Island Overview
Crete is dry from end to end on 15 November 2026. All ten reporting stations record zero precipitation, skies are overcast or foggy, and afternoon highs range from 22.5°C in Rethymno to 24.2°C in Makrigialos. It is a settled, quiet late-autumn day with no significant weather event on the horizon.
North vs South
The clearest contrast today is in overnight minimums. Heraklion opens the morning under fog with a low of 13.5°C, noticeably cooler than anywhere else on the island. Chania and Rethymno sit at 15 to 16°C overnight, overcast but calm. The south coast is the warmest side today: Ierapetra and Makrigialos hold overnight lows at 17°C and push afternoon highs past 23.8°C. Travellers seeking the most warmth on the island will find it along the Libyan Sea shore.
The Mountains
Coastal readings understate conditions at altitude. Fog and near-zero temperatures are likely on the upper passes of the White Mountains above Chania and across the Psiloritis massif. Drivers crossing the island via the mountain roads should expect reduced visibility at the higher sections and carry a warm layer regardless of coastal conditions.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures are holding well for mid-November, ranging from 21.0°C off Chania to 21.7°C along the south coast. Winds are light everywhere, peaking near 11 km/h, so wind chill is not a factor today. The UV index reaches 4.2 at its peak, a moderate reading; sunscreen is still worth applying for anyone spending several hours outdoors. Swell is the one variable to watch: Makrigialos and Ierapetra are recording waves around 0.9 metres, while the north and east coasts remain calm, with heights below 0.4 metres at most stations.
Swim Verdict
The water is swimmable. At 21 to 21.7°C, the sea is warm for November and calm conditions on the north and east coasts make for easy entries. South coast beaches at Ierapetra and Makrigialos are dealing with 0.9-metre swell today; choose a sheltered cove if you are swimming in that area. Everywhere else, conditions are relaxed and the sea remains inviting.
Practical Tip for the Day
Heraklion's morning fog should lift by mid-morning but will slow traffic on port approach roads and reduce visibility on the E75 in the meantime. If you have an early ferry departure or an early drive east, allow extra time and use headlights. For everyone else, the overcast keeps the afternoon comfortable, but temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets: a light jacket for the evening is worth packing.
