Island Overview
A dry, settled day covers all of Crete on 10 July 2026. Zero precipitation is recorded or expected at every station from Chania to Sitia. Afternoon highs sit between 27.8°C in Rethymno and 30°C at Makrigialos. UV indices range from 8.3 to 8.6 island-wide, placing the whole of Crete firmly in the very high band. A moderate Aegean flow keeps air moving without causing any disruption at the beach.
North vs South
The north coast has a mixed start. Heraklion is under coastal fog this morning, which should burn off well before mid-morning, leaving an afternoon high of 28.8°C. Chania looks cleaner from the outset, with mainly clear skies and a high of 29°C. Rethymno, Hersonissos, and Malia carry some patchy cloud but remain completely dry. Winds along the northern shore run between 12 and 16 km/h throughout the day.
The south and east present the warmer picture. Ierapetra does not drop below 25.2°C overnight and reaches 29.5°C in the afternoon. Makrigialos tops out at 30°C. The shelter provided by the Dikti and Asterousia ranges keeps wind speeds in this zone between 8.6 and 10.7 km/h, making the south the calmest option today. Elounda and Agios Nikolaos share mainly clear skies with highs around 29.5°C.
Mountain Conditions
No high-altitude data is available, but hikers on the White Mountains above Chania or Psiloritis above Rethymno should expect temperatures 8 to 12 degrees below coastal readings. Start early to get ahead of peak UV exposure. Gorge floors can be windless and sheltered, which concentrates the heat. Carry more water than you think you need.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures sit between 25.0°C at Sitia and 26.3°C at Rethymno. Wave heights are low everywhere: the highest reading today is 0.62 m at Ierapetra and Makrigialos, with the north coast sitting between 0.22 and 0.42 m. These are genuinely flat conditions for the height of summer. UV peaks at 8.6 in Rethymno, with the rest of the island between 8.3 and 8.5. Unprotected fair skin will burn in under 20 minutes between 11:00 and 16:00.
Swim Verdict
Conditions are excellent for swimming across the entire island. Water temperature is 25 to 26°C, seas are calm, and there is no storm risk at any point during the day. The south coast offers lighter winds and the warmest overnight air temperatures, making it the most comfortable option for an extended beach day. On the north, Chania and Agios Nikolaos are the clearest-sky choices.
Tip for the Day
If you are driving through Heraklion or departing on an early ferry, allow extra time this morning. The coastal fog reduces visibility on the harbour road and around the port area. It is expected to clear before 10:00, after which the city will have a straightforward, sunny afternoon.
