Home › Destinations › Bilbao
Weather in Bilbao
Basque renaissance city of art and gastronomy
—
Loading live weather...
About Bilbao
Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum anchors a waterfront renaissance—the titanium ship floats in the Nervión River like a sculpture. The Basque Country's capital balances avant-garde art with pintxo-hopping culture. The industrial past remains visible; the innovative future is everywhere.
Best months to visit
July, August, September
Things to do in Bilbao
Tour the Guggenheim Museum (iconic architecture)
Explore the medieval old town's pintxo bars
Walk the Nervión waterfront
Visit the Fine Arts Museum (Spanish masters)
Day trip to nearby Getxo for seaside villages
Browse independent shops in Casco Viejo (old town)
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
12C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
February
14C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
March
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
April
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
June
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
September
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
21C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
November
16C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
December
14C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
Bilbao's transformation from industrial port city to architectural icon is largely down to one building — Frank Gehry's titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum — but the city's appeal runs much deeper than a single landmark. The Casco Viejo's seven streets are packed with pintxo bars where the Basque tradition of small, expertly crafted bites turns bar-hopping into a meal in itself. With the green hills of the Basque Country rising around it and the coast within easy reach, Bilbao makes a compelling case as one of Spain's most underrated cities.
Best areas to stay in Bilbao
Casco Viejo
The atmospheric old town, famous for its pintxo bars along the Siete Calles.
Abandoibarra
The riverside district home to the Guggenheim Museum and modern architecture.
Ensanche
The 19th-century grid-planned district with shopping streets and the Plaza Moyúa.
Deusto
A university area across the river, offering a more local, residential feel.
Getting to Bilbao
✈
Flights
Bilbao Airport is around 30-40 minutes from the centre by bus or taxi.
⏱
From London
~2 hours by air from London.
🚕
Getting around
The metro, trams and a riverside walkway make getting around straightforward; San Sebastián is about an hour away by bus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Guggenheim Museum worth visiting?
Yes — both the building itself, with its striking titanium curves, and the rotating contemporary art exhibitions inside are highly regarded; booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
What are pintxos?
The Basque version of tapas — small snacks, often served on bread and held with a toothpick, typically eaten standing at a bar with a glass of txakoli wine.
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
Spring and early autumn offer the most reliable weather; the Basque Country can be rainy, so layers are worth packing year-round.
Can I visit San Sebastián from Bilbao?
Yes — San Sebastián is about an hour away by bus or car, making it an easy day trip or onward stop.
How do I get around Bilbao?
The city has an efficient metro designed by Norman Foster, plus trams and buses; the Casco Viejo and riverside are very walkable.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Guggenheim is genuinely as impressive as the photos suggest, and the pintxo bars in Casco Viejo were a highlight of the whole trip to Spain.
Iker A. · September 2023
★★★★☆
Rained for two of our three days but the city still felt vibrant — great museums and food made up for the weather.
Charlotte F. · May 2024
★★★★★
Used Bilbao as a base and did a day trip to San Sebastián, both fantastic. Basque food culture is on another level.
Diego L. · July 2023
Ready to visit Bilbao?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
