The sea temperature at Crete (Elafonissi) today is 21.6 °C (71 °F) – cold to refreshing water, better for a short swim. The usual October average is 23 °C. Over the last 30 days the sea has cooled from 25.2 °C to 21.6 °C. Swimmable from May to December, when the sea averages 18 °C or more. Source: Sea Temp Map (seatempmap.com) – NASA MUR satellite data and the Copernicus Marine sea forecast.
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.5°C / 61.7°F | 17.2°C / 62.9°F | 17.4°C / 63.3°F |
| February | 15.6°C / 60.1°F | 16.1°C / 61.1°F | 16.5°C / 61.6°F |
| March | 15.5°C / 59.9°F | 16.0°C / 60.9°F | 16.6°C / 61.9°F |
| April | 16.1°C / 60.9°F | 16.7°C / 62.1°F | 17.7°C / 63.9°F |
| May | 18.1°C / 64.7°F | 18.8°C / 65.8°F | 19.2°C / 66.5°F |
| June | 22.0°C / 71.6°F | 22.7°C / 72.9°F | 23.6°C / 74.5°F |
| July | 24.7°C / 76.5°F | 25.3°C / 77.6°F | 25.8°C / 78.4°F |
| August | 25.8°C / 78.5°F | 26.5°C / 79.6°F | 27.0°C / 80.7°F |
| September | 24.9°C / 76.8°F | 25.3°C / 77.6°F | 25.8°C / 78.4°F |
| October | 22.6°C / 72.7°F | 23.0°C / 73.4°F | 23.6°C / 74.5°F |
| November | 20.4°C / 68.6°F | 21.1°C / 69.9°F | 22.0°C / 71.6°F |
| December | 18.2°C / 64.7°F | 18.7°C / 65.7°F | 19.2°C / 66.5°F |
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.7°C / 54.8°F | 13.5°C / 56.2°F | 14.8°C / 58.6°F |
| February | 11.7°C / 53.0°F | 12.7°C / 54.9°F | 14.2°C / 57.6°F |
| March | 12.6°C / 54.6°F | 13.9°C / 57.1°F | 15.7°C / 60.3°F |
| April | 14.7°C / 58.5°F | 16.6°C / 61.8°F | 18.7°C / 65.6°F |
| May | 17.9°C / 64.3°F | 20.0°C / 67.9°F | 22.2°C / 72.0°F |
| June | 21.8°C / 71.3°F | 24.3°C / 75.7°F | 26.8°C / 80.2°F |
| July | 24.8°C / 76.7°F | 27.1°C / 80.7°F | 29.4°C / 84.9°F |
| August | 24.8°C / 76.6°F | 26.8°C / 80.2°F | 29.0°C / 84.3°F |
| September | 22.6°C / 72.7°F | 24.4°C / 75.9°F | 26.6°C / 79.8°F |
| October | 19.3°C / 66.7°F | 20.8°C / 69.5°F | 22.9°C / 73.2°F |
| November | 17.3°C / 63.1°F | 18.3°C / 65.0°F | 20.0°C / 68.0°F |
| December | 14.1°C / 57.3°F | 14.9°C / 58.8°F | 16.4°C / 61.5°F |
5-year averages (2021–2025). Min/Max are typical daily lows and highs, not record extremes. (Copernicus ERA5)
Elafonissi holidays
At the south-western tip of Crete, about 75 km from Chania, Elafonisi is a small uninhabited islet and a shallow lagoon where the sand is tinted pink in places by fragments of tiny shells. The islet, the beach and the surrounding sea are protected under the European Natura 2000 network, and the area is one of the most visited beaches on the island.
Beaches
On calm days the Elafonisi islet can be reached by wading across a lagoon that is often only knee-deep, which makes the water warm and shallow enough for small children. The main beach on the Crete side has sunbeds and umbrellas in summer, while the islet's own coves and dunes are left without facilities; visitors are asked to keep off the dunes, where sea lilies and junipers grow, and not to take any sand. On the open western side of the islet the sea can bring waves. Further east, the coastal path reaches Kedrodasos, a quieter beach backed by juniper trees.
Things to do
The Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, about 5 km north, stands on a rock above the sea and is named after a legendary golden step. The E4 long-distance path follows the coast east from Elafonisi towards Paleochora. On the way from Chania, the road passes the Topolia Gorge and the cave of Agia Sofia. The north-west corner of Crete adds Falasarna beach and the Balos lagoon, and Chania's Venetian harbour and old town make a full day.
Weather and best time to visit
At Elafonissi the sea stays above 20 °C / 68 °F from June to November.
The beach season runs from about May to October. In July and August coaches and cars arrive from late morning, so the lagoon is quietest early or late in the day. The north-westerly wind can stir up the water, and there is little natural shade, so bring an umbrella or arrive early for a spot under one.
Hotels and where to stay
Near the beach there are only a few small hotels, guesthouses and apartments, many of them open only in summer. Kissamos on the north coast and Paleochora on the south coast have more choice, and Chania is the base for city life.
Signature hotels: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family
Airport and getting there
Chania Airport (CHQ) is about 90 km away, roughly two hours by car on a road that winds through the mountains; Heraklion Airport is well over three hours. In summer, a bus runs to Elafonisi from Chania and Kissamos, and boats sail from Paleochora along the south coast. Parking is paid and set back from the beach, so arrive early in peak season.