Heraklion (Crete) in March
In March, Heraklion (Crete) averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 10°C (49°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (75 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March 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 March compares to the rest of the year in Heraklion (Crete)
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Heraklion (Crete) (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (23°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (16°C) and warms a further 4°C into April (21°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Heraklion (Crete)
Times shown for Heraklion (Crete) local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Heraklion (Crete) — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Heraklion (Crete)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Heraklion (Crete) in March
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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Heraklion (Crete)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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) — March
Across the year Heraklion (Crete)'s sea swings from 16.9°C (February) to 27.5°C (August) — March sits at 17°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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Heraklion (Crete) in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Heraklion (Crete) in March?
In March, Heraklion (Crete) averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion (Crete) in March?
March can be fairly wet in Heraklion (Crete), with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
March 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 March?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Heraklion (Crete) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.