Island Overview
Crete splits today along a clear north-south line. The north coast, from Chania through Heraklion and east to Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda, sits under a persistent overcast. The south opens up to sunshine, particularly around Ierapetra, where skies are mainly clear and the high reaches 29.7°C. Island-wide temperatures range from 25.6°C in Rethymno to just under 30°C in the sunny southeast.
North Coast vs South Coast
Heraklion reaches 28°C but stays grey throughout the day. Hersonissos and Malia are overcast at 26 to 27°C. Chania and Rethymno carry a minimal rain chance, with 0.2 to 0.3mm possible — not enough to affect plans. Overnight lows across the north hold in the low 20s.
The south is in genuine summer mode. Ierapetra tops out near 30°C under mostly clear skies, with overnight lows staying at 24°C. Makrigialos sits partly cloudy at 29°C. The warmth here is dry heat rather than coastal grey.
Mountain Influence
Cloud is pooling on the northern slopes of Mount Ida and the White Mountains, which explains the overcast conditions along the north coast. Elevations above 1,000m will be noticeably cooler and breezier. Hikers should carry a light layer regardless of conditions at sea level.
Wind and Sea State
The meltemi is asserting itself in the east. Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda see gusts to 35 km/h; Ierapetra is the windiest point today at nearly 40 km/h. Despite this, the south coast sea remains sheltered: waves stay below 0.5m at Ierapetra and 0.54m at Makrigialos. The north and northeast are choppier, with wave heights of 1.0 to 1.26m from Rethymno to Sitia. Chania remains the calmest coastal zone, with winds below 13 km/h.
Sea temperatures range from 23.6°C off Sitia to 25.0°C at Rethymno, warm enough for comfortable swimming at every point on the coast.
UV Index
UV peaks at 8.0 to 8.5 across the island, firmly in the very high category. Cloud cover on the north coast does not reduce UV exposure in any meaningful way. Apply SPF 30 or higher before going out, reapply after swimming, and limit direct exposure between 11:00 and 16:00.
Swim Verdict
South coast beaches are the clear winner today. Ierapetra and Makrigialos offer calm, warm water with minimal swell. On the north and northeast coasts, swimming is fine but expect noticeable chop, particularly from Hersonissos eastward. Sea temperatures are comfortable at 23 to 25°C across the board.
Practical Tip
Winds on the north coast build through the afternoon. If you are planning a beach session or a boat trip from Heraklion, Hersonissos, or Malia, aim to be on the water before midday for the calmest conditions of the day.
