Island Overview
Crete opens the second week of November mild and almost entirely dry. Temperatures range from 16°C on the north coast to just under 18°C in the southeast. The defining feature today is a clear divide in cloud cover between the northwest and the east, coupled with a sharp contrast in wind strength between a calm north shore and a blustery southeast corner.
North vs South
The north coast from Chania through to Heraklion carries overcast to partly cloudy skies. Chania and Malia sit fully under cloud, while Heraklion and Hersonissos are partly cloudy. Winds here are moderate: Chania at 14 km/h, Heraklion near 20 km/h. Rain is negligible; Heraklion and Rethymno each log 0.1 mm for the day, and there is no precipitation recorded anywhere else on the island.
The east and south coasts are considerably clearer. Ierapetra and Makrigialos enjoy clear skies and reach 17 to 18°C, with Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda also mainly clear in the same temperature band. The trade-off is wind. Ierapetra is gusting to 50 km/h today, Makrigialos to 43 km/h, and both Sitia and the Mirabello Gulf area are running at around 30 km/h. This is a persistent southeasterly pattern typical of late autumn in eastern Crete.
The Mountains
The White Mountains above Chania and Psiloritis above Rethymno will be considerably colder than the coast today. Expect temperatures below 5°C above 1,500 metres, with frost possible on the high plateau overnight. Hikers heading for the Omalos area or the Nida plateau should carry warm layers and confirm trail conditions locally before setting out.
Sea State, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures remain warm for November, from 21.3°C off Rethymno to 22.4°C near Makrigialos. UV sits at a moderate level 4 across the island, enough to warrant sunscreen for anyone spending extended time outdoors around midday. Wave heights on the north coast reach 1.4 to 1.9 metres, making most north-facing beaches rough. The south coast is calmer on the water itself, with Ierapetra at 0.4 metres and Makrigialos at 0.9 metres, though strong onshore winds reduce any comfort at the shoreline.
Swim Verdict
Possible in the right spot. The sea is warm at 21 to 22°C island-wide, which is the good news. North coast beaches face 1.5 to 1.9 metre swells and are not suitable for swimming today. South coast waters are calmer, but gusts of 43 to 50 km/h at Ierapetra and Makrigialos make open beach time uncomfortable. A sheltered south coast cove with some natural windbreak is your best option. Check local conditions before entering the water.
Practical Tip
Drivers and motorcyclists on the coastal road between Ierapetra and Sitia should expect strong gusts, particularly on exposed clifftop sections and at gaps in the terrain. High-sided vehicles are most affected. The wind is forecast to ease by late afternoon.
