2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Heraklion — January

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

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit Heraklion. Mild temperatures around 17°C make it comfortable for exploring. 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 17°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

17°C

Avg Low

11°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

10h

Feels like 15°C / 9°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

56mm

Sunshine

8.3h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

3.9

Moderate
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 39)

Sea Temp

17°C ❄️ Cold

Is January 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

07:28

Sunset

17:30

10h daylight

Visiting Heraklion in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming

Things to Do in January

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 Current 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 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 January

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.

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📋Essentials
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👟Footwear
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🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Heraklion?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Heraklion?
January is typically good for visiting Heraklion, with average highs of 17°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 January?
Nights in Heraklion during January are cool at around 11°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Heraklion in January?
With highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C in January, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. 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 January?
Heraklion typically sees around 11 rainy days in January. 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 January?
Swimming in Heraklion during January is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 17°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 January?
In January, Heraklion gets approximately 10 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 January peak season in Heraklion?
No, January 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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