Island Overview
Monday 3 August 2026 brings a textbook Cretan summer day. Zero precipitation is recorded across all ten monitored locations, and skies range from clear to mainly clear over most of the island. Only Sitia, Hersonissos and Malia carry some extra cloud cover, though no rain will fall. Daytime highs span 28 to 32 degrees Celsius, building steadily from west to east.
North Coast vs South Coast
The contrast between the two coastlines is clear today. On the north coast, Chania peaks at 28.6°C, Rethymno at 28.1°C and Heraklion at 29.7°C. Night-time lows there dip to 20-22°C, offering real relief from the summer heat. The south and east run significantly warmer at both ends of the day. Ierapetra reaches 30.5°C with a minimum of 25.3°C, Makrigialos hits 30.8°C, and Agios Nikolaos along with Elounda both top out at 31.9°C. South coast nights stay genuinely warm, making the temperature gap between the coastlines most apparent after dark.
Wind and Sea Conditions
The meltemi is active but moderate today. Heraklion records the strongest gusts at 24.5 km/h, with Sitia close behind at 22 km/h. Hersonissos and Malia both reach 19.1 km/h. The south coast is well sheltered: Ierapetra tops out at 13.3 km/h and Agios Nikolaos at just 11.9 km/h. Wave heights follow the same split. South coast waters are nearly flat, at 0.18 m in Ierapetra and 0.20 m at Makrigialos. North coast swells reach 0.68 to 0.72 m at Rethymno, Chania and Hersonissos, which is gentle rather than rough. Sea temperatures are warm everywhere, from 25.3°C at Sitia to 26.7°C at Rethymno.
UV Index and Mountain Conditions
UV peaks at 8.1 to 8.4 across the island, rated very high. Sun protection is not optional: apply SPF 30 or higher before going outside, reapply after swimming, and seek shade between noon and 15:00. In the White Mountains above Chania and on Mount Ida in the central range, temperatures at altitude will be noticeably cooler than on the coast, making a morning hike comfortable despite the heat at sea level.
Swim Verdict
Conditions are excellent for swimming across the island. The south coast delivers the flattest water today, ideal for families with young children and for snorkelling. North coast beaches carry a gentle chop from the meltemi that is refreshing rather than disruptive. Sea temperatures between 25 and 27°C require no acclimatisation. The sheltered bays around Elounda and the south coast stretch between Makrigialos and Ierapetra offer the clearest, calmest water for anyone going underwater.
Practical Tip for 3 August
UV index 8 is reached before 10:00 and holds until after 17:00. Plan beach time to start early and take a proper break indoors or in shade during midday hours. Travellers heading east toward Agios Nikolaos or Elounda will find the warmest temperatures on the island today, paired with the lightest winds and the calmest sea conditions in Crete.
