Chania Weather in March

March weather in Chania

March feels cool and changeable, with mild afternoons, chilly evenings and showers on some days. You'll get about five hours of sun a day, but clouds can interrupt it. It's comfortable for wandering Chania's Old Town, visiting the Maritime Museum and taking a walk along the harbour.

The sea is cold, so March isn't a good month for swimming. Rain can also make mountain paths muddy. Don't count on hiking the Samaria Gorge: it's usually closed in winter and normally opens later in spring.

What to do in March

If you hate crowds, you'll enjoy the quieter lanes around Splantzia and the Venetian harbour. Some beach businesses may still be closed, and the weather can turn a seaside day into a damp one. Keep your plans flexible and swap the beach for the covered market area or a long lunch in town.

March 25 is Greek Independence Day, a national holiday marked by parades. If you're in Chania that day, expect some shops and services to close or change their hours. The holiday is also traditionally associated with fried cod and skordalia, a garlicky potato dip.

Crowds and local tips

March is quieter and generally less expensive than the busy summer months, though you may find fewer tours and seasonal businesses running. It's not as reliable for sightseeing weather as April to June, but you can enjoy the main sights without peak-season crowds.

Travelling with kids? The Old Town's short, varied walks work better than a long mountain hike in changeable weather. On March 25, look for bakaliaros me skordalia on local menus, then check whether the shops you need are open before heading across town.