Weather in Crete in April

How April compares

April is the 7th warmest month of the year in Crete and ranks 58th of 134 destinations we compare for April - see where else is hot in April. Within Greece it is 5th of 44 (Greece in April). Against London's average high of 13.5°C in April, Crete is 7.3°C warmer by day and 6.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in April

The typical April day in Crete peaks at 20.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 7 days top 25°C and 1 in 91 pass 30°C. Nights average 11.8°C; one night in ten drops to 9.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest April day here reached 34.9°C (2008-04-21) and the coldest night 6.0°C (2005-04-06).

Rain in April

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 38 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest April was 2011 with 101 mm, the driest 2016 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 67%.

Sea temperature in April

The sea averages 16.6°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.7°C to 17.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:47 and sets about 19:52 local time in mid-April. Average cloud cover is 40%.

Is April a good time to visit Crete?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Crete on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm afternoons, but pack for cool evenings

The daytime average is comfortable for spending time outside without planning everything around intense heat. A T-shirt may be enough during warmer afternoons, while light layers give you more flexibility than packing only summer clothes. There is a warmer side to April: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.6°C or more, so sun protection still belongs in your bag. Evenings are the bigger packing consideration. The coldest 10% of nights fall to 9.1°C or lower, making a jacket and long trousers sensible for sitting outdoors after dark. This suits travellers who prefer warmth without relying on it lasting into the evening.

Plenty of daylight, with some wet-weather flexibility

April brings about 7.8 hours of sunshine within 12.9 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of scope to spend time outdoors without treating every bright spell as your only chance. Rain is still part of the picture, with about 6 rainy days during the month. That is a reason to keep plans flexible, not to assume the whole holiday will be wet. Pack a light waterproof and shoes you can comfortably wear in rain, alongside your lighter clothing. If your priority is uninterrupted sunshine, April carries a compromise; if you are happy to adjust plans around the weather, it is a reasonable choice.

Better for time beside the sea than in it

The sea is the clearest reason to think carefully before booking a swimming-focused holiday. Its April average is 16.6°C, with a year-to-year range of 16°C to 17°C, so a warmer spring does not make comfortable swimming a sensible expectation. You might still choose a brief dip if you tolerate cold water, but do not mistake a warm afternoon for a warm sea. For travellers content to spend time by the water fully dressed or enjoy the sunshine between other outdoor plans, that matters much less. If long, relaxed sea swims are central to your holiday, April is not a good fit.