The climate of Chania
Chania, a city in
Greece, enjoys a Mediterranean climate under the Köppen climate classification, with a hot summer pattern typical of this subtype (Csa). Its geographical location, on the northwest coast of the island of Crete, contributes to a mild climate with significant variations in different weather parameters throughout the year.
Examining the weather data, the average highest temperature oscillates from 13.3°C (55.9°F) in
January to a peak of 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
July, indicating warm to hot conditions. The lowest temperatures are also mild, barely dropping below 9.2°C (48.6°F) in January and
February. This sees a gradual rise, reaching a summertime warm 22°C (71.6°F) late in the summer months.
Typically, humidity remains relatively stable from 61% to 77%, indicating a generally moist atmosphere. Precipitation fluctuates dramatically throughout the year with a distinct wet-dry cycle. January, February,
November, and
December have heavy rainfalls ranging from 88mm (3.46") to 91mm (3.58"). In contrast, July,
August, and
September see minimal rainfall, often less than 10mm (0.39").
The best time to visit Chania
Considering all the climatological elements, the best time to visit
Chania is arguably between
May and
September. During these months, the city enjoys a balmy average temperature regime that begins from 22.9°C (73.2°F) in May and reaches up to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
July. The nights are also pleasantly warm, with temperatures hovering between 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).
These conditions couple with relatively low rainfall, between 18mm (0.71") in May to as low as 3mm (0.12") in July, promoting ample time for outdoor activities. The sea is inviting for beachgoers, with temperatures from 19.1°C (66.4°F) in May that steadily climb to a warm 26.2°C (79.2°F) in
August. Couple this with increased hours of sunshine - over 11 hours on the peak days - and it paints a perfect picture for sunny summer vacations.
The worst time to visit Chania
On the flip side, the least ideal time to visit
Chania might be the rainy season, between
November and
February. These months record the highest average rainfall, from 52mm (2.05") in November to 91mm (3.58") in
January. In addition, the temperatures dip to an average low of 9.2°C (48.6°F).
Spring weather in Chania
Spring in
Chania, between
March and
May, signifies pleasant warmth and moderate dryness. The temperature range extends from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F), making it gradually warmer. Rainfall declines considerably during this period, dropping from 49mm (1.93") in March to 18mm (0.71") in May. The sea begins to warm up, starting from a comfortable 16.3°C (61.3°F) in March and rising to 19.1°C (66.4°F) by May's end.
Summer weather in Chania
Summer, stretching from
June till
August, is characterized by hot, dry conditions in
Chania. Average maximum temperatures remain between 26.3°C (79.3°F) and 28.5°C (83.3°F), offering a palpable heat perfect for beach activities. The sea temperature peaks at 26.2°C (79.2°F) in August, which complements the high sunshine duration of up to 12 hours a day - making it an ideal time for sunbathing and water sports.
Autumn weather in Chania
Autumn, between
September and
November, witnesses a gradual cooling in
Chania. Average daily temperatures proceed from a warm 26°C (78.8°F) in September to a more moderate 18.7°C (65.7°F) in November. Rainfall begins to increase, starting from a low of 24mm (0.94") in September to a significant 52mm (2.05") in November.
Winter weather in Chania
Winter, covering
December to
February, experiences the coldest and the wettest conditions. The average temperature dips to 14.9°C (58.8°F) in December and drops further to 13.3°C (55.9°F) in
January. This period experiences the highest rainfall, reaching up to 91mm (3.58") in January, creating a typical Mediterranean winter scenario. Despite the chilly conditions, the sea remains relatively warm, ranging from 20.3°C (68.5°F) in December to 16.6°C (61.9°F) in February.
Weather in January
Looking at
Chania,
Greece's climate data, it becomes evident that
January is typically the coldest month. Nonetheless, the city experiences a somewhat mild winter with average high temperatures reaching 13.3°C (55.9°F). During this time, the city bears the brunt of the elements, with high humidity at 77%, coupled with 91mm (3.58") of rainfall spread over an estimated 17.6 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Chania,
Greece, witnesses a small ascension in temperatures compared to
January, with the mercury climbing to an average high of 14.2°C (57.6°F). Although it is still part of the rainy season with 86mm (3.39") of rainfall over 14.1 days, it experiences slightly less precipitation.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March enters the scene, temperatures in
Chania begin to stray away from winter chills, hinting at the upcoming spring. The average high temperature further jumps to 15.9°C (60.6°F), representing a considerable rise from
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the advent of more consistent spring weather in
Chania,
Greece. Warmer conditions become more prominent, with average high temperatures soaring to 18.8°C (65.8°F). A marked decrease in rainfall, reflected by just 30mm (1.18") of precipitation spread out over 9.8 days, characterizes this month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Chania,
Greece embraces the wide-armed warmth of spring. Average high temperatures rise to a comfortable 22.9°C (73.2°F), complemented by a further decline in rainfall to 18mm (0.71") over roughly 8 days. The number of bright, sunny days increases, and with a sea temperature at a welcoming 19.1°C (66.4°F), May formally ushers in the beach season in Chania.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is when summer sets in full swing in
Chania. With the arrival of long, sun-filled days, average high temperatures reach a balmy 26.3°C (79.3°F). The city experiences a minimal amount of rainfall, just 13mm (0.51") over an estimated 4.3 days, making way for clear skies and impressive vistas.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July typically registers as the hottest month in
Chania,
Greece with the average high temperature reaching 28.5°C (83.3°F). Interestingly, it is also the driest month, receiving a mere 3mm (0.12") of precipitation over only about 1.7 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The
Chania,
Greece weather continues its summer dominance in
August, similar to
July, with high temperatures averaging around 28.3°C (82.9°F). However, the rainfall exhibits a minor rise, with the city receiving around 8mm (0.31") spread over approximately 2.1 days.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The arrival of
September in
Chania heralds the beginning of the transition into autumn. Despite the shift, the city continues to enjoy summer-like high temperatures of around 26°C (78.8°F) along with a sea temperature of 25.3°C (77.5°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Chania's weather starts exhibiting more evident autumn characteristics. While the average high temperature still remains at a pleasant 22.1°C (71.8°F), the increase in precipitation to 47mm (1.85") spanning roughly 12.6 days offers a clear contrast to the preceding dry months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November rolls in, winter starts to make its presence subtly known in
Chania,
Greece. The city experiences a significant drop in the high temperature down to 18.7°C (65.7°F), signalling the upcoming winter. Alongside, rainfall amounts rise significantly to 52mm (2.05"), spread over approximately 11.8 days, transforming the city's landscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December firmly ushers in the winter chill in
Chania, with the city's average high temperature dropping to 14.9°C (58.8°F). The increase in precipitation levels to 88mm (3.46") over about 16.7 days marks the onset of the city's rainier period.
Weather in December » [Resources]