Island Overview
Crete on 3 November 2026 is mild, dry for most, and predominantly overcast. Temperatures reach between 21.8°C and 26.3°C depending on location, placing this day well above the long-term November average. The warmest corners are in the east, around Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, where afternoon highs touch 26.3°C under grey but dry skies.
North versus South
The clearest divide today falls between the south coast and the rest of the island. Ierapetra picks up 1.3 mm of rain from light showers, and Makrigialos sees a trace of 0.4 mm under persistent cloud. The northern arc from Chania through Heraklion and across to Hersonissos stays completely dry. Chania and Hersonissos see some partial clearing during the afternoon; the rest of the north coast remains overcast throughout.
Mountain Conditions
The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif above Rethymno sit beneath dense cloud today. Anyone planning to hike above 1,000 metres should expect reduced visibility, damp air, and temperatures several degrees below the coast. Lower gorge routes and coastal footpaths are the safer option for the day.
Wind, Sea State, and UV
Wind is the defining factor along the north and east coasts. Hersonissos records the highest gusts at 38 km/h, followed by Malia at 34.8 km/h and Sitia at 32.9 km/h. These are sustained northerly winds rather than brief squalls, so exposed terraces and beach spots will feel breezy throughout the day. The sheltered gulf around Agios Nikolaos and Elounda sees a more manageable 21 km/h.
Sea temperatures are still generous for November, ranging from 21.7°C off Rethymno to 23°C near Makrigialos. Wave heights are highest off Chania at 1.74 m and along the south coast at Makrigialos (1.58 m) and Ierapetra (1.5 m). Sheltered waters around Rethymno (0.38 m) and Elounda (0.52 m) are the calmest stretches today. The UV index sits at 4.6 to 4.8 across the island, moderate but still capable of burning fair skin after 45 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Swim Verdict
Conditions favour sheltered eastern Crete. Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offer warm water at 22.4°C with calm swell under 0.55 m, making them the best choices for a swim today. Hersonissos and Malia are choppy and wind-affected; enjoyable conditions are unlikely at exposed beaches there. South coast options at Ierapetra and Makrigialos carry moderate swell alongside intermittent rain, so they are best left for another day.
Practical Tip
Do not skip sunscreen because of cloud cover. A UV index of 4 to 5 diffused through overcast skies is still sufficient to burn fair skin in under an hour. The reduced glare makes the exposure less obvious, which is precisely when most people get caught out.
