Weather Lowdown
December in Hersonissos is one of the coldest and wettest months to visit, after January, and is not the best time of year to travel if looking for warm, sunny conditions. It is still warmer than many resorts in Europe, so a holiday at this time of year can still be enjoyable. The climate is similar to Malta or other nearby European destinations in the Mediterranean. For visitors looking for a beach holiday, try travelling here in the summer months of July or August for warmer and drier conditions.
Temperatures at this time of year are generally falling, with average temperatures of 13°C at this time of year, with average highs of 16°C during the day and 1°°C overnight. The highest recorded temperature at this resort in December was 23°C and the lowest was a cold 1°C. The cold evenings mean it is not a good time of year to sit outdoors and watch the sunset, but there are plenty of traditional bars and eateries that overlook the sea to stay warm and dry. The sun rises at the start of this month at 7am and sets at 5pm, so the days are short. The average hours of sunshine each day is only 6 hours, the lowest of the year.
This is not a great month to have a swim, as sea temperatures are only 18°C, but for those who are brave enough, there are still opportunities to do some water sports. This time of year is normally quite cloudy and blue skies are not common. Cloud cover is between 65% to 75% this month and is increasing later in the month. Average rainfall is high at this time of year and is 148mm falling over 12 days. The chance of rain falling is 4°-5°% during the month, getting more likely to occur as December ends. The rain may fall in moderate or heavy showers but there may also be thunderstorms at this time of year.
With the rain comes the humidity, and humidity levels are between 55% to 85% during December, tending to be more humid later in the month. The wind can be fairly strong at this time of year, ranging from ° m/s to 9 m/s but with occasional gusts of 14 m/s. Check the detailed forecast before travel for up to date weather information.
Where to Stay
For a special treat at Christmas time, stay at the 4* Creta Blue Boutique hotel inland at Koutouloufari. This small boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodation with sea views, a bar and romantic restaurant with panoramic views of the area. There is a choice of suites or rooms for guests and all have TVs and kitchenettes. A massage service is available in the privacy of your room, free wifi is available and the friendly hotel staff can help arrange excursions and car hire for when the rain stays away during cooler December.
For colder December days, stay in town at the Indigo Inn, a good 3* self-catering accommodation option for budget travellers. Located 15°m from the sea and close to the town, rooms range from one bedroom to sleeping up to five people and have a kitchenette, hobs, fridge and dining area. The accommodation has a 24-hour front desk, a bar and a snack bar, with the town's restaurants, bars and shops within easy reach.
Another great self-catering option is Elia and Tina apartments 5-minute walk from Hersonissos town and 2°°m from the beach. The apartments are spacious with a balcony overlooking the Cretan landscape, a fully-equipped kitchen, sitting area and dining room. This family run resort offers breakfast in the garden or dining room, and guests can enjoy light meals and drinks at the snack bar near the swimming pool.
Things to do
December in Hersonissos would not be complete without celebrating Christmas. This tends to be a solemn time for the traditional Greek Orthodox Church, but there are many celebrations around December to enjoy. Many fast on the lead up to Christmas, and enjoy a large feast on Christmas day after the church services. On Christmas eve, children sing Christmas carols from house to house.
A great way to see the area without getting wet on rainy December days is on a Train Tour. The two-hour tour takes visitors around the coast and through villages to see more of the local region and is a great way to get a feel for the area and discover new places. The hour and forty-minute round trip visits the Old Hersonissos town, the port and the beautiful beaches of Analipsi and Anissaras. The train passes by several hotels so hop on and hop off on the same ticket.
Restaurants and Nightlife
For a relaxed drink on a cold winter evening, got to the White Lion pub in Hersonissos town. This family friendly pub has four TVs showing all the sports your missing from home, and serves great food for lunch and dinner. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming to all. Enjoy a beer or meal with friends or family, or head therein the morning for a full English breakfast.
A lovely warm and welcoming tavern on chilly December days, in nearby Koutouloufari, is the Taverna Esperos. Serving excellent food in village surroundings, this family restaurant feels upmarket but without the high prices. Popular with locals and tourists, the dishes include local meats, fish and seafood with beautifully prepared vegetables. Choose from views of the village or over the bay from the other side of the restaurant, making a visit to this tavern a great local experience.
For a change from the traditional cuisine of the Mediterranean, head to the popular Beijing to Bali. Serving great Chinese and Indonesian dishes, such as spring rolls, fried rice and Pecking duck, this makes a nice dining option in Koutouloufari. The staff are warm and friendly, the service is fast and the food is delicious. The servings are generous and prices are reasonable, making it a good restaurant to take the whole family, with children welcome.
