What’s the Weather Like in Crete in September

Located quite south off the coast of mainland Greece, and even rather close to the northern coast of Africa, the weather in Crete is warm and dry in September.

Officially, September marks the end of our hot summers. However, on the island, days are still rather long and very warm.

The sun is still enough to give you a fantastic suntan but be careful, the sun rays are still quite strong and if you don’t use any USV protection, it could turn into a painful experience.

At night, temperatures go down a bit making it absolutely pleasant, for instance, It’s possible to dine out by the sea without the need for a jacket.

Crete Weather in September

During September, temperatures don’t usually climb above 30°C (86°F). The cooler evenings are a welcomed relief. It’s also possible to have a few showers, very needed after an extremely hot summer, but rains don’t usually last for more than a few hours.

All these make the island more enjoyable during September than in July or August.

In the mountain areas of Crete, the temperatures can be a bit cooler than by the sea.

Remember that the southern coast is directly affected by the North African climate, so it’s even warmer and dry. You can check the average temperatures in Crete here.

Does it Rain in Crete in September?

There can be a couple of occasional showers in September but rain is not a typical feature of Crete’s weather during autumn. You might encounter a light shower that will be gone after just a few hours.

This exceptional rainy day is more common in western Crete, Chania tends to receive more rain than other regions due to its proximity to the White Mountains.

Crete Holidays in September

Crete is one of the most popular European summer destinations also for its long summer.

Although many tourists choose to spend their holidays in Crete in September, there’s a decline in crowds because many children go back to school in September all over Europe, and families don’t travel that much.

September is a great month for older couples, families with small kids, and young adults with a more limited budget. As a matter of fact, prices for flights, car rental, and accommodation start going down.

It’s also quite easy to get hold of a discounted package holiday.

Flight schedules to the island can see a reduction towards the end of September, but most companies (even low-cost ones), travel to Crete regularly well into October.

Basic Info About Crete

Crete is a Greek island located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It’s Greece’s largest and the fifth-biggest island in the Mediterranean.

The northern coast faces the Sea of Crete while the southern side of the island is bathed by the Libyan Sea.

What’s the Landscape Like in Crete?

A large part of Crete’s landscape is made of high mountains and very rugged terrain, there are deep and long gorges, plateaus, and caves, but also soft valleys, rivers, lakes, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean.

Crete is divided into four different prefectures or regions, from east to west they are Lasithi, Heraklion Rethymno, and Chania.

The capital is Heraklion, followed in importance by the cities of Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra, and Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region.

Crete is a mountainous island with deep gorges and rugged cliffs, different mountain ranges divide the land into two very different areas, the more developed north coast, and a pretty isolated southern portion.

What to Pack for Crete in September

Summer is still in full swing during most of the month. Days are long and quite hot, while on most nights it’s just a bit cooler.

All in all, you will need the same clothes you would pack for a summer holiday, just add a light jumper or jacket, and a raincoat as you might find the occasional shower.

Expect to go to the beach a lot, or to do quite a few outdoor activities, pack a couple of swimming suits, flip flops, sunscreen, and a hat. Sports clothes will also be necessary if you plan to hike through any of the gorges on the island.

Swimming shoes turn out useful when visiting pebbled beaches while these particular hiking sandals are not only ideal to explore the mountains or for long walks, but they will turn out to be a must… for all your trips!

Add a couple of nice summer dresses and flat sandals for nights out. Men could be just fine wearing short pants and a T-shirt.

Best Things to Do in September in Crete

These are only a few of my favorite things to do in Crete in September, take a look…

Going to the Beach

Going to the beach remains one of the top and most popular things to do in Crete in September.

You can explore lesser-known coasts if you choose beaches in the south, or you can try popular places such as Balos, Matala, or Elafonisi.

These will be crowded, just not overcrowded as they usually are in August.

The remote eastern coast is a great area to reach in September, the temperatures are usually higher than in the rest of Crete, and it virtually never rains in September.

Choosing cities in the east such as Sitia or Ierapetra, and even the busier Agios Nikolaos will be great to explore endless hidden beaches completely disregarded by tourists.

Experiencing the Mountains

Taking a trip to the mountains, or even deciding to book accommodation far from the coast, is a great way to experience a different, less touristic, holiday.

It’s also a great idea to stay in a traditional village. It will give you a whole different perspective and it can prove a very relaxing getaway.

There are several mountain ranges in every region of the island. There are valleys, plateaus, gorges, and well-marked paths that you can follow.

A mountain walk is an opportunity to get close-ups of the local plants, herbs, and flowers.

