What January feels like in Heraklion
Mid-winter arrives in Heraklion with January. Afternoons reach about 14.7°C (58.5°F), the coolest of the year: pleasant for walking with a layer on. Nights fall to about 8.2°C (46.8°F), 6.5°C (11.7°F) below the afternoon, so evenings call for a layer. Humidity averages 78%, more humid than usual here: damp air makes a cool day feel cooler, especially in wind.
Rain in Heraklion in January
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 5.9 mm (0.2 in), steady rain rather than a passing shower, close to the city's usual 6.5 mm.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year; afternoons are 1.5°C (2.7°F) cooler than in December, with about the same rain. This is the low point: February warms up to about 15.2°C (59.4°F).
January in Heraklion: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years January averages 13–16°C (55–61°F) in the afternoon, with 29–123 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 3 in an average January.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest January | 2025 | 17°C (62.6°F) | 31 mm | 6 |
| Coldest January | 2012 | 12.2°C (54°F) | 123 mm | 18 |
| Wettest January | 2020 | 13.2°C (55.8°F) | 173 mm | 13 |
| Driest January | 2007 | 15.7°C (60.3°F) | 24 mm | 5 |
Odds across years
In 6 of 20 years, January had 14 or more rainy days. In 4 of 20 years, it had under 35 mm of rain. In 4 of 20 years, the average high reached 16°C (60.8°F) or more. In 4 of 20 years, it stayed below 13°C (55.4°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable on foot with a jacket.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — a little too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Heraklion in January
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 January
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 10°C (49°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 15°C (58°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 11°C (53°F): bring the jacket back.
Cold year or warm year
In a cold year like 2012, January highs averaged only 12.2°C (54°F), so one extra warm layer is worth packing. In a warm year like 2025 they reached 17°C (62.6°F), and a lighter layer would do.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 3 wet days in a week, with about 5.9 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 January?
Afternoons average 14.7°C (58.5°F) and nights about 8.2°C (46.8°F), cool by most people's standards; it is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion in January?
Yes: rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Heraklion in January?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses, plus a layer for cold mornings and evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Heraklion?
February scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #11). February has fewer rainy days.
