Weather in Santander

Planning your day in the city of Santander? Here you will find up-to-date weather information, including current readings and detailed forecasts to help you better prepare for your trip.

The climate in Santander can be described as temperate maritime, making it pleasant to visit at any time of the year. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, there is no extreme heat or severe cold here. The weather is characterised by mildness and freshness, which favourably distinguishes this region from the drier and hotter south of Spain.

Summer here is warm but not scorching: the average temperature in the hottest months, July and August, usually stays within a comfortable range of 20–24°C. This creates ideal conditions for long walks and relaxing on the coast without the risk of overheating. Winters pass without severe frosts, with averages around 10°C, and the transitions between seasons are smooth and almost imperceptible.

An important feature of the weather in Santander is high humidity and regular rainfall, which is distributed quite evenly throughout the year. Even in summer, the number of rainy days can reach 12 per month, and in other seasons up to 16. Travellers should be prepared for variable cloudiness and bring an umbrella; however, it is thanks to these frequent rains that this region is famous for its stunning green landscapes.

The climate of Santander is distinguished by enviable mildness and a lack of extreme fluctuations, making a stay in the city comfortable in any season. Winter here is warm by European standards and passes without harsh frosts. The coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature holds at 9–10°C. Even at night, the air rarely cools below 6°C, so while warm jackets will be needed, there is no need to worry about heavy winter clothing.

Summer in the capital of Cantabria is a time of pleasant warmth, devoid of the exhausting heat characteristic of the southern regions of Spain. The peak temperatures occur in August, when average readings reach 20.5°C, and daily highs sit comfortably around 23–24°C. July is not far behind, offering ideal conditions for walking and relaxing by the ocean. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic, freshness reigns here, and nights remain cool and pleasant with temperatures around 17°C.

A feature of Santander's temperature regime is the small amplitude of daily fluctuations. The difference between daily highs and nightly lows is usually small, amounting to just 3–6 degrees, which creates a sense of stability. Transitional seasons also pass smoothly: already in May, the average temperature rises to 15°C, and September often feels like a continuation of summer with readings around 19°C, before a gradual decline to 16.5°C begins in October.

The climate in Santander is characterised by high humidity and regular precipitation throughout the year, which is typical for the northern coast of Spain. Due to the mild temperatures, there is practically no snow here even in winter—the main type of precipitation is rain. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that there is no distinct dry season here, and overcast weather can catch you by surprise in any month.

The highest number of wet days falls in the autumn-winter period, as well as spring and early summer. In January, March, May, June, November, and December, an average of 16 rainy days is recorded. The wettest month by volume of precipitation, according to statistics, is November, so waterproof clothing and a reliable umbrella are necessary for a trip at this time of year.

Summer in Santander is slightly drier, but the rains do not stop completely. July and August are considered the most favourable months: the volume of precipitation drops to a minimum, and the number of days with rain falls to 12. Nevertheless, even at the height of the beach season, brief showers or drizzle are possible, which refresh the air and maintain the lush greenery of the region.

Santander is distinguished by a mild but rather changeable climate, so universal advice for any season is to dress in layers. Even in the height of summer, there is rarely exhausting heat (the average temperature in August is about 20.5°C), and evenings can be refreshing due to the breeze from the ocean. We recommend taking t-shirts, light jumpers, and cardigans that can be easily combined, adding or removing layers depending on the whims of the weather.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from moisture and wind. Statistics show that rainy days happen here regularly throughout the year (on average 12–16 days a month), so a quality waterproof windbreaker or raincoat is a mandatory element of a tourist's wardrobe in Spain, especially in the north. An umbrella will also come in handy, but due to gusty winds from the Bay of Biscay, a jacket with a hood often proves more practical. Choose footwear that is as comfortable as possible for long walks and preferably water-resistant.

If you are planning a trip in summer, be sure to pack swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun on the Sardinero beaches can be active, even if the air seems cool. For a winter visit, when the temperature hovers around 9–10°C, an insulated coat or a light down jacket and scarf will suffice; severe frosts are a rarity here, so you are unlikely to need heavy winter clothing.