum: 15.7°C/60.3°F | minimum: 9.1°C/48.4°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 2.8°C/37°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 25°C/77°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 4.5 hours.
Humidity reaches 67%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 20 kph (12 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 16°C/60.8°F; hence, swimming is not recommended.

March is the start of spring, but its weather remains cold enough for any seaside exploration and mass business openings.

The average temperature is 13.4°C/56.1°F (maximum: 16.6°C/61.8°F | minimum: 10.1°C/50.1°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 3.9°C/39°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 25°C/77°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 6 hours.
Humidity reaches 66%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 18 kph (11 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 16°C/60.8°F; hence, swimming is not recommended.

Even though April's sea waters are not fit for an everyday swimmer, the bright sun starts to have a longer-lasting impact on Cretan land!

The average temperature is 16.4°C/61.5°F (maximum: 20.2°C/68.3°F | minimum: 12.1°C/53.8°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 7.2°C/45°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 32.8°C/91°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 8 hours.
Humidity reaches 62%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 16 kph (10 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 17°C/62.6°F; hence, swimming is not recommended.

The month of May is a sunny period for Heraklion, with moderately warm temperatures and low prices for visitors, making it a solid time for a visit.

The average temperature is 20°C/68°F (maximum: 24°C/75.2°F | minimum: 15.5°C/59.9°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 10°C/50°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 37.8°C/100°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 9.5 hours.
Humidity reaches 61%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 13 kph (8 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 19°C/66.2°F; hence, the waters are a bit cool.

June is the beginning of the summer season when accommodation prices start to rise along with the prefecture's temperatures.

The average temperature is 24°C/75.2°F (maximum: 27.3°C/81.1°F | minimum: 19.9°C/67.9°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 13.9°C/57°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 35°C/95°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 11.5 hours.
Humidity reaches 57%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 15 kph (9.5 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 23°C/73.4°F; hence, the waters are warm.

One of the two hottest months for Heraklion, with water temperatures reaching their peaks and the town's asphalt sizzling under the hot sun!

The average temperature is 26.8°C/80.3°F (maximum: 29.8°C/85.7°F | minimum: 23.2°C/73.7°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 18.9°C/66°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 37.2°C/99°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 12 hours.
Humidity reaches 57%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 19 kph (12 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 25°C/77°F; hence, the waters are quite warm.

August pairs with July and signals a fully booked prefecture, sky-high prices, and very hot temperatures. People recommend a prior booking of your preferred room, as well as an early purchase of ferry tickets months in advance!

The average temperature is 26.9°C/80.4°F (maximum: 29.9°C/85.9°F | minimum: 23.1°C/73.6°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 20°C/68°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 40°C/104°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 11 hours.
Humidity reaches 58%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 17 kph (10.5 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 26°C/78.8°F; hence, the waters are very warm.

September is an excellent time for Heraklion visitors to get a bang for their buck! Enjoy the sunlight and the warm sea waters of Heraklion without needing to pay high season prices or stand in long tourist lines for its sights.

The average temperature is 24.4°C/76°F (maximum: 27.6°C/81.7°F | minimum: 20.9°C/69.6°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 13.9°C/57°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 36.1°C/97°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 9 hours.
Humidity reaches 61%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 16 kph (10 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 25°C/77°F; hence, the waters are quite warm.

October acts as a slow transitional period for Heraklion's tourist season, where most establishments outside of town start to close down, though the waters remain quite warm.

The average temperature is 21°C/69.8°F (maximum: 24.3°C/75.8°F | minimum: 17.8°C/64°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 12.2°C/54°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 32.8°C/91°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 6.5 hours.
Humidity reaches 66%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 14.5 kph (9 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 23°C/73.4°F; hence, the waters are warm.

November has warm enough waters for wintertime swimming lovers, though everyone should come prepared for cold breezes and rainfalls.

The average temperature is 18.3°C/65°F (maximum: 21.6°C/70.9°F | minimum: 15.3°C/59.6°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 10°C/50°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 32.8°C/91°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 5 hours.
Humidity reaches 67%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 16 kph (10 mph).
The mean sea temperature is 21°C/69.8°F; hence, the waters are somewhat warm.

The month of December cools down the prefecture of Heraklion and offers winter weather that is only fit for wintertime enjoyers and those who would prefer to experience the colder side of the town and mountainsides.

The average temperature is 14.9°C/58.8°F (maximum: 18.2°C/64.8°F | minimum: 11.8°C/53.3°F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 3.9°C/39°F.
On the warmest days, the temperature may reach 25°C/77°F.
The sunshine lasts approximately 4 hours.
Humidity reaches 68%, while the mean speed of the wind is around 16 kph (10 mph).
The mean sea temperature is about 18°C/64.4°F; hence, swimming is not recommended.