Heraklion (Crete) in January
In January, Heraklion (Crete) averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 9°C (47°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (65 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January 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 January compares to the rest of the year in Heraklion (Crete)
January is one of the coolest months in Heraklion (Crete) (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (23°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (17°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (16°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Heraklion (Crete)
Times shown for Heraklion (Crete) local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Heraklion (Crete) — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Heraklion (Crete)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Heraklion (Crete) in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Heraklion (Crete)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Heraklion (Crete)
Heraklion (Crete) is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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) — January
Across the year Heraklion (Crete)'s sea swings from 16.9°C (February) to 27.5°C (August) — January sits at 17.5°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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Heraklion (Crete) in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Heraklion (Crete) in January?
In January, Heraklion (Crete) averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 9°C (47°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion (Crete) in January?
January can be fairly wet in Heraklion (Crete), with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
January is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Heraklion (Crete) in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Heraklion (Crete) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.