Weather in Bilbao

Planning your day in Bilbao? In this section, you will find up-to-date weather information, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you organise your time in the city in the best possible way.

The climate in Bilbao can be described as temperate oceanic. This means the city enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations between seasons. Winters here are not severe, and summers are warm but rarely exhaustingly hot. One of the distinctive features of the weather in Bilbao is high humidity and frequent precipitation, which is usually not abundant in quantity, but distributed quite evenly throughout the year, often in the form of drizzle.

Four seasons are clearly distinguished in Bilbao. Winter (from December to February) is mild, with average temperatures around 8-10°C and a significant number of rainy days. Spring (from March to May) brings gradual warming, with average temperatures rising to 11-14°C, although rainfall is still frequent. Summer (from June to August) is the warmest time of the year, with average temperatures around 17-20°C, and daytime highs reaching 20-23°C; this is also the period with the least amount of rainfall in millimetres, although rainy days still occur. Autumn (from September to November) is characterized by a gradual decrease in temperature and an increase in the number of wet days, especially towards November, when the amount of precipitation increases slightly.

The climate in Bilbao is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The hottest month is usually August, when the average temperature reaches 20.2°C, with daytime highs around 22.8°C and nighttime lows around 17.6°C. The coolest month is considered January, with an average temperature of 8.9°C, when the thermometer rises to an average of 11.1°C during the day and drops to 6.7°C at night.

The summer months in Bilbao, from June to August, offer pleasant warmth. Average daytime temperatures range from 19.8°C in June to 22.8°C in August. This is comfortable weather for walking around the city and exploring its attractions, without the exhausting heat characteristic of some other regions of Spain. Evenings also remain warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C.

Winter in Bilbao is mild. From December to February, average temperatures stay in the range of 8.9°C to 10.5°C. Daytime highs are usually 11-13°C, and nighttime lows rarely drop below 6-8°C, which rules out severe frosts. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Bilbao are small throughout the year; the difference between average maximum and minimum values is usually about 4-5°C, ensuring relatively stable weather conditions throughout the day.

In the city of Bilbao, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, although some seasonal fluctuations are observed. There is no distinct rainy season or prolonged dry period here. Nevertheless, the summer months, particularly July and August, are characterized by the least amount of precipitation and the fewest number of rainy days.

Speaking of the wettest periods, November stands out as the month with the highest average amount of precipitation (6 mm) and one of the highest figures for the number of rainy days (18 days). January (5 mm, 18 rainy days), March (3 mm, 18 rainy days), and December (5 mm, 17 rainy days) are also distinguished by frequent, though not abundant, precipitation. The "driest" months are July and August, when only 2 mm of precipitation falls, with July recording the fewest number of days with precipitation – about 11.

A characteristic feature of precipitation in Bilbao is its low intensity. Even with a significant number of "wet days" in certain months, the total monthly rainfall remains small, varying from 2 to 6 mm. This suggests that light, drizzling rains are more typical for the city than heavy downpours. Given the average monthly temperatures, snowfall is unlikely.

When planning a trip to Bilbao, it is important to consider its temperate oceanic climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures and frequent precipitation throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Regardless of the season, always carry a light waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as a compact umbrella, as rain can start at any moment. Even in the summer months, when the average temperature reaches a comfortable +20-23°C, evenings can be cool, and sudden rain is not uncommon. Comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings are also a mandatory item on your list.

In winter (from December to February), average temperatures hover around +9-10°C, so you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece tops, warm trousers, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves, especially if you are sensitive to the cold and dampness. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with changeable weather. It can be sunny and pleasant during the day, but the temperature can change quickly, so a combination of light T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and a mid-season jacket will be optimal. In November, rainfall usually increases, so reliable rain protection is especially important.

In summer (June-August), the weather in Bilbao is usually warm, but not exhaustingly hot. Take light clothing made of natural fabrics: T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses. However, do not forget a light jumper or cardigan for evening walks or for air-conditioned premises. Sunscreen and a hat will be useful on sunny days. Regardless of the time of year, the city is perfect for long walks, so comfortable footwear is your main ally in exploring Bilbao.