Crete water temperature
The sea off Crete is warmest in August, around 78°F (25°C), and coolest in February, around 60°F (16°C).
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Feels | Air high |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F (16°C) | Cold: wetsuit | 60°F |
| February | 60°F (16°C) | Cold: wetsuit | 61°F |
| March | 61°F (16°C) | Cold: wetsuit | 63°F |
| April | 62°F (17°C) | Cold: wetsuit | 68°F |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 74°F |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | Refreshing | 79°F |
| July | 76°F (25°C) | Pleasant | 83°F |
| August | 78°F (25°C) | Warm | 83°F |
| September | 76°F (25°C) | Pleasant | 80°F |
| October | 73°F (23°C) | Refreshing | 74°F |
| November | 69°F (20°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 69°F |
| December | 64°F (18°C) | Cool: wetsuit for long swims | 64°F |
Average sea-surface temperature just offshore, 1991–2020. Water in shallow bays runs a little warmer on sunny afternoons.
On the water in Crete
Questions
When is the water warmest in Crete?
August, at about 78°F (25°C).
Can you swim in Crete all year?
The water is comfortably warm (73°F/23°C or more) in July, August, September. Outside those months most people want a wetsuit for long swims.
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in Crete?
In February, at 60°F, a 3 mm wetsuit makes a long snorkel much more comfortable. Many tours include or rent one.
