Island Overview
A dry Monday settles over Crete on 9 November 2026. No rain is forecast anywhere on the island, and temperatures stay mild, reaching 17 to 19°C depending on location. Winds are light to moderate, and the sea holds an unusually warm 21 to 22°C across all coasts for this point in autumn.
North Coast vs South Coast
The sharpest contrast today is between the two coastlines. Chania, Rethymno, Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos all sit under overcast skies, with highs of 17 to 18°C and overnight lows dropping to 9 to 11°C. Winds along the north are gentle, mostly 9 to 11 km/h, keeping conditions calm if grey.
The south coast runs warmer and brighter. Ierapetra and Makrigialos both reach 19.4°C, and Ierapetra sees partly cloudy skies rather than full overcast. The trade-off is wind: Ierapetra records the strongest gusts of the day at 20.7 km/h, with Makrigialos close behind at 15.9 km/h. Even so, the sea off the south shore is far calmer, with wave heights of just 0.32 m at Ierapetra and 0.44 m at Makrigialos.
The Mountains
Conditions deteriorate quickly with altitude. The White Mountains above Chania and Mount Psiloritis in the central range will be cold through the day. Valley lows of 11°C translate to significantly colder readings above 1,000 metres once wind chill is factored in. Hikers on higher trails should carry an extra layer and not rely on coastal forecasts.
Sea State, Wind, and UV
North coast wave heights run between 1.0 and 1.2 metres, with the highest swell recorded off Sitia at 1.2 m and Malia at 1.18 m. This is a moderate shore break, manageable but noticeable for swimmers and paddlers. The south coast is sheltered, with sub-0.5 m swells throughout. UV levels peak at 4.2 to 4.3 across all cities, sitting squarely in the moderate band. Midday sun exposure still warrants protection.
Swim Verdict
The sea is swimmable. Water temperatures of 21 to 22°C remain pleasant for November. The best conditions today are on the south coast, where the calm water at Ierapetra and Makrigialos makes for comfortable swimming despite the breeze. The north coast is swimmable too, but the 1 to 1.2 m swell creates a livelier entry and exit at open beaches.
Practical Tip
If you can move around today, go south. The route over the Asterousia mountains or through the Amari valley puts you in warmer, sunnier, and calmer conditions within an hour from Heraklion or Rethymno. Pack a light windbreaker for the south coast, as the breeze in Ierapetra is the strongest on the island today.
