Best Time to Visit Bilbao

The Travel Pages picks the best time to visit Bilbao in Spain, with a monthly summary of the weather, hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Bilbao, a lively city in northern Spain, is known for its unique blend of Basque culture, stunning architecture, and tasty cuisine. The city’s climate is a mix of oceanic and Mediterranean, resulting in mild winters and warm summers.

However, the best time to visit Bilbao can vary depending on your preferences for weather, hotel prices, and special events. Let’s dive into a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan your perfect trip.

Best Time to Visit Bilbao Month-by-Month

January is the coldest month in Bilbao, with average temperatures ranging from 41°F (5°C) to 55°F (13°C). Rainfall is quite high, averaging around 4.7 inches (120mm). Snowfall is rare but possible. Hotel prices are generally lower this time of year, and there are fewer tourists. The city celebrates the Santo Tomás Festival, a traditional Basque event, from 21st December and on into early January.

February sees similar weather to January, with average temperatures between 43°F (6°C) and 57°F (14°C). Rainfall averages around 3.9 inches (100mm). Hotel prices remain low, and the city is less crowded.

In March, temperatures start to rise, averaging between 45°F (7°C) and 60°F (16°C). Rainfall decreases slightly to 3.5 inches (90mm). Hotel prices start to increase as the tourist season begins. The Basque Fest, a celebration of Basque culture, takes place at Easter, in late March. or April.

April sees warmer temperatures, ranging from 48°F (9°C) to 64°F (18°C). Rainfall is around 3.7 inches (95mm). Hotel prices continue to rise.

May offers pleasant weather, with temperatures between 54°F (12°C) and 70°F (21°C). Rainfall decreases to 2.8 inches (70mm). Hotel prices are moderate, and the city is bustling with tourists.

June brings summer to Bilbao, with temperatures ranging from 59°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). Rainfall is low, averaging 1.8 inches (45mm). Hotel prices are high due to the peak tourist season. The city hosts Bilbao Pride, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

July is the first of the two hottest months, with temperatures between 63°F (17°C) and 80°F (27°C). Rainfall is minimal, averaging 1.4 inches (35mm). Hotel prices are at their highest. The Bilbao BBK Live, a popular music festival, takes place in early July

August continues the summer heat, with temperatures also ranging from 63°F (17°C) to 80°F (27°C). Rainfall increases slightly to 1.8 inches (45mm). Hotel prices remain high. The Semana Grande, a week-long festival filled with music, food, and fireworks, takes place this month.

September brings slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 59°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). Rainfall increases to 2.8 inches (70mm). Hotel prices start to decrease as the tourist season winds down.

October sees further cooling, with temperatures between 54°F (12°C) and 68°F (20°C). Rainfall increases to 4.3 inches (110mm). Hotel prices are moderate, and the city is less crowded. This is the month of the Bilbao Night Marathon.

November brings colder weather, with temperatures ranging from 48°F (9°C) to 60°F (16°C). Rainfall is high, averaging 5.5 inches (140mm). Hotel prices are low, and the city is less crowded. The Bilbao International Documentary and Short Film Festival takes place in November, attracting film enthusiasts from around the world.

December sees similar weather to November, with temperatures between 43°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C). Rainfall averages around 5.9 inches (150mm). Hotel prices remain low, and the city is less crowded. The city celebrates the Santo Tomás Festival, a traditional Basque event, in late December/early January. The city also hosts the Bilbao International Animation Community Festival, attracting animation enthusiasts from around the world.

Best Time to Visit Bilbao: Summary

In conclusion, the best time to visit Bilbao largely depends on your preferences. If you prefer warm weather and don’t mind the crowds, the summer months of June, July, and August would be ideal. However, these months also see the highest hotel prices.

If you’re a fan of cooler weather and fewer crowds, the winter months of January and February could be a good choice. You’ll also find lower hotel prices during this time. However, keep in mind that rainfall is high in these months.

For a balance of pleasant weather, moderate hotel prices, and a good mix of tourists and locals, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) could be the best times to visit Bilbao.

No matter when you choose to visit, Bilbao offers a wealth of experiences. From its world-class museums and stunning architecture to its vibrant festivals and delicious cuisine, there’s always something to enjoy in this dynamic city.

So, when is the best time to visit Bilbao? The answer is, it depends on you. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a culture vulture, a foodie, or a budget traveler, there’s a perfect time for you to explore this amazing city.