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 |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 29 °C ★ | 26 °C |
| Night | 24 °C ★ | 23 °C |
| Sea | 26 °C ★ | 25 °C |
| Rainy days | 2 rainy days ★ | 3 rainy days |
| Sun | 7 h/day ★ | 7 h/day |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Rhodes is about 3 °C warmer by day.
- The sea at Rhodes is about 2 °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 94/100). 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.
Across the whole year Rhodes averages a climate score of 75/100, Crete 74/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in September, side by side
By day, Rhodes sits near 29 °C and Crete near 26 °C — warmer in Rhodes. At night it is roughly 24 °C versus 23 °C.
On rain, Rhodes sees about 2 rainy days in September and Crete about 3 — drier in Rhodes. Rhodes gets more sunshine (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 50 rainy days and Crete about 57 — 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: Crete scores higher in September.
City breaks: Crete scores higher in September.
Active & hiking: Crete scores higher in September.
Family: Crete scores higher in September.
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For September specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Rhodes carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Rhodes if its strong months and profile match your plan, Crete if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.