Island Overview
Crete wakes to a warm, dry Thursday. No rain is forecast anywhere on the island, and skies range from clear in the south and east to partly cloudy along sections of the north coast. Temperatures peak between 27°C in Sitia and 30.6°C in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Overnight lows stay mild, from 22.6°C in Hersonissos to 26.5°C in Ierapetra, ensuring warm evenings across all regions.
North vs South
The central mountain ranges divide the island into two distinct zones today. On the north coast, winds are moderate: Chania sees the lightest breeze at under 17 km/h, Heraklion reaches 27 km/h, and Hersonissos and Malia sit around 23 km/h. In the south, winds are stronger, with Ierapetra gusting up to 42 km/h and Makrigialos at 32 km/h. The mountains block ocean swell from reaching the south coast, however, so despite the wind, the sea stays remarkably calm: waves below half a metre at both Ierapetra and Makrigialos.
Sea State and Wind
Sea surface temperatures range from 26.5°C at Makrigialos to 27.3°C at Chania and Rethymno. The north coast carries the most movement: Sitia and Malia see waves up to 1.36 metres, Hersonissos up to 1.32 metres, and Heraklion up to 1.2 metres. These heights are manageable for confident swimmers but call for care at rocky entry points. In the east, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda record similar wind speeds to Sitia but slightly lower swell, around 1.14 to 1.18 metres.
UV Index
The UV index peaks at 7.55 in Rethymno, with every city across the island recording a high UV reading today. At this level, unprotected skin can burn in under 30 minutes. Apply SPF 30 or higher before heading out and reapply after every swim, even under the partly cloudy skies affecting Rethymno, Hersonissos, Malia, and Sitia.
Swim Verdict
Water temperatures between 26.5 and 27.3°C make swimming comfortable across the whole island. The south coast, particularly Ierapetra and Makrigialos, offers the flattest sea despite the wind, and suits families and weaker swimmers well. The north is fine for experienced swimmers, with waves up to around 1.4 metres. Overall, a good day to get in the water almost anywhere in Crete.
Practical tip for the day: If you are spending time on the south or east coast, secure your beach umbrella before settling in. Gusts in Ierapetra reach 42 km/h today, strong enough to send an unsecured umbrella across the beach. Stake it or weigh it down before you open it.
