Santander has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild temperatures year-round, no extreme heat or cold, and rainfall spread across all months. The city sits on Spain’s northern coast facing the Bay of Biscay, which moderates temperatures and brings about 1,200mm (47 inches) of annual precipitation. Summers are warm but rarely hot, winters are cool but rarely cold. If you’re used to Mediterranean Spain, Santander feels greener and wetter, more like the UK or Ireland than Andalusia. The sea temperature peaks at around 21°C (70°F) in August and drops to 12°C (54°F) in February. See our best time to visit Santander for more details.
ee our Santander travel guide.Santander Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
Santander’s monthly averages show a narrow temperature range of just 10°C between the coldest and warmest months. January averages 10°C (50°F) with 125mm of rain over 13 wet days. August reaches 20°C (68°F) with 75mm over 9 wet days. The driest months are July and August, but even these see occasional rain, so pack a light jacket regardless of when you visit. See our things to do in Santander for more details.
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Wet Days | Sea Temp | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 / 55 | 6 / 43 | 125 | 13 | 13°C | 3 |
| February | 13 / 55 | 6 / 43 | 100 | 11 | 12°C | 4 |
| March | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 95 | 11 | 13°C | 5 |
| April | 16 / 61 | 9 / 48 | 110 | 13 | 14°C | 5 |
| May | 18 / 64 | 11 / 52 | 85 | 12 | 15°C | 6 |
| June | 20 / 68 | 14 / 57 | 60 | 9 | 18°C | 7 |
| July | 23 / 73 | 16 / 61 | 50 | 8 | 20°C | 7 |
| August | 23 / 73 | 16 / 61 | 75 | 9 | 21°C | 7 |
| September | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 90 | 10 | 20°C | 6 |
| October | 19 / 66 | 12 / 54 | 120 | 12 | 18°C | 4 |
| November | 15 / 59 | 9 / 48 | 140 | 14 | 16°C | 3 |
| December | 13 / 55 | 7 / 45 | 130 | 14 | 14°C | 3 |
Santander Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring is unpredictable in Santander. March averages 15°C (59°F) with 11 wet days, April warms to 16°C (61°F) but brings 13 wet days, and May hits 18°C (64°F) with 12 wet days. You’ll get stretches of sunny days with temperatures reaching 22-25°C (72-77°F), followed by Atlantic fronts bringing rain for 2-3 days straight. The sea stays cold at 13-15°C so swimming isn’t practical until June. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes. The city’s parks and gardens start blooming in April, and outdoor terrace dining picks up in May. See our Santander events and festivals for more details.
Santander Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is the best season for visiting Santander. June averages 20°C (68°F) with only 9 wet days and 60mm of rain. July and August both reach 23°C (73°F) with 7-8 hours of daily sunshine. This is when Santander’s beaches fill up, the sea warms to 20-21°C (68-70°F), and the city hosts its biggest festivals. August is the busiest month as Spaniards from Madrid and the interior head north to escape 40°C+ heat. Hotel prices peak but you’ll still pay less than in San Sebastián or Barcelona. Evenings stay pleasant around 16°C, so a light jacket works for outdoor dining. See our Santander neighborhoods guide for more details.
Santander Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is a sweet spot: temperatures still hit 22°C (72°F), the sea retains summer warmth at 20°C (68°F), tourist crowds thin out after the first week, and rainfall is moderate at 90mm over 10 days. October cools to 19°C (66°F) with 12 wet days and 120mm of rain. November is the wettest month at 140mm over 14 wet days, with highs of 15°C (59°F). The combination of Atlantic storms and shorter days makes November the least appealing month for outdoor activities, though restaurants and museums stay busy. See our where to stay in Santander for more details.
Santander Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is mild by European standards but wet and grey. January highs reach 13°C (55°F) with 125mm of rain over 13 days. Snow is extremely rare in the city (the last significant snowfall was in 1985), but you’ll see snow on the Cantabrian Mountains 30km inland. Expect overcast skies, drizzle, and Atlantic winds. On the plus side, you’ll find hotel rates 40-50% lower than August, empty beaches for bracing walks, and cozy seafood restaurants with no queues. If you don’t mind rain gear, winter works for a budget city break focused on food and culture. See our Santander travel tips for more details.
