What's The Weather Like in Crete in December?
The Cretan winter is relatively mild, and even though December is the rainiest month, the weather still lends itself to being outdoors.
Strong winds are perfect for watersports enthusiasts (in wetsuits!). This makes Crete an enjoyable island to explore in December, especially over Christmas.
Christmas in Crete
Christmases in Crete tend to be sunny, with an average temperature of 13°C. But you can expect highs of around 17°C. Subzero temperatures are virtually unheard of in coastal Crete - even in the heart of winter.
Is Crete Warm In December?
Daytime temperatures are around 14°C reflecting the winter climate, peaking at 17°C at midday and dropping to 10°C at night. Crete rarely sees temperatures below 10°C anywhere except on its mountains.
Can You Swim In The Sea In Crete at Christmas?
The sea stays at 17°C through the month but not many choose to swim due to the island's chilly winds a daily phenomenon in December.
How Sunny Is Crete In December?
As the rainiest month, December has almost constant clouds that allow only for 3 hours of sunshine a day.
How Much Does It Rain In Crete In December?
The same clouds produce rain over the island during nine days of the month, which amounts to 89 mm of total precipitation.
Is Crete Windy In December?
Winds from the island's mountains can create storms that drop the temperature.
Crete Hotels in December
Saint Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
Saint Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is a top end resort in the area of Agios Nikolaos (meaning Saint Nicolas). Having won a number of international awards and boasting one of the most modern spas in Crete, this hotel is offers spacious suites and villas.
Sofia Hotel
Sofia Hotel offers affordable and comfortable accommodation outside the island's capital of Heraklion. The Sofia is considered to be the closest hotel to the capital's airport. Each room has its own private balcony and room service cleans the rooms on a daily basis.
GDM Megaron
GDM Megaron is a lavish 5-star hotel that is situated conveniently close to Heraklion's airport.
Minoa Palace Resort and Spa
Minoa Palace Resort and Spa is another fantastic 5-star hotel located near the beautiful city of Chania. This sprawling resort features several gardens with local flora, four impressive outdoors pools (2000 sqm in total), two child-friendly pools, two outdoors Jacuzzis, an exclusive blue flag beach and more. The resort's spa is fully equipped and modern, including a large indoors pool, a hammam, a spa jet, a hair salon and a modern gym.
Crete Beach for December
Damnoni Beach
Located 35 kms from Rethymnon, Damnoni beach is a busy beach with fine white sand and gentle waves. The beach has all kinds of tourist facilities, including several bars and restaurants. Damnoni's lifeguard services and calm waves make it ideal for children and snorkelling.
Lavrakas Beach
Lavrakas beach in Gavdos is a remote white sandy beach that is famous for being a sea turtle nesting place. The beach is guarded to protect the eggs but tourists can visit during the months when turtles are not laying eggs in the sand.
Bars and Restaurants
Beijing to Bali Chinese & Indonesian
As its name implies, the Beijing to Bali Chinese & Indonesian is an Asian restaurant that serves a wide range of Asian cuisine. This all-encompassing Asian restaurant boasts an extensive menu with hand-picked recipes from across Asia. The food is not too spicy (unless requested!) so children can get stuck in too.
Things to do in Crete in December
Saint Nicholas
December 6th marks the celebrations of Saint Nicholas who is the Patron saint of sailors and ships across orthodox Christendom. As an island with countless sailors and seamen, this is a widely observed celebration, which sees Crete honour the saint for keeping its ships and sailors safe. Religious ceremonies, outdoors feasts and lots of (free) tsikoudia is the order of the day.
Christmas In Crete
Christmas in Crete is relaxed and full of charm. Families gather around and welcome tourists to celebrate with them - more the merrier! On Christmas Eve, children take to the streets and sing festive carols to each and every person they meet individually, filling the air with songs until the holy night comes.
Safari Club Crete
The Safari Club Crete offers fun-packed jeep safaris across the island. There are several different excursions to choose from; you can either traverse Crete's highest mountains or zoom over Crete's beautiful beaches in Land Rover jeeps. The safari's take you off-road to places where "only goats and donkeys go". Tickets include a barbecue lunch and unlimited wine!
Ruins Of Knossos
The ruins of Knossos are a spectacular Bronze Age landmark and Europe's oldest city. This unique, world-heritage archaeological site includes the political centre of the powerful Minoan civilisation, responsible for a number of cultural and scientific advances. This is the place where the labyrinth existed and here you can see evidence of an ancient, matriarchic society.
