Greece, Europe

Crete in February

Still off season along the coast. Rethymno's pre-Lent carnival can fall in February or March and is among the biggest in Greece.

TradeoffsCool, highs near 61F (16C), rain spells

Turquoise water at Gramvousa and Balos, Crete — CretePhoto: Theodoros Alexandropoulos, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Crete. Still off season along the coast. Rethymno's pre-Lent carnival can fall in February or March and is among the biggest in Greece.

Weather: Cool, highs near 61F (16C), rain spells
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Crete

February is still off season on the coast. Highs are near 61F (16C), with rain spells between mild, bright days and cool nights. Beach resorts stay closed, but the cities are open and prices are at their lowest. The big draw is the Rethymno Carnival, one of the largest in Greece, which lands in February or March depending on the Orthodox Easter date.

It suits budget travelers, culture fans and anyone who likes a place in its everyday, local rhythm. It is not for sun-and-sea trips. If you want beaches and warm water, come back in June or September, and for spring hiking and flowers, April is the month.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Crete this month.

Rethymno Carnival

Weeks of festivities before Lent, with a treasure hunt and a big parade on the final Sunday. Check the year's dates, since it moves with Easter.

Chania's old town, quietly

Walk the Venetian harbor and the lanes behind it without the summer crowds, then settle into a harborside cafe.

Rainy-day museum time

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum's frescoes and the Phaistos Disc make a wet afternoon worth it.

What to pack for February

A waterproof jacket
Warm layers for cool evenings
A costume piece or mask for carnival
Walking shoes with good grip for wet cobbles

Our timing tip

If you want the carnival, book a Rethymno hotel early for the final weekend, when the big parade fills the town.

Book Crete for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
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Opens a hotel search for Crete in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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Vacation rentals in Crete
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Crete
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Crete for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Rethymno Carnival

The weeks before Orthodox Lent, February or March depending on the year

One of the largest carnivals in Greece, with a treasure hunt and a big parade on the final Sunday.

Things to do in Crete

Full guide

Knossos

The great Minoan palace just south of Heraklion. Arrive at opening; tour buses fill it by late morning in season and there is little shade.

Tickets and tours →

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

See it the same day as Knossos. The frescoes and the Phaistos Disc are the context that makes the ruins come alive.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Samaria Gorge

About 10 miles downhill from the Omalos plateau to the Libyan Sea, finishing with a ferry from Agia Roumeli. Open roughly May through October, weather permitting.

Tickets and tours →

Chania old town and Venetian harbor

The island's most beautiful town. Walk the harbor at dusk, then eat in the lanes behind it.

Tickets and tours →

Balos lagoon

Reached by boat from Kissamos or a rough road and a steep walk. Go early or late in the day; midday in July and August is packed.

Tickets and tours →

Elafonisi

Shallow, warm water and pink-tinted sand on the southwest tip. It is a protected area, so stay on marked paths and expect summer crowds.

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Beat the crowds

Split your trip between west and east. Chania and the southwest draw most of the famous-beach crowds; the Lasithi plateau and far east around Zakros are far quieter.
Visit Balos and Elafonisi before 10am or after 4pm. The day-trip boats and coaches cluster in the middle of the day.
Hike Samaria on a weekday and take the earliest bus to Omalos. In summer, the lower section gets very hot by early afternoon.
Do Knossos at opening and the Heraklion museum in the afternoon heat, not the other way round.

Know before you go

Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno run year-round. Museums and major archaeological sites stay open all year, with shorter winter hours.
Many coastal resort hotels, beach bars, and boat trips close from about late October or November until around Easter.
The Samaria Gorge is generally open from about May 1 to late October, and it closes on days of heavy rain or strong wind in any month.
Sites close on major holidays including January 1, March 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25 and 26.

Crete in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Crete?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Crete. Still off season along the coast. Rethymno's pre-Lent carnival can fall in February or March and is among the biggest in Greece.

What is the weather like in Crete in February?

Cool, highs near 61F (16C), rain spells.

Is Crete crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Crete; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Crete in February?

Rethymno Carnival (the weeks before orthodox lent, february or march depending on the year).