Crete in April: weather and travel tips

If you’re seeking a warm spring break in a charming, historic location, consider adding Crete to your travel wish-list. While it won’t yet be hot, the weather in Crete in April means warm days, mild evenings, and small crowds. Read on to discover more about visiting Crete in April, with trip-enhancing tips and inspirational itinerary suggestions. 

Create in April at a glance

• Weather in Crete during April is characterized by increasing warmth and sunshine, with temperatures ranging from approximately 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F).
• Occasional rain showers are still possible in Crete, however, these showers are typically short-lived, and sunny skies often follow.
• April in Crete showcases the island's natural beauty as landscapes burst into bloom with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery.
• April is the shoulder month for Crete, meaning you can expect fewer crowds compared to the high season months.

What is the weather like in Crete in April?

Sitting in the southern Aegean Sea between the Greek mainland and North Africa, Crete is one of the warmest places in Europe at this time of year.

If you visit Crete in April, you stand an excellent chance of enjoying pretty warm weather and relatively little rain as the island transitions through spring.

Temperatures in Crete in April

With an average daily maximum of 21ºC, and an average daily minimum of 12ºC, Crete enjoys warm-to-mild temperatures in April. As for the sea, it remains a brisk 17ºC.

For context, the average high temperature in Crete in May is 24ºC, dropping to an average of 14ºC at night, while the sea temperature averages 19ºC in May.

By June, the average daytime high is 28ºC, and the sea will be around 25 ºC.

Average rainfall in Crete in April

After March’s showers, the average rainfall in Crete drops to 21mm across six days in April.

If you can hold off another month or two, Crete sees an average of 13mm of rainfall through May, and practically none in June, July and August.

Meanwhile, December — Crete’s rainiest month — experiences an average of 89mm.

Considering visiting Crete in April? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip.

Is April a good time to visit Crete?

If you’re into experiencing local culture, cuisine and walking scenic trails, April is a great time to visit Crete. The weather is warm, it’s drier than the preceding months, and pleasantly uncrowded.

Get lucky, and you might also find yourself basking in the spring sun on one of the island’s beautiful beaches.

Just be aware that the sea isn’t exactly hot at this time of year, and the evenings and nights cool down. 

Not sure when you want to travel? Read up on when to go to Greece around the year.

What about the crowds and cost?

As mentioned above, if you visit Crete in the shoulder season of April, the crowds will be pretty small. Just check when Easter falls, as this does see in increase in visitors.

The same applies to the question of the costs associated with visiting Crete in April. Shoulder season means lower costs than you’ll typically pay for flights and accommodation through June, July and August. 

But it’s best to book early, especially when Easter fall in April.

Keen to enjoy a break in April? For more ideas, discover more of the best places to visit in April.

Ready for your dream trip to Crete?

If you’re in the market for a spring break that’s sure to put a spring in your step, you’ll find inspiration in our Greece itineraries. Here we highlight just a few of them.

• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it.
• Milos — an exclusive island idyll (9 days): for an alternate Greek Island experience, why not get to know the Aegean’s most exotic island while staying in a private luxury villa by the sea?
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens and the magic of mortuaries Zagori, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

All these suggestions can be customised to your exact needs, with a local expert on hand to offer insider tips, and take the hassle out of planning and booking.

Festivals and events in Crete in April

If you visit Greece in April, you’re in for a treat when it comes to local events, especially if Easter falls within the month.

Easter

One of the most important religious festivals in Crete, a number of rites are performed throughout Holy Week, with a huge firework display on the Saturday.  

On Easter Sunday and Monday, expect to feast on succulent roasted lamb and local drinks, with most towns and villages having their own way of marking the occasion.

Feast of Saint George (Agios Georgios)

 On April 23rd, the feast of Agios Georgios — AKA Saint George, patron Saint of shepherds — is celebrated around the island, with notable gatherings held in Chania, Plakias and Rethymno.

Still undecided about when to travel? Be inspired by reasons to visit Greece in winter.

Tips for travelling to Crete in April

Here we share a few tips to help you make the most of visiting Crete in April. 

What to wear in Crete in April

Bearing in mind the warm daytime temperatures, you’ll want to wear light summer clothing during the warm days — the likes of summer dresses, shorts and t-shirts.

At the same time, you’ll want to come prepared with pullovers and cardigans for the cooler days and evenings. 

Finally, while the rain has dropped off from March, we also suggest packing a light raincoat and umbrella.

Be aware of Easter 

When Easter falls in April, expect an increased demand for flights and accommodation, which usually means increased prices.

To secure your seat on the plane — and your preferred place to bed down — book early.

Consider staying somewhere with a heated pool

If you’re hoping to swim, and aren’t keen on braving the chilly sea, check out accommodation options with heated pools. 

While this is something you might overlook — or can do without — in July and August, April’s cool sea temperatures might make it more of a must-have, depending on what you want from your trip.

Planning your April trip to Crete 

If you’re feeling inspired to visit Crete in April, get yourself The Rough Guide to Crete to start planning your trip. 

It’s packed with detail on top attractions and hidden gems, with in-depth area-by-area intel on accommodation, how to get around, and how to live your best authentic Cretan life. 

Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of planning, browse our customisable Greece itineraries.