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Travel advice for Greece
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Greece
Crete, the largest Greek island, sits between mainland Greece and the north coast of Africa — a location that gives it a Mediterranean climate.
As a result, Crete's southern coast is an especially sought-after area for travellers seeking a sunny retreat in March, as the weather begins to warm up.
Considering visiting Crete in March? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip, or talk to our local experts.
The weather in Crete in March is mild, with an average daytime temperature of 16°C (61°F). Just be aware that the early mornings and evenings can get a little cold, with lows averaging 10°C (51°F).
If you're hoping to swim, note that the sea temperature in Crete in March averages around 16°C (61°F). While some adventurous souls might brave a dip, you might want to wear a wetsuit or stick to dry land.
In March, Crete experiences a significant amount of rainfall as the island transitions from winter to spring.
Rainfall in Crete in March averages around 60 mm, which translates to an average daily rainfall of 2mm.
Note the chance of rain declines as the month wears on. March begins with an average rainfall of 1.8 inches, which decreases to 0.9 inches by the end of the month.
For comparison, December, the wettest month in Crete, sees up to 2.7 inches per day.
For more detail on the weather in Greece in March and around the year, read up on when to go to Greece.
If you fancy hitting Crete's walking trails, yes! With average highs of 17°C, you could almost be mistaken for thinking summer has arrived early.
March is also a top time to visit Crete to enjoy local culture and cuisine. And the reason? Many eateries, hotels and shops re-open after the winter hiatus.
Furthermore, March sees fewer crowds than the summer peak season, which makes for a more tranquil, authentic Cretan experience — more on that below.
In summary, if you enjoy mild weather, outdoor activities, and smaller crowds, March is an excellent time to visit Crete.
Keen to enjoy a trip away in March? For more ideas, discover more of the best places to visit in March.
In March, Crete is nowhere near as crowded as it is during the summer months. Especially July and August. This means you'll be able to explore picturesque villages and beautiful beaches in relative peace.
In terms of cost, you can expect accommodation and flight prices to be generally lower than during the peak summer season, making this an economical time to travel.
Ready to explore Greece? Get started with our expert travel planning tips.
Want a spring break that serves stacks of natural beauty, unique history, and world-class wining and dining experiences? Take inspiration from our Greece itineraries — here we highlight just a few of them.
All these suggestions can be customised to your exact needs, with a local expert on hand to offer insider tips, and take the hassle out of planning and booking.
One of Crete's standout March events is Cretan Independence Day on 25th March. This national holiday commemorates Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.
Expect vibrant parades, fireworks, traditional folk music and dances, and historic reenactments.
Additionally, March sees Crete welcome carnival season, known as 'Apokries' in Greek. The most famous event takes place in Rethymno, where locals and tourists come together to enjoy the grand parade, Cretan music and food.
Another noteworthy event is the Feast of Saint Patrick's on 17th March. On this day, the entire island radiates with green. While Crete might seen as an unusual place to celebrate this Irish holiday, the revelry in the streets — particularly in larger cities like Heraklion and Chania — is second to none.
While March heralds the beginning of spring, the temperatures can drop significantly at night. As a result, you'll want to wear layers.
Come the evening, you'll most likely need a light jacket or sweater to keep you warm. Also, Crete can be quite breezy in March, so packing a windbreaker or warm scarf could come in handy.
It's also wise to bring an umbrella or light raincoat — typically, the weather in Crete in March means you're likely to experience some rain.
Finally, keep in mind that temperatures are generally cooler in higher regions.
Hike: the mild weather in Crete in March makes it a top time for nature lovers to explore the island's trails. We're talking rugged mountain paths, scenic seashores, and quaint villages.
For example, the Lasithi Plateau is a great place for outdoor lovers. This beautiful area is surrounded by mountains and dotted with traditional villages.
Explore cultural landmarks: March is the ideal time to explore Crete's cultural landmarks before they're overrun with tourists. For example, don't miss the ancient ruins of Knossos, or the stunning old town of Rethymnon.
Uncover Cretan cuisine in Chania: famous for its Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants, Chania offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that suit March's mixed weather. Take your pick from wine-tasting tours and visiting museums, to simply strolling the charming old town.
Love the sound of Crete? Get yourself The Rough Guide to Crete for detail on where to go, what to do and how to get around
For more island inspiration, read up on the best Greek Islands to start planning your trip.
Alternatively, if the idea of planning leaves you cold, browse our customisable Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip, or talk to our local experts.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Greece