Chania, Greece: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Venetian harbour town in west Crete with a lively old quarter. Best for: couples, families, walkers.
The best months for vitamin D in Chania are April to October, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday. Too cool from November to March.
Chania month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Too cold | 2.4 h | 2.9 | 18 min | 16°C | 13/30 |
| February | Too cold | 4.4 h | 4.2 | 13 min | 17°C | 11/30 |
| March | Too cold | 7.0 h | 6.0 | 9 min | 18°C | 3/30 |
| April | Excellent | 8.3 h | 7.3 | 7 min | 23°C | 2/30 |
| May | Excellent | 8.8 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 23°C | 7/30 |
| June | Excellent | 9.7 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
| July | Excellent | 9.6 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
| August | Excellent | 9.0 h | 8.0 | 7 min | 31°C | 1/30 |
| September | Excellent | 7.9 h | 6.9 | 8 min | 28°C | 2/30 |
| October | Good | 6.4 h | 5.4 | 10 min | 24°C | 0/30 |
| November | Too cold | 4.0 h | 3.7 | 14 min | 20°C | 4/30 |
| December | Too cold | 2.6 h | 2.9 | 18 min | 17°C | 12/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Chania
Venetian harbour town in west Crete with a lively old quarter. Hot, dry summers and a strong northern wind (the meltemi) in July and August. Many island hotels close and ferries run less often from November to March. May, June and September give good sun with fewer people.
In Chania afternoon highs average from 16°C in January to 31°C in July. The wettest month is January (about 13 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is October (0). Midday UV peaks at 8.5 in June, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
The old Venetian harbour and the lanes of west Crete make Chania one of the most attractive towns in Greece. Nearby are beaches such as Elafonissi and Balos, and the Samaria Gorge. Crete has a long season, from April to October.
Surrounded by beaches and the Samaria National Park (Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Questions about Chania
When is the best time to visit Chania for vitamin D?
The best months for vitamin D in Chania are April to October, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday.
What is the weather like in Chania?
Afternoon highs average from 16°C in January to 31°C in July. The wettest month is January, with about 13 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Chania?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is too cool from November to March.