Island Overview
A stable high-pressure system keeps Crete under clear skies on 25 June 2026. No rain is forecast at any station, and temperatures climb into the low thirties by early afternoon. The main variable today is wind: a building meltemi pushes through the eastern corridor while the west coast stays largely calm.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north coast runs slightly cooler. Rethymno tops out at 28.4°C, Chania at 29.6°C and Heraklion at 30.4°C, with afternoon breezes between 14 and 24 km/h. The south retains heat more stubbornly: Ierapetra records a minimum of 26.2°C overnight, the warmest night on the island, peaking at 30.3°C during the day. On the north-east coast, Elounda reaches 31.7°C and Agios Nikolaos 31.6°C, the highest readings of the day island-wide.
Mountain Conditions
The White Mountains above Chania and Psiloritis above Rethymno provide a cooler alternative, with temperatures running roughly 10 to 12°C below coastal readings. Skies are clear and conditions are dry at elevation. Starting a gorge walk or summit route early, well before midday heat builds, is the practical approach today.
Wind, Sea State and UV
Eastern Crete takes the strongest gusts. Sitia peaks at 34 km/h, followed by Ierapetra at 30.6 km/h and Makrigialos at 30.1 km/h. These are sustained afternoon figures. The west is considerably quieter, with Chania at 14.1 km/h and Rethymno at 14.2 km/h. Sea temperatures are warm across the board, ranging from 23.2°C at Sitia to 25.0°C at Rethymno. Waves peak at 0.84 m near Sitia and 0.72 m off Agios Nikolaos; the rest of the coastline sits at 0.36 m or below. The UV index falls between 8.35 and 8.65 at every reporting station, placing the full midday period firmly in the high category.
Swim Verdict
Conditions are good to excellent along the north coast west of Heraklion, in Chania Bay, and on the south coast near Ierapetra and Makrigialos, where waves are minimal despite the wind. The eastern bays around Sitia and Agios Nikolaos are choppier today, with 0.72 to 0.84 m swells and a consistent 26 to 34 km/h breeze. Manageable for confident adult swimmers, but less suited to young children or anyone looking for flat, calm water. Sea temperatures in the 23 to 25°C range are warm and comfortable everywhere.
Tip of the Day
A UV index above 8 means sunburn can develop in under 20 minutes without protection between 11:00 and 16:00. Apply SPF 30 or higher before you leave, reapply after every swim, and plan shade breaks if you are spending the full day at the beach or on a hike. A hat and sunglasses are not optional at this intensity.
