Island Overview
High pressure dominates Crete on 28 June 2026. No rain is expected anywhere on the island. Skies range from partly cloudy over Chania to completely clear across the south and east, and highs run from 26°C on the north coast to 31°C at Elounda and Makrigialos. UV indices between 8.2 and 8.65 place the entire island in the high category through midday.
North Coast vs South and East
The north coast is cooler and breezier today. Heraklion tops out at 28.6°C with winds reaching 24.5 km/h, the strongest reading on the island and consistent with early meltemi conditions. That airflow keeps the seafront feeling more comfortable than the temperature alone suggests. Chania is the coolest city at 26.4°C, with broken cloud softening the glare. Rethymno, Hersonissos and Malia sit between 26°C and 28°C under largely clear skies and moderate breezes of 16-18 km/h.
The south and east run noticeably hotter. Ag. Nikolaos (30.6°C), Elounda (30.7°C) and Makrigialos (30.7°C) are the warmest spots today. Ierapetra records an overnight minimum of 26.8°C, the highest low on the island, meaning there is little relief from the heat after sunset for those without air conditioning.
Mountain Conditions
Walkers heading into the White Mountains above Chania or onto the Psiloritis massif above Rethymno will find temperatures around 17-20°C at 1,500 m. Early starts are recommended for gorge hikes such as Samaria, and a light layer is worth carrying even on a warm coastal day.
Sea State, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures are warm across the board, from 23.8°C at Sitia to 25.7°C at Rethymno, with most locations sitting between 24°C and 26°C. Wave heights split clearly along north-south lines. Chania sees the choppiest water at up to 1.42 m, followed by Heraklion at 1.04 m. The south coast is much calmer, with Ierapetra and Makrigialos recording just 0.34-0.36 m, and Ag. Nikolaos, Elounda and Sitia similarly flat. UV peaks at 8.65 in Rethymno and sits around 8.4 island-wide, enough to burn unprotected skin in under 30 minutes during peak hours.
Swim Verdict
All beaches are suitable for swimming today. The south and east coast locations, including Ierapetra, Makrigialos, Elounda and Ag. Nikolaos, offer the flattest water and most sheltered conditions, with sea temperatures between 24°C and 25°C. Chania's 1.4 m swell is manageable for confident adult swimmers but is not ideal for young children at the waterline.
Practical Tip for the Day
With UV consistently above 8 across the island, sunscreen depletes faster than most people expect. Use SPF 30 or above, apply before going outside, and reapply every 90 minutes regardless of whether you have been in the water. Plan a shade break between 11:00 and 16:00. That midday pause is the most effective way to stay comfortable across a full holiday week rather than burning out after two days.
