Weather Lowdown
January is wettest month of the year in Hersonissos, Crete, and it is also one of the coldest months. The average temperature at this time of the year is 11°C, but temperatures can range from a day time high of 14°C to a chilly overnight low of 8°C. When planning a visit in this month, make sure to bring warm clothing and plan indoor activities as a trip to the beach is not ideal in winter. Historically, this month has reached temperatures of 23°C, but has also dropped down to as low as 2°C. Temperatures are fairly stable during this month and are similar to those seen in Lisbon, Portugal.
The rainfall at this time of year can be very heavy, with average precipitation levels at around 169mm falling over 11 days of the month. There is approximately a 5°% chance of rain on any given day in January, and this can come in the form of light, moderate or heavy rain, so bring an umbrella if visiting in this month. All that rain means cloud cover is fairly constant and thick at around 75%. The sun manages to shine for about 7 hours each day, and the days are gradually getting longer. At the beginning of this month, the sun rises at around 7.3°am and the sun sets at around 5.3°pm. For less chance of rain and longer, sunnier days, try changing travel plans to visit later in the year in spring.
This is not a great month for those who enjoy water activities, as the sea temperatures are a chilly 17°C, but still warmer than water temperatures experienced in February. The humidity levels at this time of year varies from 55%, mildly humid, to 85%, becoming drier towards the end of the month. Wind speeds are generally fairly light and range from ° m/s to 9 m/s, a fresh breeze. Winds rarely exceed 14 m/s, strong breeze, during this month. Look at the forecast for the resort before travelling to make the most of your visit.
Where to Stay
When the winter weather is cold and wet, a good choice for a place to stay is the 4* Imperial Belvedere hotel. Situated inland on a hill overlooking the town, this property is surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, and is a good option for January when the beach is not an option. With two restaurants and two bars, guests also have use of a gym with sauna and indoor pool, and an 18-hole golf course nearby.
The Almyra seaside houses are situated 3°°m from the beach and 2km from Hersonissos town. This is another good choice in the colder months as it is an old country house converted into two units for holiday rental. Fully self-contained, these units have a kitchen, a flat screen TV, parking, balcony overlooking the ocean, welcome basket on arrival and wifi.
Villa Diktynna is a lovely place to stay while visiting in winter. Located inland of the town, with views of the sea, the resort offers apartments with private terraces, kitchenette, free parking, a pool, and a bar. Just 1km from the port town, there are many facilities on offer in the area and plenty to explore outside of the summer months.
Things to do
Although January is not the most popular time of year to visit Hersonissos due to the cold, wet weather, there are still plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. If visiting early in the month, the festival of Epiphany, celebrated on 6th January every year, is held throughout all of Greece and is the blessing of the water. On this day, the sea water and small boats are blessed by a priest. A cross is thrown into the cold sea and local men dive in to retrieve it. Whoever manages to get the cross is said to have good luck in the coming year. Music, dancing and celebrations carry on throughout the day and night.
When the days are cold and wet, go to the Museum of Rural Life for an educational look at traditional local life. Located in a 19th century stone olive-mill, this museum displays items found in the local Cretan countryside dating from the late 19th to mid-2°th century, including agricultural items, wine press, olive mill, carpenter's items and weaving tools.
Restaurants and Nightlife
On the colder January evenings, try eating at Taverna Harakas in Old Hersonissos Square, in the town centre. Situated in a beautiful part of the town, this family run restaurant offers local Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, served in a traditional setting. The staff are friendly and helpful and will assist you with choosing the best dishes of the day.
For superb cocktails and a fun atmosphere, to go Atrium bar in Koutouloufari. Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant/bar has delicious starters, mains and deserts, as well as a full bar with beers, wines and cocktails for the evening. The staff are friendly and the popular bar is a great place to hang out with friends whatever the weather.
The Myrtios Tavern restaurant is in the old town at Hersonissos and is a stone built, traditional tavern perfect for dining on cold January days or nights. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves Cretan cuisine with local ingredients and top quality olive oil. With dishes such as grilled meats, salads, mezes and deserts, along with a good selection of locally produced wines, this is a lovely spot for a long lunch or relaxed evening meal.
