Crete Island Travel Forum

I'm wondering what the weather will be like in March, we're going for 2 weeks. Will the water be too cold for swimming? Would we need coats or just jumpers? Will many of the restaurants be open? Thanks for your help!

It is impossible to predict the weather but generally speaking Crete in March would not be the first choice destination for anyone looking for late winter sun and warmth, and certainly not for basking in warm seas.

I was once there in March, not for a holiday, just to visit friends. It was quite cold, my friends took me a couple of times to the only open taverna/restaurant in their village. Swimming in the sea would have been very uncomfortable!

My Greek friends were involved in tourism on the mainland and returned to their home village in the winter when they could have it to themselves.
That was 10 years or so ago but I doubt that even global warming has dramatically changed the average temperatures.
If you want to just relax, walk, visit historic sites, absorb the atmosphere of the island, then pack layers of clothes and don't bother too much about the climate. You might be lucky and enjoy a mild spring and be the first to see the wild flowers!

Thanks - I'll leave the bikini at home so!

March is a beautiful month in Crete when everything begins flowering. Unfortunately for you it doesn't coincide with Easter this year (April 27th in the Orthodox calendar) which would have made your stay a completely amazing experience and bikinis the last thing on your mind!

Having said all that however bear in mind that there is a continetal difference between Crete north coast (Greek climate) and south coast (African/Libyan Sea climate) and in March a difference sometimes of 10 degrees celsius or more between both sides, air and sea temperature included! If you can make it to the south (I recommend Frangokastello but there are many other great little locations) then maybe the bikini should accompany you after all!

yes, I only realised earlier tonight that I will miss the Greek Orthodox Easter, I was really looking forward to it. We're going up n.west near Chania but I've been to Frang. before and will probably visit again in March. I'm looking forward to being able to explore and take long walks without ending in a lather of sweat! Thanks for your advice.

hello from Crete.
The weather here is cold.The 2 higher mountains Psiloritis(rehymno-iraklio) and Lefka Ori(chania) are all covered with snow and will remain with snow until late May.
Swimming is not too good idea in March. I have swim last year in Preveli Beach in March and the water was very cold. But this depends on the person...

The only sure is that you will be the only person swimming that season...
ok ok maybe and me.

I hope you have a good time in my beautiful island,
thodoris

Thanks Tkapet - see you on the beach!