Weather in San Sebastian

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in San Sebastian. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your time in this beautiful city.

The climate in San Sebastian can be characterized as temperate oceanic. It is typified by mild temperatures throughout the year, without sharp extremes of heat or cold. One of the key features of the local weather is a significant amount of rainfall, which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, leading to a high number of rainy days in almost every month.

Seasons in San Sebastian are clearly defined but without extremes. Summer, especially in July and August, is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 18-20°C; however, rain is possible even during this period, though less frequently than in other seasons. Winters here are mild, with average temperatures hovering around 8-10°C. It is the winter months, as well as late autumn (November), that see the peak number of rainy days. Spring and autumn are comfortable transitional periods with moderate temperatures, but also a high probability of precipitation.

The main feature tourists should consider when planning a trip to San Sebastian is the frequent rain. Even if the total amount of precipitation in millimeters might not seem very large in some months, the number of rainy days remains consistently high year-round. Therefore, an umbrella or raincoat will be useful at any time of the year. Nevertheless, thanks to the mild climate, the city is comfortable to visit throughout the year.

The climate in San Sebastian is distinguished by its mildness and moderation throughout the year, without extreme temperature fluctuations. January is traditionally considered the coolest month, when the average air temperature is about 8.5°C, with nightly lows dropping to 6.4°C and daytime highs reaching approximately 10.6°C. The warmest period is August, with an average temperature of 20.3°C. In August, daytime temperatures often rise to 22.9°C, and at night the thermometer rarely drops below 17.7°C. Overall, the annual temperature progression is quite smooth, creating comfortable conditions for visiting the city in any season.

Summer months in San Sebastian, especially July and August, are characterized by pleasant warmth, ideal for walks and relaxing on the coast. Daily average temperatures during this period range from 17.7°C in June to 20.3°C in August. During the day, the air warms up on average to 20-23°C, allowing you to enjoy the sun without exhausting heat. Nights also remain warm, with temperatures around 15-18°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are around 5°C, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience even in the evening.

Winter in San Sebastian is quite mild. From December to February, average temperatures stay in the range of 8.5°C (in January) to 10.2°C (in December). Nighttime temperatures in these months drop to 6.4°C - 8.1°C. During the day, the air usually warms up to 10.6°C - 12.3°C; for example, the maximum daytime temperature in February reaches 12.2°C, whereas in November it can rise to 14.3°C. Thus, severe frosts are not characteristic of this region. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter usually does not exceed 4-5°C, making the weather quite stable and predictable for this time of year.

In San Sebastian, precipitation is a characteristic feature of the climate throughout the year, and it is difficult to identify a distinct dry season. The city is known for its high humidity, so rain is a frequent occurrence in almost any month. Travelers should be prepared for the likelihood of precipitation regardless of the time of their visit.

Speaking of rainfall amounts, the largest volume usually falls in November, when about 7 mm is registered on average. January and December are also relatively wet in terms of volume (6 mm each). In terms of the number of rainy days, January, March, November, and December lead the way — each of these months averages about 17 days with precipitation. The least amount of precipitation (about 2 mm) and the fewest rainy days (about 12) are observed in July, however, even during this period, the probability of rain remains significant.

The nature of precipitation in San Sebastian, judging by the data (a small amount of millimeters distributed over many rainy days), most often takes the form of frequent but not too intense rains or lingering drizzle, rather than short heavy downpours. Given the mild winter temperatures, snowfall in the city is an extremely rare phenomenon; the main type of precipitation is rain.

When planning a trip to San Sebastian, it is important to consider its changeable maritime climate. The city is known for frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation throughout the year – the number of rainy days remains high in almost any season. Therefore, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will become indispensable companions on your journey. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as you will surely want to explore the picturesque streets and promenades. The principle of layering in clothing will also be your best friend, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day, especially considering the proximity of the ocean and possible wind.

In the cooler months, from approximately November to April, when the average temperature ranges from 8°C to 12°C, you should ensure you have warmer clothing. Bring sweaters, fleece jackets, warm trousers, and a waterproof jacket, possibly with light insulation and wind protection. A scarf and gloves will not be amiss, especially if you are sensitive to the cold. Waterproof footwear will make your walks under the frequent, albeit light, rain more comfortable, as the number of "wet days" is at its maximum during this period.

From May to October, the weather in San Sebastian becomes significantly warmer, with average temperatures rising to 14-20°C, peaking in July-August (around 20-23°C). During this period, you will need light t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, and, of course, a swimsuit for a beach holiday. However, do not forget that rain is still likely, so a light windbreaker or raincoat will not hurt even in summer. In the warmest months, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even in summer, evenings can be fresh, so a light cardigan or jumper will be useful for evening walks.