Balos — Sea temperature now
Vast turquoise Cretan lagoon.
Warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Balos on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Balos
The sea in Balos peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – November, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 7 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and December are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 15°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Balos sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Balos shows an annual mean sea temperature of 20°C, ranging from 15°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 11°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Balos, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Balos sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Balos?
August is the warmest month in Balos, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Balos?
The coldest month in Balos is typically February, when the water averages around 15°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Balos without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Balos runs from May – November — about 7 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Balos?
Outside peak summer the water in Balos drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Balos?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Balos is about 20°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Balos?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Balos, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | Bracing |
| Feb | 15°C | Bracing |
| Mar | 15°C | Bracing |
| Apr | 17°C | Bracing |
| May | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Jun | 23°C | Warm |
| Jul | 25°C | Warm |
| Aug ⭐ | 26°C | Hot |
| Sep | 25°C | Warm |
| Oct | 22°C | Warm |
| Nov | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Dec | 17°C | Bracing |