Island Overview
Friday 7 August brings a typically settled peak-summer day to Crete. Clear to mainly clear skies prevail from Chania in the west to Sitia in the east, with only scattered cloud patches over the Lasithi coast near Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. No rain is recorded anywhere. Temperatures range from 29.6°C in Sitia to 33.5°C in Elounda, with the eastern half of the island consistently warmer than the west.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north coast from Chania to Heraklion sees highs between 29.7°C and 31.7°C, with overnight lows easing back to 20 to 23°C. The south coast is a different proposition. Ierapetra and Makrigialos both climb into the low 30s during the day and their nights stay above 26°C, offering little relief from the heat after sunset. Visitors based on the south coast should plan for warm evenings and carry water accordingly.
Mountain Conditions
The White Mountains above Chania and Mount Psiloritis in central Crete are dry and clear today. Temperatures drop considerably with altitude, making gorge walks such as Samaria more comfortable than the coast. Start any mountain excursion before 9 a.m. to get the best of the cool morning air before the heat builds in the lower sections.
Sea State, Wind and UV
Sea surface temperatures sit between 25.5°C and 26.6°C across the island, close to their annual peak. Wave heights are low everywhere, from 0.3 m at Ierapetra to 0.8 m off Sitia. The meltemi is present but moderate. Chania and Rethymno enjoy the lightest winds today at 12 to 14 km/h, while the eastern bays around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra and Heraklion see gusts reaching 22 to 24 km/h. The UV index peaks at 8.0 to 8.3 across the island, rated Very High. At this level, unprotected skin can burn in under 20 minutes around midday.
Swim Verdict
Good to excellent island-wide. The flattest water is on the south coast, where Ierapetra and Makrigialos sit below 0.35 m. North-coast beaches from Chania to Hersonissos are also calm. Sitia and Elounda carry the most swell at 0.8 m and 0.72 m respectively, comfortable for confident swimmers but worth noting if you are bringing young children into the water.
Practical Tip for Today
UV above 8 is reached before 10 a.m. and holds through mid-afternoon. Apply SPF 50 at breakfast, carry it with you, and reapply after every swim. The most exposed window runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On beaches without trees or shade structures, a portable sun shelter earns its keep on a day like this.
