Really there is no best time to visit, it depends what your priorities are, and what type of traveler you are, and what experience you are keen to get involved with. Crete has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The season in southerly Crete stretches to late October, and everywhere September is still high season. For better taverna service and moderate weather, mid-May to late June, and the latter half of September, are the best times. During July and August everything is fully functioning, and the sea thoroughly warmed up, but you'll contend with crowds and either intense heat or the meltémi, the infamous northerly wind which buffets beaches all afternoon. The best winter options for city-breaks are Chania, Rethymnon and yes, even gritty Heraklion. The countryside looks its perkiest in late spring and early summer, with streaks of snow still visible on the highest peaks into early June.

This is deep winter time, it snows in the mountains and there are heavy frosts on the foothills. High temperatures are around 60F and lows around 48F. Olive picking is in full swing and most families head to their patch of olives to bring in the harvest. Most of the seaside villages are pretty quiet and tavernas, cafes and pensions are closed. During this time of year, it is better to stay in the bigger towns as there is still plenty to do. This is a great time to visit Knossos as you will be able to enjoy the sacred site without the crowds. The winter season sees some of the most rambunctious festivals.

These months are still wintery and the weather can be hard to predict. There are some nice days but some rainy days. Temperatures range from highs of 65F to lows of 34F. The seas are still too cold to go swimming. In April the wild flowers come out and it is a perfect time for hikers and nature lovers. Greek Easter is a big deal and a really fun time to be celebrating with the locals. Fresh lamb is on the menu. Some visitors start to arrive on the island and bus and ferry schedules increase a little from winter timetables. The winter rains mean that wild greens flourish; this is a good time to ask for horta at the local taverna.

This is a great time to visit Crete, good weather, high temperatures of 75F to 82F and lows of 59F to 65F, a few rainy days, mild sea temperatures of 66F to 72F, which is swimmable for sea-lovers. This is perfect walking and hiking weather and the wild flowers are still blooming. There are not too many tourists, queues are small and locals are well rested after winter, so more likely to have time for a chat. Spring is in the air! Life is good and happiness is infectious.

Samaria Gorge walk opens in May as do many of the seasonal attractions, and ferry and bus services become more frequent. Some of the summer festivals start in June, with a variety of local and international acts and shows in music, arts and just about every topic you can think of, from rock to flamenco.

The summer season! The temperatures are 80-84F during the day and not much cooler during the night, around 72F. The water is warm and great for swimming at around 75F. There is just no rain at all, sunny day after sunny day. This is the busiest time of year. The sites get crowded, some beaches get crowded and beach parties blast off on selected beaches. You can still avoid the maddest places by heading south or east, generally. This is a good time to island hop because all the ferry services are running on maximum schedules.

These are mild months, with really good weather and not too hot. Highs from 80F to lows of 66F in September and 75F to 60F in October. This is good weather for hiking, and the water temperature is perfect at 73F. There are far fewer visitors and transport services start to reduce in frequency. The locals who work in tourism services are a bit tired and some close up shop. Those locals with vineyards are gathering in the grape harvest, both for wine-making and sultaninas or sultanas. Look out for foot stomping on the grapes to make the mustalevria! This is also the season of the kazani or local still, making 'rocket fuel' from the remains of the wine harvest - tsikoudia.

The weather is still mild and the water is swimmable. Tourist levels are radically lower. Bus and ferry schedules are reduced and many of the tavernas and shops in smaller villages close down. Chances of good weather are high, yet some rainy days may need to be endured. Highs of 68F and lows of 53F. It is a good time to experience the real life of the island. Some olive picking starts in December. Lambs and pigs are killed for the feasts of Christmas and New Year. It is a great time to visit Crete.