Island Overview
Crete is fully clear on 25 August 2026. No cloud cover, no rain at any location, and UV indices between 7.65 and 7.9 across all cities. Sea temperatures sit at 26 to 27°C from Chania to Sitia. The defining contrast today is not east versus west but north versus south: the Libyan Sea coast runs noticeably hotter and calmer than the meltemi-exposed north, and the difference is felt most after sunset.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north coast is cooler and breezier. Chania peaks at 32°C and Rethymno at 31°C with light winds of 12 km/h. Heraklion reaches 33.6°C with a stronger meltemi at 19 km/h that takes the edge off on exposed seafronts. Hersonissos and Malia sit in the low 30s with northerly breezes around 16 km/h.
The south coast is a different register. Ierapetra and Makrigialos top 35°C, and overnight minimums stay above 29°C. The south barely cools after sunset. Anyone relying on natural ventilation rather than air conditioning will feel that gap. Wind reaches 18 to 19 km/h, but the Libyan Sea receives far less meltemi relief than the north, and the calm shows in wave data well under 0.5m.
Eastern Crete
Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda share the day's peak at 35.9°C with a moderate 15 km/h northerly. Sitia, further east along the coast, is cooler at 31°C and breezier at 17 km/h. Sea temperatures in Lassithi run around 26.5°C, just below the north coast average of 27°C.
The Mountains
Forecast data covers the coast only, but the White Mountains above Chania and Psiloritis above Rethymno will be 10 to 15°C cooler at high elevation. Hikers heading into Samaria Gorge should start before 07:00. The gorge floor and the exit at Agia Roumeli are intensely hot by noon. Carry significantly more water than the posted minimum.
Sea State, Wind, and UV
Wave heights are low across the board: 0.34m on the south coast, 0.52m at Rethymno, and a maximum of 0.84m near Sitia. The meltemi peaks at 19 km/h in Heraklion and drops to 12 km/h in Chania and Rethymno. UV reaches 7.9 in Rethymno, placing the entire island in the high category. Unprotected skin burns in under 30 minutes around midday at any coastal location.
Swim Verdict
Excellent island-wide. Sea at 26 to 27°C, flat to very low swell, and no hazards at any coastal location. The south coast offers the calmest and warmest water today. The north coast provides slightly cooler seas and more breeze for those who prefer it.
Practical Tip for Today
Apply sunscreen before leaving your accommodation, not when you arrive at the beach. UV is already significant before 10:00 and peaks sharply between 13:00 and 15:00. Use SPF 50 minimum, reapply every two hours and after every swim. Plan any extended outdoor or hiking activity before noon or after 17:00 if you are sensitive to heat.
