Things to Do in Crete in September That You Will Love

The island of Crete is at its best in September! The weather is simply perfect. There are almost no rains and incredibly high temperatures, but they get milder at night and are extremely pleasant. September is also the best month to enjoy the sea. After months under the Cretan sun, the water is warm for long swimming sessions. Read on to discover all the fantastic things to do in Crete in September.

The biggest Greek island enjoys a fantastic position in the southern portion of the Mediterranean. In contrast, September marks the end of summer in the rest of Europe, with cloudier skies and colder temperatures. However, September in Crete is still summer!

Indeed, you won’t find the scorching heat typical of August, but the temperatures are high, and going to the beach or enjoying outdoor adventures is common on the island.

What’s the Weather Like in Crete in September

Located quite south off the coast of mainland Greece and even rather close to the northern coast of Africa, Crete’s weather is warm and dry in September. Officially, September marks the end of our hot summers. However, the island’s days are still rather long and very warm.

The sun is still strong enough to give you a fantastic suntan, but be careful; the rays could turn into a painful experience if you don’t use USV protection. At night, temperatures go down a bit, making it pleasant. For instance, dining out by the sea without needing a jacket is possible.

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Temperatures in September in Crete

September temperatures don’t usually climb above 30°C (86°F), and cooler evenings are a welcomed relief. A few showers are also possible, which are needed after an extremely hot summer, but rains don’t usually last for more than a few hours.

All these make the island more enjoyable during September than in July or August. A long, scorching summer with frequent heatwaves has just passed, so sea temperatures remain quite high and super pleasant (about 25°C / 77°F). This makes our sea perfect for families with small kids who are being introduced to the sea for the first time!

The temperatures in the mountain areas of Crete can be a bit cooler than by the sea. Remember that the North African climate directly affects the southern coast, making it warmer and dryer. You can check the average temperatures in Crete here.

Does it Rain in Crete in September?

There can be a couple of occasional showers in September, but rain is not a typical feature of Crete’s autumn weather. You might encounter a light shower that will be gone after just a few hours. This exceptional rainy day is more common in western Crete, Chania tends to receive more rain than other regions due to its proximity to the White Mountains.

September for Vacations in Crete

Crete is among the most popular European summer destinations, especially for its long summers. Although many tourists choose to spend their holidays in Crete in September, crowds decline because many children go back to school in September all over Europe, and families don’t travel that much.

September is a great month for older couples, families with small kids, and young adults with a more limited budget. Prices for flights, car rentals, and accommodation start decreasing, and it’s also quite easy to get a discounted package holiday.

Flight schedules to the island can reduce towards the end of September, but most companies (even low-cost ones) travel to Crete regularly well into October.

Essential Information About Crete

Crete is a Greek island in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It is Greece’s largest and the fifth-biggest island in the Mediterranean. The northern coast faces the Sea of Crete, while the southern side of the island is bathed by the Libyan Sea.

What’s the Landscape Like in Crete?

A large part of Crete’s landscape is made of high mountains and very rugged terrain; deep and long gorges, plateaus, caves, soft valleys, rivers, lakes, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean.

Crete is divided into four prefectures or regions, from east to west: Lasithi, Heraklion Rethymno, and Chania. The capital is Heraklion, followed in importance by the cities of Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra, and Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region.

Crete is a mountainous island with deep gorges and rugged cliffs. Different mountain ranges divide the land into very different areas: the more developed north coast and a pretty isolated southern portion. Its widest point is 60 km, while it’s only 12 km wide at its narrowest. Driving from the west coast to the extreme east can take from 4 to up to 6 hours.

What to Pack for Crete in September

Summer is still in full swing for most of the month. Days are long and hot, while most nights are just slightly cooler. You will need about the same clothes you would pack for a summer holiday. Add a light jumper or jacket and a raincoat, as you might find the occasional shower.

If you expect to go to the beach a lot or do several outdoor activities, pack a couple of swimming suits, flip-flops, sunscreen, and a hat. Sports clothes will also be necessary if you plan to hike.

Swimming shoes are useful when visiting pebbled beaches. These hiking sandals are ideal for exploring the mountains or long walks and will become a must for all your trips!

Add a couple of nice summer dresses and flat sandals for nights out. Men could be just fine wearing short pants and a T-shirt.

Best Things to Do in September in Crete

There are plenty of things to do on the island when most tourists are gone, and the temperatures are still pleasant. These are only a few of my favorite things to do in Crete in September. Take a look!

Going to the Beach

Going to the beach remains one of Crete’s top and most popular things in September. If you choose beaches in the south, you can explore lesser-known coasts or try popular places such as Balos, Matala, or Elafonisi. All of these will be quieter from the end of August.

The remote eastern coast is a great area to reach in September, the temperatures are usually higher than in the rest of Crete, and it virtually never rains in September. Choosing cities in the east, such as Sitia or Ierapetra, and even the busier Agios Nikolaos, will be great for exploring endless hidden beaches completely disregarded by tourists.

