Hersonissos weather by month

When to go to Hersonissos

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: May, June, July, August, September. January is the wettest month (65 mm, about 10 rainy days) and July the driest (3 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 25.8°C and coolest in February at 15.6°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER, 19 km from Limín Khersonísou) takes roughly 4 h 6 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Athens.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Hersonissos between 1991 and 2020 reached 42.7°C on 12 August 2002; the coldest fell to 0.9°C on 14 February 2004. In July one day in ten tops 35.4°C and about 57% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 6.2°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was February 2019 with 274 mm, against a February average of 59 mm.

Winter and spring: mild days, but give the sea time to warm

December, January and February call for layers and a waterproof rather than a beach-focused packing list. January and February average 15°C by day and 9°C at night, with rain on 10 days each month, so leave room to change outdoor plans. March brings warmer afternoons, though the sea remains chilly at 16°C. April is more comfortable for spending time outside, with daytime temperatures of 21°C, but evenings still need a jacket. May feels much closer to summer: days average 26°C and rain becomes less frequent. The catch is the water, which averages just 19°C. Choose late spring for warmth on land without midsummer heat, rather than expecting the sea to feel as warm as the air.

Summer: the strongest choice for beach weather

June brings daytime averages of 30°C and a sea temperature of 23°C, making it a strong choice when swimming matters more than keeping afternoons cool. July and August both average 31°C by day, so plan more active time for mornings and take shade breaks around midday. Rain is uncommon, though not impossible. July has the most sunshine, while August has the warmest sea at 26°C. Nights stay warm too, especially in August, when the average is 23°C. Pack light clothing and sun protection, and check that your accommodation has cooling if warm nights make sleeping difficult. Summer suits heat lovers better than travellers who want comfortable conditions for sustained activity.

Autumn: warm water first, more changeable weather later

September keeps much of summer's warmth, with days averaging 29°C and the sea at 25°C. It suits travellers who still want beach time but would prefer a little less daytime heat than in July or August. October is a gentler option: the air averages 25°C and the sea 23°C, although rain becomes more frequent and sunshine hours fall. Keep your plans flexible rather than expecting every day to be a beach day. November shifts towards mild-weather travel, with daytime temperatures of 20°C and cooler evenings. The sea also averages 20°C, so swimming becomes more dependent on your tolerance for cool water. Bring layers and something waterproof.