Heraklion (Crete) in December
In December, Heraklion (Crete) averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 10°C (51°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (68 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Heraklion (Crete) is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Heraklion (Crete)
December is one of the coolest months in Heraklion (Crete) (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (23°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (21°C) and cools 2°C in January (15°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Heraklion (Crete)
Times shown for Heraklion (Crete) local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Heraklion (Crete) — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Heraklion (Crete)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Heraklion (Crete) in December
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 December's tier (High season) and Heraklion (Crete)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Heraklion (Crete)
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: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Heraklion (Crete)
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) — December
Across the year Heraklion (Crete)'s sea swings from 16.9°C (February) to 27.5°C (August) — December sits at 19.1°C.
Heraklion (Crete) in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Heraklion (Crete) in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Heraklion (Crete) in December?
In December, Heraklion (Crete) averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 10°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion (Crete) in December?
December can be fairly wet in Heraklion (Crete), with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
December is mild and pleasant. 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 December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Heraklion (Crete) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.