Island Overview
Summer holds firm across Crete on the last day of August. Clear skies cover the island from Chania to Elounda, with only Hersonissos and Malia carrying a few patches of cloud by midday. Temperatures range from 27.7°C in Sitia to 31.8°C in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, with overnight lows staying well above 22°C across all regions. No precipitation is expected anywhere today.
North Coast vs East and South
The north coast offers the most settled conditions. Chania sees winds of 13.8 km/h and a high of 30.3°C. Rethymno and Heraklion are similar: clear skies, light to moderate breezes, and highs around 29 to 30°C. Hersonissos and Malia carry some cloud cover but stay dry, with highs around 28°C.
The east and south coasts tell a different story. Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Sitia, Ierapetra, and Makrigialos are all under the meltemi today. Ierapetra records the strongest gusts at 36.2 km/h, while Agios Nikolaos and Elounda reach 32.4 km/h and Sitia 31.4 km/h. Temperatures on the south coast are warmer, with Ierapetra holding above 26.6°C overnight. These are typical late-August meltemi conditions for the eastern corridor: not dangerous for most activities, but very noticeable on open water and exposed terraces.
Mountain Areas
Temperatures at altitude will run 5 to 8°C below coastal readings. The Lefka Ori above Chania and the Dikti range above the Lasithi plateau remain accessible for hiking under clear skies, but UV exposure is elevated and carrying sufficient water is essential. No afternoon thunderstorms are in the forecast, which is typical for this point in the season.
Sea State, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures sit between 26.4°C at Makrigialos and 27.5°C at Chania and Rethymno, as warm as the Mediterranean gets. Wave heights are modest on most coastlines, from 0.24 m at Ierapetra to 0.96 m at Agios Nikolaos, with Sitia the outlier at 1.12 m. UV index peaks at 7.7 in Rethymno, firmly in the High category across the whole island. Unprotected skin burns quickly between 10:00 and 16:00 regardless of how comfortable the air temperature feels in the shade.
Swim Verdict
Good across most of the island. The north coast from Chania to Heraklion offers calm, warm water well suited to all swimmers. Makrigialos and Ierapetra on the south coast are also calm despite the onshore wind, with waves under 0.32 m. Exercise caution at Sitia, where 1.12 m waves and persistent gusts above 30 km/h make conditions unpredictable for weaker swimmers and children. Families should favour sheltered north-coast bays today.
Practical Tip for the Day
If you are planning a boat excursion or taking a ferry from the east coast, check departure status with your operator before heading to the port. Wind speeds above 30 km/h around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Ierapetra can affect smaller vessel schedules and passenger comfort on open decks. A quick call ahead saves a wasted trip.
