Crete in July: weather and travel tips

Wondering where to head for a sun-drenched summer break? You might want to add Crete to your wish-list. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Crete in July, along with info on costs, crowds, festivals and events. In addition, we also share some Greek itinerary suggestions that might just spark more summer travel ideas. 

What is the weather like in Crete in July?

Located between the Greek mainland and North Africa, the glorious Greek island of Crete plays host to the country’s warmest climate, especially on its southern coast. 

In short, the weather in Crete in July is hot and sunny, with rainfall a very rare occurrence.

In the market for a blissful summer break? Read up on the best places to visit in July. 

Air and sea temperatures in Crete in July

With an average daily maximum 32°C, and an average daily minimum of 22°C, the weather in Crete in July is hot, hot hot!

You’ll enjoy around 12 hours of sunshine a day, and sea temperatures of 25°C.

Average rainfall in Crete in July

If you visit Crete in July, there’s a 99% chance that you’ll enjoy a perfect, cloud-free sunny day.

Even on the days that see some cloud, rain is virtually unheard of in July. 

For context, September sees an average of 10mm of rain while  December — the rainiest month in Crete — sees an average of 89mm.

Not sure when you want to travel? Read up on when to go to Greece to find out about the weather in Greece around the year.

Is July a good time to visit Crete?

If you’re hoping for heat, want to bliss out on the island’s beautiful beaches and love your holiday destinations to have lots of buzz, July is a very good time to visit Crete.

Just be aware that July falls within peak season, so it’s one of the busiest months of the year. 

This means you’ll want to book your flights and accommodation well ahead of travelling — more on that below.

Considering visiting Crete in July? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to kickstart your perfect trip.

What about the crowds and cost?

There’s no getting away from the fact that July sees Crete in full peak-season mode, which means big crowds and higher costs that you’ll see in the shoulder season months (May and September) and through the winter low season.

For smaller crowds — and lower costs — consider visiting Crete later in the year — there are plenty of great reasons to visit Greece in winter.

Ready for your dream trip to Crete?

Browse our Greece itineraries to find inspiration for a summer trip you’re sure to remember. Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite:

• 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 this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

Like all Rough Guides’ trips, these itineraries can be personalised to your needs and interests, with a local expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning and booking. 

Festivals and events in Crete in July

Alongside summer serving stacks of live music events and beach parties, July is a great time to visit Crete for cultural events.

The Renaissance Festival, Rethymnon

Held across two weeks in July, the Renaissance Festival presents theatrical performances and dance events, music concerts and art exhibitions in Rethymno. It’s a must-visit for culture vultures.

Rethymnon Wine Festival

Come late July, Rethymnon also hosts an excellent wine festival. It’s usually a two-week affair ­— expect tastings galore accompanied by local music and dancing into the small hours.

Hyakinthia Festival

Every July, the three-day Hyakinthia festival is held in the village of Anogia to honour the saint of love with feasting and events relating to Cretan history, music and folk culture.

Lato Festival

Fans of classical music and culture won’t want to miss July’s Lato Cultural Festival. 

Held in Agios Nikolaos, it boasts a bounty of events covering everything from folk dancing and theatre, to music performances and art shows. 

Tips for travelling to Crete in July

From what to wear, to making the most of the island’s cultural attractions, here are a few tips that’ll enhance your July trip to Crete.

What to wear in Crete in July

Given the high average daily temperatures, it’s clear you won’t need to pack bulky clothing to keep you warm! Light summer wear and swimming gear are in order — shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, sandals and flip-flops.

Just don’t forget to bring a cover-up to protect you from the sun, and footwear suitable for exploring Crete’s incredible mountain trails.

Be savvy about the sun

Given the heat and intensity of the sun, be sure to use plenty of sun screen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and hydrate often.

That counts whether you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, hiking the island’s trails, or visiting the island’s archaeological sites.

Book flights and accommodation early

Given that July is Crete’s peak season, to secure your preferred flight and accommodation, you need to book as early as possible. 

That way, you’ll avoid the disappointment of your top choice being booked up, and you might bag yourself an early-bird bargain. 

Visit top attractions early in the day

Given the crowds and heat Crete sees in July, plan your trips to top attractions like Knossos and Phaistos for the early morning.

Tour parties tend to arrive after 10am, so try to time your visit before then to see the sites up close, without having to vie for the best views and photo opps.

It’s also more pleasant to take your time to explore them before the sizzling afternoon heat strikes.

Planning your July trip to Crete

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Crete, get yourself The Rough Guide to Crete. With in-depth region-by-region coverage, and detail on where to stay, eat, drink and shop, it’s the perfect companion for planning your trip.

That’s especially the case for independent travellers who want to get to the heart of the island — the guide also covers lesser-visited off-the-beaten-track attractions.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on the hassle of researching, planning and booking, browse our customisable Greece itineraries.  

As with all Rough Guides’ itineraries, your perfect trip will be curated with support from a local expert who really knows their stuff.