This unique tour (which is truly fantastic!) introduces you to Crete’s unique landscape while exploring seven authentic villages in the Apokoronas area. It gives you the chance to discover how local producers make cheese, tsikoudia, and more along the way.

Visiting a Museum

There are several great museums to visit in Crete and, of course, they are less crowded during September than at the peak of summer.

You can explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion as well as the Museum of Natural History, or you can pay a visit to less traditional museums, such as Lychnostatis Open Air Museum in Hersonissos, or the fantastic Homo Sapiens Museum close to the Lasithi Plateau.

There are hundreds of other interesting museums even in small villages as well as several archaeological museums in Chania, Rethymnon, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Kissamos, and Ierapetra.

Discovering the Archaeological Sites

Cradle of the Minoan Civilization, the island is home to some of the most stunning archaeological sites in Greece.

Your choice starts with the Minoan Palace of Knossos but you can also pick to visit other former Minoan palaces, such as Phaistos, Malia, or Kato Zakros.

Other archaeological sites worth a visit scattered on Crete include the important Archaeological Site of Lato, close to Agios Nikolaos. The flourishing city-state of Lato that thrived during the Dorian period was also a rival to the city of Olous.

Olous is today a sunken settlement, it’s in the area of Elounda and you can check it out from the coast on clear days.

In the region of Rethymnon, the Ancient Site of Eleftherna is also worth a stop, while its small museum is one of the most modern exhibitions on the island.

It doesn’t really matter where in Crete you decide to stay, you will find ancient ruins in every area of Crete. This article includes some of the most important ones.

Giving a Try to Water Sports

Believe it or not, the island is windier in August than in September, something that we really appreciate as the wind helps mitigate the scorching temperatures.

However, there are several places where the wind still blows, and are perfect to try water sports. One of those places is Falasarna Beach, facing the west.

In the area, you can try different activities for which the wind is simply a blessing, including surf and windsurfing.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) has become truly popular and it can be enjoyed all over the island, especially in smaller bays where the wind is not an issue.

Popular places for SUP are the Akrotiri Peninsula in Chania and Agia Pelagia in Heraklion, while you can also go kayaking along the coast in Chania town.

However, always ask around, there are more and more places offering SUP experiences all over Crete as well as many other water activities.

Joining an Organized Tour of Crete in September

There are hundreds of tours you can join when visiting Crete, some of them extremely popular, others lesser-known but still full of value.

It’s not easy to suggest which one you should choose, there are different factors to take into account when recommending such activities, including your budget, the place where you’re staying, and the kind of activity you’re interested in.

Embarking on a Road Trip in Crete

Driving in Crete is one of the best experiences you can pick for an unforgettable vacation. It was the way we used to tour the island before we moved here and, for me, it remains the most exciting kind of trip.

Crete is the perfect road trip destination, offering a safe highway for less-experienced divers, as well as some of the most breathtaking mountain roads for intrepid adventurers.

Since road-tripping in Crete is what I love doing the most, I’ve written the following guides to help you plan a road trip, prepare an itinerary, and to pack the right things in your car:

• Tips for driving and renting a car in Crete
• Planning a road trip in Crete
• Crete itinerary for 3 (or fewer) weeks
• What to pack for a road trip in Crete

Trying Your Hand at the Local Cuisine

The local gastronomy of Crete, based on the tasty Cretan and Mediterranean diets, is among the main reasons to explore the island.

Local flavors, genuine ingredients, and seasonal products guarantee a result full of flavors, always fresh, and incredibly healthy.

Replicating the recipes of the Cretan table once back home is one of the best souvenirs you can invest in when visiting Crete.

Check out this unique cooking class in Rethymnon or go for this convenient lesson in the mountains of Chania.

September is a great month to discover herbs and wild greens. And it’s even better to participate in the grape harvest.

The island boasts some fantastic wines, and visiting a winery with a local sommelier can be one of the highlights of your trip.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Crete

I’ve written several accommodation guides to the island, for hotels, villas, and rental homes. It includes affordable hotels, family accommodations, luxury resorts,s and -truly- a lot more.

Head here, if you want to understand which area in Crete is best for your holiday style.

You can check out rental homes or villas and book a home away from home in Chania, Rethymnon, Lasithi, in the area near Elafonisi, and even on Gavdos Island.

• Rental homes and villas in Chania
• Rental homes and villas in Agios Nikolaos
• Rental homes and villas in Rethymnon
• Rental homes and villas in Heraklion

If you prefer hotels and resorts, check out these accommodation guides to Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Rethymnon. Would you like to visit Crete in September? Let me know in the comments below.

Hey! Don’t Leave without Pinning! Pin these Picture-Perfect Things to Do in Crete in September for Your Next Trip!

---