Island Overview
No rain falls anywhere on Crete today, 31 July 2026. The clearest divide on the island is between a partly cloudy north coast and unbroken sunshine covering the east and south. Temperatures range from 27°C in Rethymno to 33°C in Elounda, with the hottest air concentrated along the eastern and southern shorelines where nothing interrupts the direct sun.
North Coast vs South and East
Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Chania, and Rethymno all sit under partial cloud today, keeping highs between 27°C and 29°C. Winds on the north coast reach up to 30.7 km/h in Heraklion and ease to around 15 km/h in Chania. Wave heights reflect those winds: up to 2.06m off Chania and 1.70m near Malia, producing noticeable swell at exposed beaches. Sheltered coves along this stretch remain swimmable.
The south and east are a different proposition. Ierapetra and Makrigialos are clear and hot, with highs of 30-32°C and overnight lows staying above 27°C in Ierapetra. Wave heights on the south coast are among the lowest on the island today: 0.38m off Ierapetra, 0.62m off Makrigialos. The Mirabello Gulf towns of Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda share the clear skies and highs of 32-33°C, with moderate wave heights of 1.3-1.44m.
Mountain Conditions
The White Mountains above Chania, Psiloritis in the centre, and the Dikti range in the east are dry and clear above the coastal cloud layer. Standard summer protocol applies: begin gorge walks and ridge approaches early, carry more water than expected, and account for temperatures several degrees lower than the coast at altitude.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures run from 25.4°C at Makrigialos to 26.7°C at Heraklion and Rethymno, warm across the whole island. The UV index peaks between 8.15 and 8.4 today, placing every coastal area firmly in the very-high band. The strongest winds are concentrated around Heraklion, Ierapetra, and Makrigialos, all approaching 30 km/h, enough to keep the air moving without disrupting most outdoor plans.
Swim Verdict
The south coast is the standout pick for calm-water swimming today. Ierapetra and Makrigialos are near-flat. On the north coast, most beaches are swimmable, but Chania carries a 2m swell; choose sheltered bays over open stretches. Sea temperatures are warm everywhere, from 25.4°C to 26.7°C, and there is no jellyfish or current advisory in effect.
Practical Tip for the Day
UV peaks between noon and 15:00. With an index above 8 across the entire island, unprotected skin burns in under 20 minutes. Apply SPF 50 before leaving your accommodation, reapply after each swim, and plan any midday beach break in the shade. The same rule applies in the mountains, where the thinner atmosphere intensifies UV exposure further.
