Koutouloufari weather by month

When to go to Koutouloufari

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 Koutouloufari 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: mild days, cool evenings and more rain

December to February suits a break focused on being outdoors between showers rather than swimming. December averages 16°C by day, falling to 15°C in January and February, so sunshine can feel pleasant but summer clothing alone will not be enough. Nights average 9°C in January and February: pack layers and a jacket for evenings. Each winter month averages 10 rain days, making waterproofs and flexible plans sensible. Daily sunshine rises from 4 hours in December and January to 5 in February. The sea cools from 18°C in December to 16°C, which will feel chilly to most holiday swimmers.

Spring: increasingly warm days, with the sea lagging behind

March brings daytime averages of 18°C, comfortable for walking with a layer handy, though nights remain cool at 10°C. April feels warmer at 21°C, with 8 hours of daily sunshine and fewer rain days than March. It is a useful middle ground if you dislike summer heat, but the sea is still a cool 17°C. May makes the clearest move towards summer: days average 26°C, nights 16°C and rain falls on an average of 4 days. Pack light daytime clothes alongside an evening layer. At 19°C, May's sea is still better suited to swimmers who do not mind a cool dip.

Summer and autumn: hot weather gives way to warm-sea days

June starts summer with 30°C days, a 23°C sea and just 2 rain days on average. July and August reach 31°C, so plan strenuous activity away from midday and allow for warm nights. July offers 14 sunshine hours daily; August has the warmest sea at 26°C. Both average just 1 rain day, though dry weather is never guaranteed. September keeps much of summer's warmth, with 29°C days and a 25°C sea, making it a strong choice for swimming without the highest average heat. October trades some sunshine for gentler 25°C days; its 23°C sea remains appealing, but rain becomes more likely. November is cooler at 20°C by day, with 5 sunshine hours and 6 rain days. Bring layers and treat swimming as an option rather than the focus.