Rhodes or Crete in September?
On climate data, Crete comes out ahead overall in September. See the per-criterion details below.
RhodesPhoto: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0
CretePhoto: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0Key figures in September
| Criterion | Rhodes | Crete |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 29 °C | 26 °C |
| Average daily low | 24 °C | 22 °C |
| Sea | 26 °C ★ | 25 °C |
| Rainy days | 2 rainy days (est.) ★ | 5 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 62 % | 68 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Rhodes is about 3 °C warmer by day.
- Rhodes is drier, with about 3 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Rhodes is about 1 °C warmer.
Rhodes or Crete in September: the short answer
In September, Crete comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Rhodes 89/100 vs Crete 93/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on September as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Rhodes averages a climate score of 72/100, Crete 70/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in September, side by side
The average daily high is about 29 °C in Rhodes and 26 °C in Crete — warmer in Rhodes. Average daily lows are around 24 °C versus 22 °C.
On rain, Rhodes sees about 2 rainy days in September and Crete about 5 — drier in Rhodes. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In September the water is about 26 °C at Rhodes and 25 °C at Crete — warmer for swimming at Rhodes. Over the year, Rhodes is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in June, July, August, September, October and November, Crete in June, July, August, September and October. Peak sea warmth is August for Rhodes and August for Crete.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Rhodes records roughly 75 rainy days and Crete about 91 — the drier of the two overall is Rhodes. At their sunniest, Rhodes reaches about 10 hours of sun a day (June) and Crete about 10 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Rhodes is at its best in May, June, September and October, while Crete peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the September scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: both are close (Rhodes 97 vs Crete 97).
City breaks: Crete scores higher in September (Rhodes 83 vs Crete 92).
Active & hiking: Crete scores higher in September (Rhodes 73 vs Crete 80).
Family: Crete scores higher in September (Rhodes 94 vs Crete 99).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In September, Crete leads overall and for city breaks, active trips and family trips, while the beach score is effectively tied. Over the year, Rhodes carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority still matters, and the month-by-month pages give you the full picture before you book.