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Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Country, a city of about 255,000 people set at 525 metres on the Alava plain in northern Spain. It was named European Green Capital in 2012 for its 33 km Green Ring of parks, and its hilltop medieval quarter holds the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, restored as a working archaeological site open to visitors. The climate is oceanic, with cool summers, rainy winters and about 750 mm of rain a year.
Welcome to Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz runs on a quieter, greener rhythm than Bilbao or San Sebastian. Its medieval Casco Viejo is one of the best preserved old towns in northern Spain, a compact oval of cobbled streets, convents and pintxo bars, while a modern grid of shopping streets spreads below it. The city works in any season: winters are damp and cold, and summers are warm but never hot, with nights that still cool to 12°C (54°F) in August.
The weather is the first thing to plan around. August is the warmest month with an average high of 27.4°C (81°F), January the coldest with an average low of 1.0°C (34°F), and November the wettest at 90 mm. For the full month-by-month numbers, start with the weather by month guide, then check the best time to visit page to match your dates to the festivals.
Vitoria-Gasteiz Weather: A Seasonal Snapshot
- Winter (December to February): highs of 10 to 11°C (50 to 52°F), lows near freezing, 65 to 80 mm of rain a month.
- Spring (March to May): highs climb from 15 to 21°C (59 to 69°F), with 65 to 73 mm of rain and parks in bloom.
- Summer (June to August): highs of 24 to 27°C (76 to 81°F), just 40 to 45 mm of rain, and the longest days.
- Autumn (September to November): highs fall from 24 to 13°C (75 to 55°F), and November brings the year’s heaviest rain at 90 mm.
Explore Vitoria-Gasteiz: Your Complete Guide Hub
- Vitoria-Gasteiz weather by month: temperatures, rainfall and sunshine for every month of the year.
- Best time to visit: the exact months for the best weather, lowest prices and fewest crowds.
- Things to do: the cathedral, Artium museum and Green Ring, with hours and prices.
- Events and festivals: the Virgen Blanca fiesta, Azkena Rock and the full annual calendar.
- Best neighborhoods: Casco Viejo, Ensanche, Zaramaga and the rest, area by area.
- Where to stay: the best areas to sleep, with specific hotels for every budget.
- Travel tips and FAQ: airports, tram fares, tipping and the answers to common questions.
Vitoria-Gasteiz at a Glance: Quick Facts
- Best months to visit: June and September, for 24°C (75°F) highs and 40 to 45 mm of rain.
- Warmest month: August, average high 27.4°C (81°F).
- Coldest month: January, average low 1.0°C (34°F).
- Wettest month: November, 90 mm of rain.
- Sunniest month: July, 245 hours of sunshine.
- Annual rainfall: about 750 mm across roughly 100 wet days.
Where Is Vitoria-Gasteiz and What Shapes Its Weather
Vitoria-Gasteiz sits on the Llanada Alavesa plain in the province of Alava, about 60 km south of the Cantabrian coast and 80 km southeast of Bilbao. Its 525-metre elevation and inland position give it colder winters and cooler summer nights than the coastal Basque cities, while Atlantic fronts still deliver rain year-round. The Cantabrian mountains to the north shelter it from the worst of the coastal storms, which is why its rainfall, at 750 mm, is lower than San Sebastian’s 1,500 mm.
Where to Stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Most visitors stay in the Casco Viejo or the Ensanche, both within walking distance of the sights, while families and nature lovers head for the greener northern and eastern districts. The city has no five-star hotels, but a solid run of four-stars and budget chains covers every price point. For the full area-by-area breakdown, read the where to stay guide listed above.
Suggested Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Silken Ciudad de Vitoria
A four-star at Portal de Castilla 8 with modern rooms arranged around a glassed-in interior garden and the Restaurante Vitoria on site. Best for couples and longer stays who want a quiet, comfortable base near Florida Park. Check rates and availability
NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria
A four-star at Ramón y Cajal 5, about 550 metres from the centre, with a highly rated breakfast and the Quejana restaurant on site. Best for couples and business travellers who want a reliable four-star on the edge of the old town. Check rates and availability
NIREA HOTEL
A two-star at Eduardo Dato Kalea 25 with air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi, about 600 metres from the cathedral. Best for budget travellers who want to stay central without paying four-star prices. Check rates and availability
