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Crete in October and November: Weather, Sea Temperature and What's Open
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 1 source listed below
Quick answer
October is one of the best months in Crete: about 22°C by day, the sea still about 22°C and only around 5 days with rain. November is cooler (about 19°C, sea about 20°C, 8 rainy days) but still pleasant. Chania and Heraklion stay open all year; beach resorts wind down from late October, and the Samaria Gorge usually closes for the season around the end of October.
Weather in numbers
| Month | High | Low | Sea | Sun a day | Days with rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 25°C | 18°C | 24°C | 10 h | 1 |
| October | 22°C | 15°C | 22°C | 6 h | 5 |
| November | 19°C | 12°C | 20°C | 5 h | 8 |
What's open
- Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno: open all year, with plenty of restaurants and hotels.
- Beach resorts (Malia, Hersonissos, parts of the south coast): many close from late October.
- Knossos and the Heraklion museum: open all year, with shorter winter hours.
Things to do
- Swim in October, especially in the south, which is often warmer.
- Hike gorges other than Samaria once it closes (Imbros and Aradena, for example).
- October is harvest time for grapes and olives; village festivals and raki-making start.
Getting there
- Overnight ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania run nightly all year (about 9 hours).
- Santorini–Heraklion fast boats run daily in summer and become rare in winter.
- Flights to Heraklion and Chania continue from Athens all year.
FAQ
Is Crete warm in October?
Yes: about 22°C by day with the sea still around 22°C, warm enough to swim.
Is Crete worth visiting in November?
Yes for towns, food, walking and Knossos. It's cooler (about 19°C) and beach resorts are mostly closed.
Is the Samaria Gorge open in November?
Usually not: it normally closes for the season around the end of October. Shorter gorges like Imbros are alternatives.
Where should I stay in Crete in October?
Chania or Heraklion: both stay open all year and have buses to beaches and sights.
Sources
Related guides
- Santorini in October: Weather, Sea Temperature and Is It Worth It?
- Greece in November: Weather, Sea, What's Open and Is It Worth It?
- West Crete Guide: Balos, Elafonisi and Samaria Gorge
- Greece in December: Weather, Christmas, What's Open and Where to Go
- Zagori & Vikos Gorge: Bases and Hiking Guide
- Samaria Gorge Hike: Complete Guide for Crete
Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.