What December feels like in Heraklion
Early winter arrives in Heraklion with December. Afternoons reach about 16.2°C (61.2°F), close to the coolest of the year: pleasant for walking with a layer on. Nights fall to about 10.1°C (50.2°F), about 6.1°C (11°F) below the afternoon, so evenings call for a layer. Humidity averages 79%, more humid than usual here: damp air makes a cool day feel cooler, especially in wind.
Rain in Heraklion in December
Expect rain on about 12 of 31 days, with dry spells in between, among the three wettest months of the year; wet days bring about 6.2 mm (0.2 in), steady rain rather than a passing shower, close to the city's usual 6.5 mm.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year; afternoons are 3.8°C (6.8°F) cooler than in November, with 27 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January, to about 14.7°C (58.5°F).
December in Heraklion: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years December averages 15–18°C (59–64°F) in the afternoon, with 23–108 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 3 in an average December.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest December | 2023 | 18.8°C (65.8°F) | 48 mm | 8 |
| Coldest December | 2016 | 13.1°C (55.6°F) | 83 mm | 16 |
| Wettest December | 2018 | 14.9°C (58.8°F) | 142 mm | 14 |
| Driest December | 2006 | 14.8°C (58.6°F) | 13 mm | 5 |
Odds across years
In 7 of 20 years, December had 15 or more rainy days. In 5 of 20 years, it had under 50 mm of rain. In 6 of 20 years, the average high reached 17°C (62.6°F) or more. In 5 of 20 years, it stayed below 15°C (59°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable on foot with a jacket.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant with a light layer on.
Tips for visiting Heraklion in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag for the wet days.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Sun comes and goes, but sunglasses are still worth a place in your bag.
What to wear in Heraklion in December
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 11°C (52°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 16°C (61°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 13°C (56°F): bring the jacket back.
Cold year or warm year
In a cold year like 2016, December highs averaged only 13.1°C (55.6°F), so one extra warm layer is worth packing. In a warm year like 2023 they reached 18.8°C (65.8°F), and a lighter layer would do.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 3 wet days in a week, with about 6.2 mm (0.2 in) on each.
- A light jacket or sweater
- 2 or 3 light layers
- A packable rain jacket
- Sunglasses and a light hat
- Waterproof shoes that dry quickly
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Heraklion in December?
Afternoons average 16.2°C (61.2°F) and nights about 10.1°C (50.2°F), cool by most people's standards; it is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion in December?
Yes: rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 74 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Heraklion in December?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses, plus a layer for cold mornings and evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Heraklion?
January scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.
