Island Overview
Clear skies cover Crete on 12 August 2026 from Chania in the west to Sitia in the east. No rain is recorded at any of the ten monitored locations. Temperatures range from 29°C on the north coast to 33°C in the east and south, making this a textbook peak-summer day for the island.
North vs South
The north coast is the cooler and breezier side today. Chania reaches 29°C with the lightest winds on the island at 13 km/h, giving it the most comfortable feel for walking around town. Rethymno matches that temperature with winds around 18 km/h. Heraklion climbs to 31°C and sees the strongest gusts of the day at 26 km/h, a familiar meltemi pattern for August. Hersonissos and Malia come in at 29°C with moderate winds near 19 km/h.
The south coast tells a different story. Ierapetra hits 32°C with a minimum of 28°C overnight, meaning nights offer little relief from the heat. Makrigialos reaches 33°C. Both towns sit in a rain shadow, sheltered from the prevailing northerlies, which keeps temperatures elevated and winds light.
East Crete
Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda share the island's hottest readings at 33°C. Winds are calm at just 11 km/h and sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mirabello sit at 26°C. Sitia is a touch cooler at 29°C, with a 21 km/h breeze keeping the harbour area comfortable.
The Mountains
The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif behind Rethymno will be significantly cooler than the coast. Hikers planning the Samaria Gorge or any high-plateau route should start before 08:00 to clear the lower sections before midday heat builds in the gorge.
Sea State, Wind, and UV
Sea temperatures range from 26°C at Sitia to 27°C at Chania, warm enough to stay in the water for extended periods without discomfort. The south coast is almost flat today, with waves of just 0.2 m at Ierapetra and 0.24 m at Makrigialos. The north and east coast sees light swells of around 0.9 m at Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, and Sitia. UV peaks at 8.25 in Rethymno and reaches index 8 at all other locations, rated very high across the board.
Swim Verdict
Swimming conditions are excellent island-wide. The south coast offers the flattest, calmest water today, well suited for snorkelling, paddleboarding, or families with young children. North coast beaches are perfectly swimmable despite the modest chop, and sea temperatures above 26°C mean no cold shock on entry.
Practical Tip for the Day
UV index 8 means unprotected skin can burn in under 20 minutes at midday. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen before leaving your accommodation, reapply after every swim, and seek shade between 12:00 and 16:00. If you are heading east to Ag. Nikolaos or Elounda today, pack a hat and extra water. By early afternoon these will be the hottest spots on the island.
