The best time to visit Bilbao is June and September. Both months offer pleasant temperatures around 22-23°C (72-73°F), moderate rainfall, and fewer crowds than the July-August peak. June is the driest month with just 64mm of rain. September delivers warm sea temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and the city’s biggest annual event, Aste Nagusia, which usually runs the third week of August.
Best Time to Visit Bilbao for Good Weather
The best weather window for Bilbao runs from late May through early October. July and August have the warmest temperatures at 24-25°C (75-77°F) and the most sunshine at 7 hours daily. However, Bilbao never gets Mediterranean-hot. If you want dry, sunny days with temperatures in the low 20s, target June or September. Check the Bilbao weather by month guide for detailed climate data.
Month-by-Month Weather Summary
May (19°C/66°F, 90mm rain): Spring in full swing. Outdoor pintxo crawls are comfortable. June (22°C/72°F, 64mm rain): Best balance of warmth and dryness. July-August (24-25°C, 62-82mm): Warmest months but risk of heatwaves with humidity making 28°C feel closer to 32°C. September (23°C/73°F, 85mm): Summer warmth without August crowds. October (20°C/68°F, 139mm): Rain increases sharply from mid-month.
Best Time to Visit Bilbao for Lower Prices
January, February, and November offer the lowest hotel prices in Bilbao, typically 30-40% below July-August rates. A 4-star hotel room in the city center costs approximately 70-90 EUR in January versus 140-180 EUR in August. March and October are shoulder months with moderate pricing. Avoid the last week of August during Aste Nagusia when hotel rates spike to their annual maximum.
Best Time to Visit Bilbao to Avoid Crowds
Bilbao receives about 1.2 million visitors annually, with July and August accounting for nearly 35% of the total. The Guggenheim Museum sees 3,000-4,000 daily visitors in summer versus 1,500 in winter. Visit in November, January, or February for near-empty museums and no queues at pintxo bars. Early March and late October also work well, though check the Bilbao events calendar for trade fair dates that can fill hotels.
Months to Avoid in Bilbao
November is the wettest month (156mm) with only 3 hours of daily sunshine. The combination of rain and short days makes outdoor exploration less appealing, though the Guggenheim remains an indoor option. August combines peak hotel prices with peak humidity, and many local restaurants close for the first two weeks as owners take their own holidays. January and February are cold (12°C/54°F highs) and wet, but hotel prices more than compensate if you’re visiting primarily for museums and food.
Best Time for Specific Events in Bilbao
Plan around these events for the best Bilbao experience. Aste Nagusia (mid-August, 9 days) is Bilbao’s massive city festival with free concerts, fireworks, and street theater. The Bilbao BBK Live music festival runs over 3 days in early July on Kobetamendi hill with major international headliners. Santo Tomas Fair on December 21 fills the streets with Basque produce stalls and txakoli wine. See the events and festivals guide for the full calendar.
