Island Overview
July 27 delivers a textbook peak-summer day across all of Crete. Every station from Kissamos to Sitia records clear sky and zero precipitation. Daytime highs range from 29.9°C in Sitia to 32.5°C in Makrigialos, with the rest of the island sitting between 30.6°C and 31.5°C. No rain appears in any forecast window.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north coast from Chania to Malia sees highs of 30.6 to 31.5°C under a light meltemi blowing at 10 to 14 km/h. The breeze keeps afternoons tolerable and pulls overnight temperatures down to the low 20s. Heraklion is the coolest sleeper tonight at 18.4°C. The south behaves differently: Ierapetra, sheltered from the meltemi by the Dikti range, holds at 25.9°C after dark, the warmest overnight on the island. Makrigialos records 32.5°C during the day, the highest reading anywhere. Sitia catches the freshest wind at 14.9 km/h on the exposed northeast coast.
The Mountains
Above 1,000 metres, temperatures run 8 to 12°C below coastal readings. Conditions on the Samaria Gorge trail are good, but UV exposure is real even at altitude. Carry a light layer for the upper sections and apply sunscreen before the descent into the gorge.
Sea State and Wind
Sea temperatures range from 25.4°C at Makrigialos to 26.9°C at Heraklion and Rethymno. Swell is minimal: 0.34m at Ierapetra, 0.38m at Rethymno, and the highest reading is 0.84m off Sitia, all well within calm range. Winds peak at 14.9 km/h island-wide. No disruption is expected at any beach or harbour.
UV Index
UV peaks at 8.2 to 8.5 across all areas, placing today firmly in the WHO very high band (8 to 10). This is among the highest sustained UV exposure of the year. Apply SPF 30 or above, reapply every two hours, and limit direct sun exposure between 11:00 and 16:00.
Swim Verdict
Excellent at every coastal point. The sea is warm (25 to 27°C), calm, and clear. Organised beaches will display green flags. The one consideration is UV: if you plan an extended swim, go before 11:00 or after 16:00 to avoid peak-hour exposure.
Practical Tip for 27 July
If you are driving the south coast road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, go in the morning. By early afternoon, air temperature in that corridor reaches 32°C with little shade along much of the route. Any unplanned stop becomes uncomfortable quickly. Morning light also gives better sea views heading east.
