To compare with the other months, see our guide to the best time to visit Crete.
Crete weather in October: a good late-season month. In Heraklion it averages 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon and 17.5 °C (64 °F) at night, the sea is still at 23 °C (73 °F) and it rains on about 5 days in the month (43 mm (1.7 in)). Swimming remains possible for most travellers and hiking becomes pleasant again, but the tourist season is gradually ending.
October is the month when Crete changes pace. The summer heat has passed, crowds fall sharply, and the first autumn rains arrive. The start of the month still looks a lot like September; the end of the month already signals winter, with beach hotels closing.
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Crete in October: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ still mild, first rains
- Temperatures: 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon, 17.5 °C (64 °F) at night (Heraklion)
- Sea: 23 °C (73 °F) on average near Heraklion
- Rain: 43 mm (1.7 in), about 5 rainy days
- Sunshine: 6.4 hours a day on average
- Best part of the month: the first half
Weather in Crete in October: temperatures, sea and rain
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days | Sea | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 27.5 °C (82 °F) | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 1 | 24 °C (75 °F) | 9.4 |
| October | 24 °C (75 °F) | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5 | 23 °C (73 °F) | 6.4 |
| November | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 6 | 20 °C (68 °F) | 5.0 |
These figures are for Heraklion, on the north coast. The south coast (Matala, Paleochora, Ierapetra) is often a little warmer and drier, which makes it a good choice late in the month. In the mountains it is clearly cooler, especially at night. October rains often come as stormy spells separated by long periods of fine weather.
Can you swim in Crete in October?
Yes for most travellers: at an average of 23 °C (73 °F), the sea keeps its summer warmth and is warmer than in June (22 °C (72 °F)). The cooler air at the end of the day makes getting out of the water less pleasant than in summer. Aim for beaches sheltered from the wind and the south coast late in the month.
Things to do in Crete in October
- Beach and swimming: still possible, especially in the first half. Balos and Elafonissi are much less crowded than in summer.
- Hiking: favourable conditions return (late September-October). The Samaria gorge park is open only part of the year: check opening dates before you go.
- Archaeological sites: Knossos, Phaistos and Gortyn can be visited without the summer heat or crowds.
- Towns: Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are lively all year and stay animated.
- Driving tour: a good time, with roads less busy than in summer.
To avoid: an all-inclusive stay in a small beach resort late in the month, when some hotels and tavernas close for the winter.
Events in October
28 October is Ochi Day ("No" Day), a Greek national holiday: parades and a public holiday. Village festivals are concentrated more in summer. Check local dates with the municipalities before booking.
Crowds and prices in October
Crowds are average and fall through the month, as do prices. School holiday periods at the end of October bring back a little demand. One to two weeks’ notice is often enough, but the number of flights decreases at the end of the season: direct flights mainly serve Heraklion. Out of season, expect a stopover, for example in Athens.
What to pack for Crete in October
- Swimsuit and summer clothes for the day
- A sweater and a windbreaker for the evening and the mountains
- A light raincoat for showers
- Hiking shoes if you plan to do the gorges
Early or late October: what changes
First half: Crete still looks like late September. The sea is warm, resort hotels and tavernas are open, and the boat connections to Balos or Gramvousa still run. It is the best part of the month for a beach stay.
Second half: days get shorter, showers become more likely and part of the tourist offer closes. It is, however, a very good time for hikes, archaeological sites and towns, with lower prices. School holiday periods bring back a few people at the very end of the month.
In both cases, leave some slack in your programme: a stormy spell can disrupt a day, rarely several.
Our tips for a successful stay in October
- Base yourself in a town (Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion) late in the month: they are lively all year.
- Rent a car to chase the good weather, especially on the south coast.
- Check the opening hours of sites and excursion boats, often reduced at the end of the season.
- Start hikes early: night falls faster than in summer.
- Check the entry rules in our page on the entry requirements for Greece.
Crete in October: who is it for?
October suits hikers, lovers of archaeological sites, couples and travellers who still want to swim without the summer crowds. It suits an exclusively beach-based stay less well late in the month, when the offer shrinks.
If October does not suit you
September is one of the best months of the year: 27.5 °C (82 °F), sea at 24 °C (75 °F), almost no rain. November is quieter but wetter and the offer shrinks. In spring, Crete weather in April suits hiking, with a sea that is still cool.
For more warmth in October: Cyprus, Madeira or Marrakech. More ideas: where to go in October. To plan your route, see our Crete travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Crete in October?
Mild: 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon and 17.5 °C (64 °F) at night in Heraklion, with 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain over about 5 days, according to the HNMS normals.
Is it possible to swim in Crete in October?
Yes: the sea averages 23 °C (73 °F) near Heraklion according to the DWD, warmer than in June.
Where is it warmest in Crete in October?
On the south coast (Matala, Paleochora, Ierapetra), often a little warmer and drier than the north coast.
Are hotels open in October?
Yes in the towns and most resorts early in the month. Late in the month, some beach hotels and tavernas close.
Can you do the Samaria gorge in October?
Often, but the park is only open part of the year depending on conditions: check the opening dates before you go.
Our sources
- Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS): normals for the Heraklion airport station
- German weather service (DWD), Klimatafel for Iraklion: sea temperature and sunshine
- Calendars taken from our page the best time to visit Crete
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.