Island Overview
A uniform layer of cloud sits over Crete on 4 November 2026, bringing a quiet grey start to early November. Temperatures remain mild for the season, with highs ranging from 21.3°C in Chania to 23.9°C in both Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. No rain is expected across most of the island. Sitia in the far east is the exception, with 1.3 mm of light showers forecast and the day's strongest wind gusts at 25.4 km/h.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north coast from Chania to Heraklion sits under thick overcast with moderate winds of 22 to 24 km/h. Conditions are breezy but not disruptive. The south coast tells a calmer story: Makrigialos is well sheltered, with gusts peaking at just 8.8 km/h, and Ierapetra records the warmest overnight low at 18.3°C. The Mirabello Gulf, including Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, stays dry with slightly warmer daytime highs of 23.9°C and lighter winds of 17.5 km/h.
Mountains
The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif above Rethymno will be in cloud throughout the day. Visibility on high passes will be reduced and road surfaces damp. Anyone planning to drive mountain routes should allow extra time and take care on bends.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea surface temperatures hold steady between 21.8 and 22.8°C island-wide, a warm remnant of summer that makes November swimming genuinely pleasant. Wave heights stay under 1 metre along most of the north-central coast, but rise to 1.62 m off Chania and around 1.54 to 1.56 m near Ierapetra and Makrigialos on the south coast. Wind peaks range from 17 km/h in the east to 25.4 km/h at Sitia. The UV index tops out at 4.5 in eastern Crete, a moderate reading that still warrants sunscreen for extended time outdoors.
Swim Verdict
Most beaches are suitable for swimming today. Water is warm and calm along the central north coast and throughout the Mirabello Gulf. Exercise caution at Chania beaches where waves approach 1.6 m. On the south coast near Ierapetra and Makrigialos, check local conditions before entering the water as swells are also above 1.5 m.
Practical Tip for the Day
Pack a light jacket. With full cloud cover and a moderate northerly breeze, a 22°C afternoon feels noticeably cooler than the thermometer suggests, particularly along exposed seafronts and harbour promenades.
