Island Overview
Crete on 2 November 2026 is a tale of two coasts. A weakening low-pressure system is pushing light rain and fresh winds across the north, while the east remains dry, calm, and fractionally warmer. Temperatures are mild island-wide, ranging from 16°C overnight to a high of 24°C in the far east by afternoon.
North and South
The north coast sees the most unsettled conditions today. Heraklion, Rethymno, and Hersonissos all report light rain with gusts reaching 25 to 27 km/h. Afternoon highs stay around 21 to 22°C. Chania, at the western end of the north coast, escapes the rain entirely; cloud cover is thick but the breeze barely registers at 6 km/h.
The south and east are largely dry. Ierapetra is the exception, with 1.2 mm of rain expected, making it the wettest spot on the island today. Makrigialos, just along the same coastline, stays dry under cloud with a light onshore breeze. The far east, including Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda, and Sitia, combines dry skies, winds below 14 km/h, and the highest temperatures of the day at close to 24°C.
Mountain Conditions
The White Mountains above Chania and Psiloritis above Rethymno will be wrapped in low cloud and damp mist by mid-morning. Mountain road surfaces should be treated as slippery, particularly on routes above 800 metres. No snowfall is expected at this stage of the season, but summit temperatures will drop to single figures overnight.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea surface temperatures remain generous for November, ranging from 21.8°C at Rethymno to 23.1°C at Makrigialos. Wave heights are low across the board, peaking at 0.6 m off Makrigialos and Ierapetra. UV sits in the low-to-moderate range, with a maximum index of 4.65 at Ag. Nikolaos. A light SPF is sensible if you are spending several hours outside, but there is no urgency at this time of year.
Swim Verdict
The east coast is the clear choice today. Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda, and Sitia offer calm water, no rain, sea temperatures of 22 to 23°C, and minimal wind. Makrigialos on the south coast is also a solid option. The north coast is less suitable: wind chop and light rain at Heraklion, Rethymno, and Hersonissos make beach conditions uncomfortable even if the water temperature is adequate.
Practical Tip
If you are based in Heraklion and want dry conditions today, the drive east along the E75 to Ag. Nikolaos takes under an hour and puts you in noticeably calmer, drier weather. Pack a light layer wherever you are: cloud cover will cap afternoon temperatures even in the warmest corners of the island.
