Bilbao has an oceanic climate (Cfb in the Koppen classification) with mild temperatures year-round and rainfall spread across all months. Unlike much of Spain, Bilbao doesn’t experience scorching summers or dry winters. The city receives around 1,200mm of rain annually, roughly double the Spanish average, which is why the surrounding Basque hills stay so green.
Bilbao Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The table below shows average high and low temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours for each month in Bilbao. Sea temperatures are measured at nearby Sopelana beach, 15km north of the city center.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sun Hours | Sea Temp (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 / 54 | 5 / 41 | 126 | 73 | 3 | 13 / 55 |
| February | 13 / 55 | 5 / 41 | 97 | 70 | 4 | 12 / 54 |
| March | 15 / 59 | 7 / 45 | 94 | 68 | 5 | 13 / 55 |
| April | 16 / 61 | 8 / 46 | 124 | 69 | 5 | 14 / 57 |
| May | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 90 | 70 | 6 | 16 / 61 |
| June | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 64 | 71 | 7 | 18 / 64 |
| July | 24 / 75 | 16 / 61 | 62 | 72 | 7 | 20 / 68 |
| August | 25 / 77 | 16 / 61 | 82 | 72 | 7 | 21 / 70 |
| September | 23 / 73 | 14 / 57 | 85 | 72 | 6 | 20 / 68 |
| October | 20 / 68 | 12 / 54 | 139 | 72 | 5 | 18 / 64 |
| November | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 156 | 73 | 3 | 16 / 61 |
| December | 13 / 55 | 6 / 43 | 135 | 73 | 3 | 14 / 57 |
January and February Weather in Bilbao
January is Bilbao’s coldest month, though cold here means 12°C (54°F) highs and 5°C (41°F) lows. Snow is rare in the city center. You’ll get roughly 3 hours of daily sunshine and 126mm of rain across 17 wet days. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers. Hotel prices drop 30-40% from summer peaks.
March and April Weather in Bilbao
March sees temperatures climb to 15°C (59°F) with 5 daily sunshine hours. April brings 124mm of rain, making it one of the wetter months despite the calendar. The Basque phrase ‘abril, aguas mil’ (April, a thousand waters) holds true. Temperatures range from 8°C to 16°C (46-61°F). Pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes.
May and June Weather in Bilbao
May delivers Bilbao’s first reliably dry weeks with 19°C (66°F) highs and 90mm rain. June is the driest month at 64mm with pleasant 22°C (72°F) highs and 7 hours of daily sun. These are the best months for outdoor dining and day trips along the Basque coast without summer crowds.
July and August Weather in Bilbao
July and August bring Bilbao’s warmest weather: 24-25°C (75-77°F) highs and 16°C (61°F) lows. Humidity stays at 72% making it feel warmer. July gets only 62mm rain across 10 wet days. Sea temperatures reach 21°C (70°F) in August, warm enough for swimming at Sopelana and Getxo beaches. Expect peak hotel prices and book the best places to stay in Bilbao at least a month ahead.
September and October Weather in Bilbao
September maintains warm 23°C (73°F) highs with moderate 85mm rain, making it an excellent month for visiting. October marks the turn toward autumn with temperatures dropping to 20°C (68°F) and rainfall doubling to 139mm. The best time to visit Bilbao guide covers seasonal trade-offs in detail.
November and December Weather in Bilbao
November is Bilbao’s wettest month at 156mm. Temperatures drop to 8-15°C (46-59°F) with only 3 hours of daily sun. December averages 13°C (55°F) highs and 135mm of rain. The Christmas market in Plaza Nueva runs from mid-December, and the Guggenheim stays busy regardless of weather.
