Crete in June: weather and travel tips

Looking for a summer break packed with sun, culture, fine food and walks on the wild side? Consider heading to the captivating island of Crete in June. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Crete in June, along with tips on what to expect in terms of costs, crowds and festivals. As a bonus, we also share Greek itinerary suggestions that might just spark more summer travel ideas. 

What is the weather like in Crete in June?

Stunningly sited in the Aegean Sea between the Greek mainland and North Africa, Crete boasts Greece’s warmest climate.

As for the weather in Crete in June, it’s characterised by long, warm sunny days, and minimal rainfall. 

Considering visiting Crete in June? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to kickstart your perfect trip.

Air and sea temperatures in Crete in June

In welcome news for travellers who like it warm, Crete’s average high temperature in June is 28ºC, while the average low is 18ºC. This wide range comes as a result of seasonal winds.

Meanwhile, the sea is a very pleasant 22ºC.

Average rainfall in Crete in June

On average, Crete sees just 1mm of rain in June, and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. 

To put that in context, September sees an average of 10mm of rain while December — Crete’s rainiest month — experiences an average of 89mm.

Not sure when to travel? Arm yourself with info on when to go to Greece around the year.

Is June a good time to visit Crete?

For travellers who want to soak up sun on the island’s beautiful beaches just ahead of the peak summer season, June is a great time to visit Crete.

The same is true for visitors who are keen to discover the island’s cultural treasures, like Knossos Palace. With the weather being warm and dry, you can take your time exploring such sites, with fewer fellow visitors than you’d see in July and August.

Still not sure where to travel next summer? Read up on the best places to visit in June. 

What about the crowds and cost?

Given that June sees Crete on the cusp of its peak summer season period, expect crowds to be bigger than you’ll see in May, or earlier in spring.

While the high season doesn’t get into full swing until July and August, it’s best to book your flights and accommodation in advance. 

As a general rule, expect costs to be higher than during the spring shoulder season. Again, book earlier to increase your chance of securing prices that are more pleasing on the pocket.

If budget is a big priority — and you prefer smaller crowds — consider visiting Crete later in the year. For example, there are plenty of reasons to visit Greece in winter.

Ready for your dream trip to Crete?

To find inspiration for a special sun-drenched summer trip, browse our Greece itineraries. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it.
• Milos — an exclusive island idyll (9 days): for an alternate Greek Island experience, why not get to know the Aegean’s most exotic island while staying in a private luxury villa by the sea?
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

Like all Rough Guides’ trips, these itineraries can be personalised to your needs and interests, with a local expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning and booking. 

Festivals and events in Crete in June

June is a great time to visit Crete for festivals, parties, and events. Here’s an overview of a few key events in Crete’s June calendar.

Matala Beach Festival

A highlight of the Cretan cultural calendar, the annual Matala Beach Festival is a three-day affair of music, street art, and family-friendly activities. 

Usually held towards the end of the month, its location is fabulous. Set around the Bay of Messara, the beautiful beach is steeped in legend — it’s said to be where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull. 

In addition, the area retains the laidback vibe that attracted peace-loving hippies through the 60’s and 70's.

Nautical Week

Held in the port of Sitia every other year during the last week of June, Nautical Week sees this scenic spot come alive with regattas, traditional dance, and talks.

Nautical festivities aside, Sitia is well worth visiting. Located 130 km east of Heraklion, the area boasts great beaches, and it’s within reach of incredible archaeological treasures, such as the Minoan palace of Zakros.

Kornareia Festival

Another reason to visit Sitia is for the Kornareia Festival, which sees traditional cultural events held from the end of May through to the end of August.

Tips for travelling to Crete in June

Here are a few tips to enhance your trip to Crete in June — from what to wear and pack, to when to visit the island’s top attractions.

What to wear in Crete in June

Given the average daily temperatures, light summer wear should be top of your packing list — shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, sandals, flip-flops and swimwear.

If you’re staying in the north, note that evening temperatures drop off more than they do in the south, so you might want pack a light pullover for the evenings. 

Walkers and hikers, don’t forget to bring footwear that’s suitable for exploring Crete’s walking trails — flips flops won’t cut it when you’re walking on the wilder side!

Book flights and accommodation early

Given that June sees Crete on the cusp of the summer high season, you’d do well to book your flights, accommodation, and tours early. This will give you a better chance of staying where you want, at better price.

Visit archaeological sites early in the day

To avoid the heat of the mid-afternoon sun — and coach tour crowds —rise early to visit the likes of Knossos and Phaistos as soon as they open for the day. 

After taking your time to explore the sites before the masses descend (buses usually start rocking up around 10am), you’ll be free to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch before hitting the beach for the afternoon. 

Planning your June trip to Crete

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Crete, you’d do well to read The Rough Guide to Crete. With in-depth region-by-region coverage, and insider intel on where to stay, eat, drink and shop, it’s the perfect companion for pre-trip planning and on-the-road exploration.

That’s especially true for indie travellers who want to get off-the-beaten track to discover lesser-visited attractions.

Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of planning, browse our customisable Greece itineraries to save yourself the time and hassle of researching and booking.

As with all Rough Guides’ itineraries, your trip will be curated with support from a local expert whose know-how will help you make the most of your break.