Experiencing the Mountains

A trip to the mountains or booking accommodation far from the coast is a great way to experience a different vacation. Staying in a traditional village is also a great idea. It will give you a different perspective and can be a relaxing getaway.

There are several mountain ranges in every region of the island. There are valleys, plateaus, gorges, and well-marked paths that you can follow. A mountain walk is an opportunity to get close-ups of the local plants, herbs, and flowers.

This unique tour (which is truly fantastic!) introduces you to Crete’s unique landscape while exploring seven authentic villages in the Apokoronas area. You will discover how local producers make cheese, tsikoudia, and more.

Visiting a Museum

There are several great museums to visit in Crete; of course, they are less crowded during September than at the peak of summer.

You can explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion as well as the Museum of Natural History, or you can pay a visit to less traditional museums, such as Lychnostatis Open Air Museum in Hersonissos or the fantastic Homo Sapiens Museum close to the Lasithi Plateau.

There are hundreds of other interesting museums, even in small villages, and several archaeological museums in Chania, Rethymnon, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Kissamos, and Ierapetra.

Discovering the Archaeological Sites

Cradle of the Minoan Civilization, the island is home to some of Greece’s most stunning archaeological sites. Your choice starts with the Minoan Palace of Knossos, but you can also visit other former Minoan palaces, such as Phaistos, Malia, or Kato Zakros.

Other archaeological sites scattered on Crete are the important Archaeological Site of Lato, close to Agios Nikolaos. The flourishing city-state of Lato, which thrived during the Dorian period, was also a rival to the city of Olous.

Today, Olous is a sunken settlement in the Elounda area. On clear days, you can see it from the coast.

In the region of Rethymnon, the Ancient Site of Eleftherna is also worth a stop. Its small museum has one of the most modern exhibitions on the island.

It doesn’t matter where you decide to stay in Crete; you will find ancient ruins everywhere. This article includes some of the most important ones.

Giving a Try to Water Sports

Believe it or not, the island is windier in August than in September, which we appreciate as the wind helps mitigate the scorching temperatures. However, several places where the wind still blows are perfect for trying water sports. One of those places is Falasarna Beach, facing the west.

In the area, you can try different activities for which the wind is simply a blessing, including surf and windsurfing. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become truly popular, and it can be enjoyed all over the island, especially in smaller bays where the wind is not an issue.

Popular places for SUP are the Akrotiri Peninsula in Chania and Agia Pelagia in Heraklion. You can also go kayaking along the coast in Chania town.

However, always ask around. There are increasingly more places offering SUP experiences and other water activities.

Joining an Organized Tour of Crete in September

When visiting Crete, you can join hundreds of tours, some extremely popular, others lesser-known but still full of value. It’s not easy to suggest which one you should choose. Different factors must be considered when recommending such activities, including your budget, where you’re staying, and the activity you’re interested in.

These are some of Crete’s top-rated tours, featuring visits to classic landmarks and beautiful beaches and cities:

• Tour of Knossos: This is probably the best-rated and most convenient tour of Knossos Palace.

• Safari in the mountains: Don’t just choose any Safari. Choose a professional company offering the safest and newest cars and the most experienced drivers.

• Day trip to Elafonisi: Reaching Elafonisi is a common day trip from Chania, especially when renting your own car. Travelers departing from Rethymnon or Heraklion might enjoy a guided tour with a diver.

• City tour of Chania: You can join my gastronomic tour of Chania or book this other city tour.

Embarking on a Road Trip in Crete

Driving in Crete is one of the best experiences for an unforgettable vacation. It was how we used to tour the island before we moved here, and it remains the most exciting trip for me. Crete is the perfect road trip destination, offering a safe highway for less-experienced divers and some of the most breathtaking mountain roads for intrepid adventurers.

Since road-tripping in Crete is what I love most, I’ve written the following guides to help you plan a road trip, prepare an itinerary, and pack the right things in your car.

RELATED ARTICLES:
– Tips for driving and renting a car in Crete
– Planning a road trip in Crete
– Crete itinerary for 3 (or fewer) weeks
– What to pack for a road trip in Crete

Trying Your Hand at the Local Cuisine

The local gastronomy of Crete, based on the tasty Cretan and Mediterranean diets, is among the main reasons to explore the island. Local flavors, genuine ingredients, and seasonal products guarantee a result that is full of flavors, always fresh, and incredibly healthy.

Replicating the recipes of the Cretan table once back home is one of the best souvenirs you can invest in when visiting Crete. Check out this unique cooking class in Rethymnon and this convenient lesson in the mountains of Chania.

September is a great month to discover herbs and wild greens. And it’s even better to participate in the grape harvest. The island boasts some fantastic wines, and visiting a winery with a local sommelier can be one of the highlights of your trip.

Accommodation
Where to Stay in Crete

I’ve written several guides for hotels, villas, and rental homes. The guides include affordable hotels, family accommodations, luxury resorts, and much more.

You can check out rental homes or villas and book a home away from home in Chania, Rethymnon, Lasithi, near Elafonisi, and even on Gavdos Island.

Would you like to visit Crete in September? Let me know in the comments below.

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Things to Do in Crete in September

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