A uniform layer of cloud covers Crete from west to east on 10 November 2026, from the Venetian harbour of Chania to the quiet bays of Sitia. No rain is expected anywhere on the island today. Afternoon temperatures reach the low-to-mid twenties and the sea stays warm for mid-November.
Island Overview
Heraklion records the highest daytime temperature at 22.5°C, with Hersonissos at 22.3°C and Malia at 21.8°C. Further west, Chania reaches 21.6°C and Rethymno 21.0°C. Overnight lows vary more sharply: Malia holds at 16.0°C and Rethymno at 15.8°C, while Heraklion drops to 11.5°C and Sitia to 12.2°C. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is widest in the east, so a jacket is worth carrying if you are planning an evening out.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north-facing shores between Heraklion and Malia post the warmest daytime highs and the calmest seas. The south coast towns of Ierapetra and Makrigialos are slightly cooler during the day at 20.1 to 20.2°C, but the Libyan Sea here sits at 22.1°C, the warmest water on the island today. Waves along the south coast reach 0.64 to 0.72 metres, similar to Chania but manageable at any beach.
The Mountains
The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif behind Rethymno are wrapped in cloud today. Trails above 1,000 metres will be damp and summit views will not be available. Anyone planning a mountain hike should carry a waterproof outer layer and check local conditions before setting out.
Wind, Sea State and UV
Chania is the windiest location today with gusts to 20.6 km/h from the northwest, putting a small chop on the bay. Ierapetra follows at 17.9 km/h and Rethymno at 16.1 km/h. The eastern end of the island, including Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda and Sitia, is the calmest, with winds staying below 11 km/h. Wave heights peak at 0.72 metres in Chania and Makrigialos and fall below 0.30 metres at Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda and Rethymno. UV sits in the moderate range at 4.0 to 4.35 across all areas, still sufficient to cause sunburn on fair skin during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Swim Verdict
Swimming is comfortable island-wide. Sea temperatures range from 21.0°C at Rethymno to 22.1°C at Ierapetra and Makrigialos. Wave heights are low at every location. For the flattest water, head to Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda or Rethymno, where waves do not exceed 0.36 metres today.
Practical Tip for Today
The thick cloud cover may suggest sunscreen is optional, but UV levels are moderate enough to burn fair skin after an hour outdoors. Apply SPF 30 before any beach or sightseeing activity. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, reaching 11 to 12°C in Heraklion and Sitia by midnight, so carry a light jacket if you are dining outside.
