A Classic July Day Across Crete
Wednesday 22 July 2026 is textbook high summer on Crete: clear skies from coast to coast, no precipitation anywhere on the island, and daytime highs pushing well into the mid-thirties. The heat is consistent but not uniform, with the south coast standing out as the warmest zone of the day.
North Coast vs South Coast
The north shore runs from 34.4°C in Rethymno to 36.6°C in Chania, with Heraklion at 34.5°C and the resort strip of Hersonissos and Malia close behind at around 35°C. Overnight lows on the north are notably more comfortable, particularly in Heraklion where the thermometer drops to 22°C, giving residents and visitors some genuine relief after dark.
The south coast is a different story. Makrigialos records the island's peak temperature today at 37.4°C, with a night low that stays above 28°C. Ierapetra holds at 34.3°C but its overnight minimum of 27.7°C means little cooling after sunset. Anyone based along the south shore should plan outdoor activity for early morning.
The Interior and High Ground
The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif above Rethymno offer meaningful altitude relief today. Above 1,000 metres, temperatures run 6 to 10 degrees below coastal readings, and ridgelines will catch a light breeze. If you are driving the Lasithi Plateau road or the Sfakia descent, skies are clear and visibility is excellent throughout the day.
Sea, Wind and UV
Sea temperatures are at their summer peak, ranging from 25.5°C at Sitia to 27.9°C at Chania, with most beaches sitting between 26 and 28°C. Chania sees the strongest winds today at 16 km/h, producing the highest swell on the island at 0.82 metres, which is light chop rather than any real hazard. Heraklion has the calmest water, with waves under 0.35 metres. The UV index reaches very high levels across all areas, peaking at 8.6 in Rethymno. At that level, unprotected fair skin can burn in under 20 minutes at midday.
Swim Verdict
All beaches are safe for swimming today. The calmest conditions are on the north-central coast around Heraklion and Hersonissos. Chania's beaches are fine but expect a small ripple at the waterline. Sea temperatures make for genuinely comfortable bathing island-wide, with no location dropping below 25°C.
Practical Tip for the Day
UV index peaks between 11:00 and 15:00. Apply SPF 50 before leaving your accommodation and reapply after each swim. If you are spending midday at the beach or visiting an outdoor site, factor in a shade break during that window. The UV level today carries real burn risk for all skin types, including those that tan easily.
