Believe it or not, after almost 23 years of visiting the island most of my favourite memories are in the pouring rain! As ironic as it sounds, those rainy days on Crete led to some truly special moments and discoveries. I don’t know whether it’s the rarity of Crete’s downpours, warmth of its tropical rain or a chance to try something new, quite literally out of the blue; but the clouds force you to find new discoveries, activities, and otherwise unseen elements of Cretan culture.

You never know your failed search for sun might just provide a very rare excuse to leave Crete’s beaches behind and explore.

If you’re not convinced, I get it but you maybe in luck, skip ahead to find out where the sun’s hiding when it’s raining or too windy in Crete.   

Just to clarify, on average Crete experiences 0mm of rainfall over the summer months but if luck’s not on your side, we’ve got the best places to go and things to do when it’s raining in Crete.

The best things to do when it rains in Crete? ​

Baklava and Phyllo Making in Rethymno ​

Visit Giorgos Hatziparaskos an 84-year-old Phyllo Master in Crete for a workshop in making (and more importantly tasting) traditional Baklava and Phyllo. Giorgos masterfully shares the craft he has been perfecting since the times of the second world war when he started at age 12.

Sfendoni Caves ​

Belonging to the UNESCO national park of Psiloritis the Sfendoni caves is the largest cave system in Crete. 240 metres down, the cave’s 14 rooms are full of stalactites, stalagmites, wildlife and ‘Cave Pearls’ a shiny reflection of calcium salts on the limestones’ surface. Legend states that the cave is home to a beautiful fairy who was shot by a shepherd wielding a sling shot or ‘Sfendona’.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum ​

This museum is one of the oldest and most impressive museums in all of Greece. Hosting a beautiful display of Minoan art, it is arguably the very best place to learn about Europe’s first civilisation.

Quad Biking in Rethymno​

For the adrenaline junkies that embrace the dirt try this awesome experience exploring the mountain hilltops and dirt tracks on your very own ATV Quad Bike. No experience is required, and it provides endless amounts of fun regardless of the weather. Click here to Book Now.

Swim in the rain​

Don’t rule out a quick beach trip, there is something truly special about running into the ocean in the pouring rain. While the temperatures above the surface may drop the water itself remains bath like. You will likely have the beach to yourself so soak it all in!

Cretan Cooking Class​

Crete is undeniably one of the finest culinary destinations in Europe, with the secret to their success relying on generations of recipes being passed down as the most prized inheritance. If you weren’t blessed with a Greek Grandma who freely bestowed this knowledge onto you then the next best thing is paying for a cooking lesson from one. Here are our picks –

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village Private Lesson 

Kalitsoyni Cooking Workshop

Make Pottery in Margarites​

30km South from Rethymno lies Crete’s pottery village of Margarites. If you are staying close to Rethymno you need to take a casual pottery wokshop with some of the traditional master potters from this authentic village.

Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour ​

Rain or shine Chania’s ancient harbour is one of the the most popular places to visit on Crete. As a family we chose the rainy/cloudier days to explore Chania as walking through the city streets in the summer months can get far too hot. The old Venetian architecture is just as impressive under darker skies.

Kournas Lake​

This Lake is beautiful no matter the weather, in fact in the cloudier wetter weather you are more likely to see wildlife as they won’t have been disturbed by the crowds. Lake Kounas’ local residents include Terrapins, Eels, Water Snakes, Ducks, Geese, and thousands of fish. Explore this lake by Kayak, Pedalo, or Canoe to keep you smiling in the rain!

Argiroupoli Waterfalls ​

These waterfalls come alive in the rain. Bring some rock shoes and explore this very special waterfall. Be sure to stop off at Palios Mylos for a wonderful meal.  

The Cretan Olive Oil Farm ​

Located just outside of Agios Nikolaos is a truly authentic Cretan experience. See, taste and smell the olice oil production process, wine tasting, and cheese making stalls or sign up to a cooking lesson with a local chef.

Minoans World 9D​

Experience Europes first civilisation like never before by visiting the Minoan World 9D Experience. When you arrive you are immediately emersed in 4D special effects of Rain, Fog, Snow, Bubbles and Lighting combined with 3D art that comes to life through your camera. This is an experience like no other and one that is perfect for families.

Natural History Museum of Crete, Heraklion​

Although the museum doesn’t have a large number of exhibits it still includes some brilliant activities such as an Earthquake Simulator, dinosaur exhibit with animatronic dinosaurs,  live reptiles and the island’s natural history. A wonderful place for kids to enjoy a rainy day.

Where is it sunny in Crete today? ​

Crete’s weather is famed for its blue skies and soaring temperatures, but what isn’t often mentioned is its strong winds and tropical storms that can turn this the serenity of sunshine into a Saharan sandstorm or Monsoon like reality.

So, where do you go when Crete’s raining or windy? Luckily, Crete’s Mountain ranges provide a natural wind break and often divide the island into two often opposing weather conditions, so check the weather for the opposite coast to you! 

If it’s cloudy in Chania the chances are that over the White Mountains of Pachnes you will find the sun in places like Agia Galini, Tripiti, Loutro or Frangocastello. This trip has saved us countless wet days and the road trip through the white mountain, Omalos plateau and down through Sfakia’s ravines is worth the journey.

The Eastern most regions of Crete are often some of the driest areas to explore in Crete. Be sure to seek out regions such as Lasithi which is criminally underrated.  

While the grass may not be greener, the skies will almost definitely be clearer if you head to the opposite coast from where you are based on Crete!

Crete’s Rainfall Data – To put your mind at ease​

If you’ve reached the end of this article and are now second guessing whether Crete’s perpetual 300 days of sunshine is just a myth, here are some facts and figures to settle your nerves:

How much rain does Crete get in June, July and August?

477 mm of rain annually – Average Rainfall in Crete (mm)

How hot can it get in Crete over the summer?

Up to an average of 29.4 ℃ each day – Average Maximum Temperature in Crete (℃)

Which month has the most sunshine in Crete?

June and July – here is the Average Daily Sunshine in Crete (hrs)

When does Crete have the most wind?

February, July and August – Average Wind Speed (mph)