Greece › Crete › September Weather
By Santorini Dave
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September is, for me, the perfect month to be in Crete. This is the smart traveler’s summer. The intense, frantic energy and oppressive heat of August give way to a more relaxed, golden atmosphere. The weather is still gloriously hot, the sea is at its warmest, and the summer crowds have thinned out significantly. If you are looking for the ideal balance of perfect beach weather, activity-friendly conditions, and a lively but manageable social scene, September is your month. It’s all the best parts of summer with few of the drawbacks.
Crete in September: What to Expect
• Weather: Close to perfect. Days are consistently sunny and hot, but without the brutal intensity of July and August. The evenings are warm and ideal for dining outdoors. A brief, isolated shower is possible in the last week of the month, but it’s rare.
• Crowds: Noticeably reduced. The large family crowds of August are gone. The island is still bustling and vibrant, especially in the first half of the month, but popular beaches and sites are far more pleasant. It’s a more adult, relaxed crowd.
• Prices: Better value. Flight and accommodation prices begin to drop from their August peaks. You can find good deals, particularly in the latter half of September. Booking in advance is still wise, but not as frantically essential as for peak summer.
• Activities: Ideal conditions for everything. It’s warm enough for any beach activity, but the milder heat makes exploring archaeological sites and hiking a true pleasure. This is also the month of the grape harvest (vendema), offering a chance to see Crete’s wineries in full action.
• Temperature: Beautifully warm. Daily temperatures average in the high 20s Celsius (78-84°F), with the first half of the month feeling more like summer and the second half feeling milder. Nights are comfortable, typically around 19-21°C (66-70°F).
• The Meltemi Wind: The strong Meltemi winds of summer begin to die down throughout September. This means the north coast beaches are generally much calmer than in July and August, making it a great time to explore them.
• Sunshine: Plentiful. You can still expect long, sunny days, though they are noticeably shorter than in June and July. The light takes on a beautiful golden quality in the late afternoons.
• Swimming Conditions: The sea is at its absolute best. After being heated all summer, the water temperature is perfect, often warmer than the air in the evening. Average sea temperatures are a balmy 24-26°C (75-79°F).
Best Things to Do in Crete in September
September is the month you can do it all without the strategic planning required for August. The comfortable weather opens up the entire island for easy exploration.
Hike the Samaria Gorge
This is the best month to hike the gorge. The weather is ideal—not too hot—the trail is less crowded, and the park is fully operational. It is still a very serious 16 km trek that requires good fitness and proper shoes, but the experience is far more pleasant than in the peak summer heat.
Explore the Wineries & Harvest
September is grape harvest season in Crete. It’s a fantastic time to visit the island’s excellent wineries, particularly in the regions around Heraklio and Chania. You can see the harvest in action, and many wineries offer special tours and tastings. It’s a unique cultural experience that smells of fermenting grapes and tradition.
Take a Road Trip
With less traffic on the roads, September is the perfect time to rent a car and explore. Drive through the dramatic mountain passes, discover tiny, quiet villages, and find your own secluded beach on the south coast. The journey itself is as spectacular as the destination.
Best Cretan Beaches to Visit in September
I think the beaches of Crete are at their best in September. The water is incredibly warm, the sun is less punishing, and you don’t have to fight for every square inch of sand.
The marvelous beach resorts in Elounda are at their best in September.
The Chania Area Beaches
• Agia Marina & Platanias: Still lively with plenty of open bars and restaurants, but the atmosphere is more chilled. You can easily find a frontline sunbed without showing up at dawn. It’s a relaxed and convenient beach scene.
• Agioi Apostoloi & Iguana Beach: These coves remain a top choice. While protection from the wind is less of a critical factor than in August, the calm, shallow waters are still perfect for a relaxing swim.
For Iconic Lagoons (West Crete)
• Elafonisi & Balos: This is the time to see these world-famous beaches without the insane crowds of August. They are still popular, so an early start is always a good idea, but the experience is vastly more enjoyable. You’ll have space to appreciate their breathtaking beauty. For Balos, the ferry from Kissamos is still the easiest option.
For Great Swathes of Sand (West & North Crete)
• Falasarna: With the Meltemi wind calming down, Falasarna is at its best. The water is often calmer, and the spectacular sunsets are just as beautiful. It’s an ideal spot for a long, late-afternoon beach session.
• Rethymno Beach: Still bustling and fully serviced, but much more relaxed. It’s perfect for a convenient swim and a meal at a beachfront taverna.
Visit Key Sites and Old Towns
While an early start is always best for sightseeing, you have much more flexibility in September. You can visit Knossos Palace mid-morning without facing unbearable heat or crowds. The Old Towns of Chania and Rethymno are delightful to explore all day long, with their labyrinthine alleys perfect for leisurely wandering and shopping.
Crete Nightlife in September
Nightlife is still very much alive, especially in the first half of the month. The party in Malia is winding down, but the bars and restaurants in Chania and Rethymno are vibrant, filled with a slightly more mature crowd enjoying the warm evenings. It’s more about sophisticated cocktails and long dinners than all-night raging.
Crete in September: Travel Advice
• For Couples: This is the most romantic month to visit Crete. The atmosphere is relaxed, the sunsets are beautiful, and you can enjoy the island’s beauty without the stress of peak season. It’s perfect for scenic drives and intimate dinners.
• For Active Travelers: Prime time. September is the best month for hikers, cyclists, and explorers. The conditions are perfect for getting out into Crete’s spectacular natural landscapes.
• Getting Around: Renting a car is still the best way to see the island. While you should still book in advance for the best price and selection, you will have more options and find better deals than in the summer. Driving and parking are also significantly easier.
About Santorini Dave