Weather in Crete in November

How November compares

November is the 8th warmest month of the year in Crete and ranks 65th of 134 destinations we compare for November - see where else is hot in November. Within Greece it is 8th of 44 (Greece in November). Against London's average high of 10.4°C in November, Crete is 9.1°C warmer by day and 8.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in November

The typical November day in Crete peaks at 19.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.5°C or more. Roughly 1 in 19 days top 25°C and 1 in 500 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.1°C; one night in ten drops to 10.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest November day here reached 30.4°C (2003-11-02) and the coldest night 5.2°C (2006-11-05).

Rain in November

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 50 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest November was 2020 with 196 mm, the driest 2015 with 7 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in November

The sea averages 20.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.3°C to 21.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:55 and sets about 17:13 local time in mid-November. Average cloud cover is 57%.

Is November a good time to visit Crete?

November is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Crete on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Mild afternoons, cooler evenings

November is a reasonable choice if you prefer being outdoors without strong heat. A daytime high around 20°C is comfortable for walking in light layers, although that is an average rather than a promise for every afternoon. The warmest days can reach 23.5°C or more, making a sunny lunchtime your best opportunity to sit outside in lighter clothing. Evenings need a different approach: pack trousers and a jumper, with a jacket for later. The coldest nights fall to 10.4°C or below, so a suitcase packed only for warm weather would leave you short. This month suits travellers who value mildness more than heat.

Leave room for rain and shorter days

Expect some disruption from rain rather than treating every day as a beach day. November has about 8 rainy days, which makes a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground sensible choices. Keep outdoor plans movable so you can use the brighter spells instead of committing everything in advance. There are about 4.3 hours of sunshine within 10.1 hours of daylight, so daylight does not necessarily mean clear skies. Start outdoor activities earlier rather than leaving them until late afternoon. The balance is workable for a flexible break, but less appealing if uninterrupted sunshine is the main reason you are travelling.

Treat swimming as an option, not the whole plan

The sea averages 20.4°C in November, putting it firmly in bracing territory. You may enjoy a dip if you are comfortable in cooler water, but it is not a strong choice for a holiday centred on long, leisurely swims. Sea temperatures have ranged from 19°C to 22°C between years, so the experience can vary. A brighter, milder part of the day is the more appealing time to try, with dry clothes and a warm layer ready afterwards. Pack swimwear if you want the option, but make sure the trip would still feel worthwhile if you decide the water is too cool.