Island Overview
July 25, 2026 brings a split across Crete. Cloud and occasional showers are sitting over the north coast and the west, while the south and parts of the east are clearing. Temperatures top out between 24°C in Sitia and 26.6°C in Ierapetra, with overnight lows holding above 21°C everywhere. It is cooler and greyer than a typical late-July day, but conditions vary considerably by location.
North Coast vs South Coast
The divide is pronounced. Chania is seeing light rain showers with 3.2mm of precipitation and Rethymno 2.5mm under an overcast sky. Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Malia are cloudy with only trace rainfall. UV on the north coast is muted as a result, reaching just 4.75 in Hersonissos and Malia, though cloud cover does not eliminate UV exposure and sunscreen remains necessary.
The south coast is a different day entirely. Ierapetra and Makrigialos are mainly clear with no rain, and the UV index climbs to 8.1 and 8.2 respectively. Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda are partly cloudy and dry, offering a reasonable middle ground between the grey north and the sunny south.
Mountains and Interior
At altitude, expect low cloud and damp conditions throughout the day. The White Mountains above Chania and the Psiloritis massif above Rethymno will be largely shrouded. Anyone hiking the Samaria Gorge should carry a waterproof layer. The Lasithi Plateau in the east will be cooler than the coast but should remain dry.
Wind, Sea State, and UV
The meltemi is running hard across the east and south. Ierapetra is gusting to 45 km/h, Makrigialos to 41 km/h, Sitia to 37.6 km/h, and Rethymno to 35.6 km/h. The north coast resort strip from Hersonissos to Heraklion is seeing gusts of 28 to 30 km/h. These are significant winds that will affect outdoor comfort, beach umbrellas, and water sports equipment. Check conditions with your beach operator before hiring gear.
Waves are moderate to rough on the north coast, ranging from 1.4m near Heraklion and Ag. Nikolaos to 1.6m near Sitia and Malia. The south coast is considerably calmer: 0.58m at Ierapetra and 0.72m at Makrigialos. Sea temperatures are warm throughout, from 26.1°C at Sitia and Makrigialos to 27.5°C at Rethymno.
Swim Verdict
The south coast is the clear choice for swimming today. Ierapetra and Makrigialos offer flat, warm water in the calmest conditions on the island despite the onshore wind. North coast beaches are choppy and overcast. Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda are a workable alternative with waves around 1.4m and partly sunny skies. Avoid exposed north-facing beaches if you are not a confident open-water swimmer.
Practical Tip
If you are based on the north coast and the grey skies are putting you off, the drive south to Ierapetra takes about 90 minutes from Heraklion via the Viannos road. Clear skies, flat water, and the warmest temperatures on the island make the south coast the standout beach destination for July 25.
