Heraklion (Crete) in April

In April, Heraklion (Crete) averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (29 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

April is a great month to visit Heraklion (Crete): pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

Popular now
21°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
5
Rain days
29 mm
Rainfall

How April compares to the rest of the year in Heraklion (Crete)

7th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in April
13 h 4 min
daylight on the 15th

April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Heraklion (Crete) (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (23°C). April runs 4°C warmer than March (17°C) and warms a further 4°C into May (25°C).

April sunrise & sunset in Heraklion (Crete)

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:47 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:51 PM
☀
Day length
13 h 4 min

Times shown for Heraklion (Crete) local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Heraklion (Crete) — April

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Heraklion (Crete)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:47 AM – 6:27 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:27 AM – 7:27 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:11 PM – 8:11 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:11 PM – 8:51 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Heraklion (Crete).

📅 When to book — Heraklion (Crete) in April

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (High season) and Heraklion (Crete)'s popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — April in Heraklion (Crete)

High season

This is a busy month in Heraklion (Crete) — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — April in Heraklion (Crete)

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.4
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Heraklion (Crete) — April

18.2°C (65°F)
cool
swimmable but bracing — wetsuit helps for long sessions

Across the year Heraklion (Crete)'s sea swings from 16.9°C (February) to 27.5°C (August) — April sits at 18.2°C.

Heraklion (Crete) in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 47°F 65 mm 12 —
February 16°C / 61°F 9°C / 48°F 70 mm 10 —
March 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 49°F 75 mm 10 —
April 21°C / 70°F 12°C / 53°F 29 mm 5 —
May 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 60°F 26 mm 5 —
June 29°C / 83°F 20°C / 68°F 20 mm 3 —
July 31°C / 88°F 23°C / 73°F 4 mm 1 —
August 31°C / 88°F 23°C / 73°F 14 mm 2 —
September 29°C / 83°F 20°C / 69°F 22 mm 5 —
October 24°C / 76°F 17°C / 62°F 33 mm 6 —
November 21°C / 70°F 14°C / 57°F 43 mm 8 —
December 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 51°F 68 mm 11 —

Other cities with similar April weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Heraklion (Crete) in April →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Heraklion (Crete) in April?

In April, Heraklion (Crete) averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Heraklion (Crete) in April?

April sees occasional rain in Heraklion (Crete), with about 5 rainy days on average.

Is April a good time to visit Heraklion (Crete)?

April is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Heraklion (Crete) in April?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full April packing list for Heraklion (Crete) for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Heraklion (Crete) on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.