2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Heraklion — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Heraklion. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 19°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.5
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

12°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

9.8h

Rainfall

57mm

Sunshine

8.1h/day

Humidity

82%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

3.4

Moderate
Wind

13 km/h (gusts 34)

Sea Temp

19°C ❄️ Cold

Is December a good time to visit Heraklion?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:22

Sunset

17:09

9.8h daylight

Visiting Heraklion in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Heraklion Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 17°C 11°C 11d (56mm) 8.3h
80% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
Feb 17°C 10°C 9d (50mm) 9.2h
78% Humid
5.2 High
Good
Mar 19°C 11°C 9d (58mm) 10.3h
73% Humid
7.1 Very High
Good
Apr 23°C 13°C 6d (33mm) 11.4h
68% Humid
9 Very High
Good
May 27°C 17°C 5d (31mm) 12.4h
62% Moderate
10.2 Extreme
Excellent
Jun 30°C 22°C 2d (12mm) 13.2h
60% Moderate
11.4 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 32°C 25°C 1d (8mm) 13h
59% Moderate
11.4 Extreme
Good
Aug 32°C 24°C 2d (13mm) 12.5h
63% Moderate
10.1 Extreme
Good
Sep 30°C 22°C 3d (16mm) 11.3h
68% Muggy
8.2 Very High
Excellent
Oct 26°C 18°C 4d (42mm) 9.8h
75% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Nov 22°C 15°C 6d (37mm) 8.8h
78% Humid
4.2 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 19°C 12°C 11d (57mm) 8.1h
82% Very Humid
3.4 Moderate
Good

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Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Heraklion – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Heraklion

Minoan palace ruins with Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum, fortress walls, and access to Crete's beaches.

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What to Pack for December

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Warm Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
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🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Heraklion?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Heraklion?
December is typically good for visiting Heraklion, with average highs of 19°C and around 11 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Heraklion in December?
Evenings in Heraklion during December are mild at 12°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Heraklion in December?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C in December, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion in December?
Heraklion typically sees around 11 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Heraklion in December?
Swimming in Heraklion during December is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 19°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Heraklion in December?
In December, Heraklion gets approximately 9.8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Heraklion?
No, December is not peak season in Heraklion. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Athens)

Last Updated: February 2026

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