What's the weather like in Chania in February
As winter finds itself on its last legs, it can still surprise the residents of Chania, in terms of temperatures and varied types of precipitations. February tends to be controversial, bringing in 2% chances of fog and even a 1% chance of snow. While that may not strike you as particularly significant, you might understand it better when that one day of the month comes along where you can't see twenty feet in front of you, or snowflakes start to settle on the balcony of your hotel room. Either way, we recommend bringing an umbrella, a thick windbreaker and ideally a hat, as winter winds can still bite.
Temperature and Sunshine Hours
Temperatures stay at 12°C (54°F) on average, with an increasing 21% chance of sunny days and up to 5 hours of sunshine, as the Earth begins to shift according to the upcoming change in seasons. The average lows remain at 8°C, while the warmer days stretch up to 15°C, consistently throughout the second and third week of the month. February is the second coldest and wettest month of the year after January, but the conditions are not bad for a 'winter' month!
Rainfall
Chances of rain linger at 49%, with increasing chances of clouds at 30% on average, but a decreasing 13 rainy days in the entire month. Rainfall drops to 112mm, which is still quite heavy but nonetheless unsurprising for this part of the Mediterranean.
Sea Temperature
Speaking of which, the sea temperature gently drops by one degree, keeping to 15°C (60°F) on average, with cool currents and weak, but biting winds of up to no more than 10 knots towards the end of the month.
Humidity
Humidity is up at 62%, which is natural for a coastal resort during this time of the year. Towards the last week of February, throughout its slightly dryer and predominantly sunny days, you will notice how Chania's flora begins to unwind its buds, in anticipation of what is always a blossoming spring. But stay on your toes, because precipitation can still be abundant and consistent over the course of several days.
Chania Hotels in February
Asterina, Doge Traditional and Vielmine Hotels
You might find it surprising, but Chania is in high demand for the month of February, particularly around Valentine's Day. If you're looking for a romantic escapade somewhere on the Cretan shoreline, make sure you book your room in advance they go horribly fast! The beautiful Asterina Hotel still has rooms available at £32 per night, as does the sumptuous and central Doge Traditional Hotel, for the same price. Another good option is the intimate Vilelmine Hotel, which offers splendid double bedrooms for just £40 per night.
Chania Hostel, Diana Guesthouse and Smaragdi
However if you're on a budget, Chania's many and lovely hostels are certainly happy to oblige instead. The popular Chania Hostel has deals available and spaces from £9.09 per night, while the comfy and central Diana Guesthouse offers privates from £11.36 per night. A third excellent option will always be the Smaragdi, whose rooms go for £11.40 per night, and is, in fact, the very first pension built in Chania. Either way you can't get it wrong, as this city pays extra attention to the quality of accommodation, given its constantly high influx of tourists from all over the world.
Chania Beaches for February
Maleme Beach
While it's not time for any tanning or bathing just yet, Chania's beaches are still breath-taking and worth exploring. In fact, pack a windbreaker and go on a long walk down the beautiful Maleme beach, and let yourself be hypnotized by its smooth beige sands and azure waters. It will even surprise you with an impressive page from Cretan history, as it holds the sunken ruin of a German airplane, a deeply rooted memory of the Second World War. It's only 16 km away from the city centre and you can easily reach it by bus.
Souda beach is only 7 km away from Chania, and it's perfect if you want to explore some of the local Cretan wilderness around it, and it's also host to a couple of great fisheries to stop by. Its smooth sand and shallow entry make it perfect for the summertime tanning sessions and family fun, but it's equally appealing in February, with a stunning seascape.
Another great option, and only 2 km from the city centre, is the well-known Germaniko Pouli beach, with fine sand and crystalline waters, flanked by luxury hotels and even camping sites, and armed with plenty of cafes and terraces some of which are open even in winter. If you're into celebrating Valentine's Day, make sure you take a stroll along this peaceful stretch of Cretan shore, as the winds are softer on this side of the island.
Bars and Restaurants
Ela
Chania has many great places for you to sample the amazing local food. One fine example is the classic Ela, housed in a building erected in the middle ages and initially used as a soap-making factory. It serves absolutely delicious and authentic Cretan dishes, and its salad menu is quite impressive.
Kariatis
You will also find a wonderful Italian restaurant in the heart of the Old Harbour Kariatis, whose combination of Greek design and Etruscan cuisine make it a favourite amongst the locals and tourists alike, and its best known for its comprehensive wine list.
Koutokaki
Since you're in Chania, don't forget to sample the scrumptious seafood, soup and meat dishes served at the authentic Greek tavern of Koutokaki; their reviews are very appealing, and they're known for great and friendly service.
Avalon Metal Cafe
The city's nightlife remains buzzing and varied, catering to many tastes and occasions. If you're tired of all the soapy pop from radio stations, make your way down to Avalon Metal Café, the friendly and central venue dedicated to all metal-heads, complete with a generous selection of beers and whiskeys.
Conor Pass Irish Bar
Speaking of friendly atmosphere, you should also try the Conor Pass Irish Bar, a local favourite family run tavern, where you can enjoy a hearty draught beer, a delicious snack and even watch a rugby game definitely a favourite of expats and tourists alike.
Beans & Tales
For the more sophisticated and prone to experimenting with flavours and liqueurs, Beans & Tales allegedly serves "the best cocktails" in town we suggest bringing your Valentine here as well, as there is no way for you to go wrong with a smooth cocktail Or two
Things to do in Chania in February
February is the perfect month for exploring the wilderness and idyllic rural corners of Chania's surroundings, as well as for touring local museums. As an integral part of Crete's archaeological and anthropological heritage, Chania has plenty of historical treasures in its possession.
Maritime Museum of Crete
Visit the Maritime Museum of Crete, and get a glimpse of Chania's long and rich history at sea. It was built at the heart of the Firka tower, at the very entrance of the Old Harbour, and it is a marvellous heritage left by the Venetians.
Askyfou War Museum
The Askyfou War Museum is situated in the lovely village of Askyfou, just 50 km south of Chania, and features an impressive collection of weaponry, most of it from the Second World War, and even some artefacts dating back to the Cretan Revolution.
Byzantine Museum
You can also visit the fascinating Byzantine Museum, its relics housed by the Church of San Salvatore an impressive legacy left behind by Franciscan monks of the 15th century A.D.
