Island Overview
Crete wakes to a uniform overcast on 13 November 2026, with no meaningful rain across the island. Highs range from 22°C at Rethymno to 26.6°C at Malia, with overnight lows holding between 17 and 20°C. These are temperatures well above mid-November averages, and visitors from northern Europe will find conditions genuinely comfortable for sightseeing, walking, and time on the water.
North Coast vs South Coast
Wind is the main dividing line today. The north coast is bearing the brunt: Heraklion, Rethymno, and Hersonissos all record gusts near 39 km/h, making exposed seafronts blustery and beach conditions choppy. Chania is the clear exception, sitting in near-calm at just 6 km/h, an ideal spot for a walk along the old harbour without fighting the wind. Cross the White Mountains to the south and conditions ease considerably. Ierapetra sits at 23 km/h, Makrigialos at 28 km/h. Both towns also hold the warmest sea temperatures on the island, at 21.8 to 21.9°C.
High Ground
The summits above Rethymno and Chania are a different world today. Temperatures above 1,500 m will be near or below 5°C, with strong wind chill on exposed ridges. Hikers planning routes on the E4 trail or above the treeline should carry proper insulation and check local conditions before setting out. November is not forgiving at altitude on Crete.
Sea State, Wind and UV
Wave heights are small island-wide, ranging from 0.32 m at Heraklion to 0.96 m at Makrigialos. Sea temperatures hold at 21.1 to 21.9°C, still comfortable for a November swim. The UV index peaks at 3.4 to 4.2 today, in the low-to-moderate range. Sunscreen is advisable for extended outdoor activity, but there is no high-UV risk. The overcast diffuses direct sunlight while still allowing a meaningful dose through.
Swim Verdict
The water is warm and the waves are small. The limiting factor today is wind. On the north coast at Heraklion, Rethymno, and Hersonissos, gusts near 39 km/h will make beach conditions uncomfortable and create surface chop on exposed stretches. Better choices today are the sheltered bay at Elounda, the harbour beaches in Chania, or any south-facing strip along the Ierapetra and Makrigialos coastline, where the water is calmer and marginally warmer.
Practical Tip
Pack a light windproof layer if you are spending time on the north coast, even if the air temperature alone would not suggest it. The combination of 23°C, overcast skies, and gusts at 38 km/h feels considerably cooler at the seafront than it reads on a forecast. On the south coast or in Chania, a light jacket for the evening is sufficient. Temperatures drop noticeably after sunset under November skies, and the coastal breeze strengthens after dark on the northern shore.
