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Weather in San Sebastián
Europe's culinary capital on a perfect crescent bay
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About San Sebastián
San Sebastián sits on a perfect crescent bay surrounded by mountains and towering above a population obsessed with food. The Basque Country's culinary capital hosts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere on Earth. Beaches, pintxos, and serious cooking define the city.
Best months to visit
August
Things to do in San Sebastián
Pintxo-hop at bar after bar in the old town
Hike to Monte Igueldo or Monte Ulia for bay views
Beach at La Concha or Zurriola
Visit the Aquarium or Museum of Basque Culture
Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or casual cider houses
Browse the bustling Saturday market
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
12C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
February
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
March
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
April
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
July
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
November
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
December
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
San Sebastián packs an extraordinary concentration of Michelin stars and pintxo bars into a city wrapped around the shell-shaped Playa de la Concha, often ranked among the world's best urban beaches. The old town's narrow streets are a nightly ritual of bar-hopping, where the unwritten rule is one drink and one pintxo per stop before moving on. Surfers head to Zurriola beach on the other side of the bay, giving the city a split personality between elegant Belle Époque grandeur and laid-back coastal cool.
Best areas to stay in San Sebastián
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
The dense old town packed with pintxo bars, the harbour and the basilica.
La Concha
The grand beachfront promenade lined with Belle Époque buildings, beside the famous shell-shaped bay.
Gros
A trendy neighbourhood next to Zurriola beach, popular with surfers and a younger crowd.
Centro
The 19th-century grid of shopping streets and squares between the old town and the river.
Getting to San Sebastián
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Flights
San Sebastián's small airport has limited flights; Bilbao Airport, about an hour away, is the more common gateway.
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From London
~2 hours by air from London to Bilbao, plus a 1-hour transfer.
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Getting around
The city centre, beaches and old town are all walkable; buses connect outlying areas and Bilbao.
Frequently asked questions
Why is San Sebastián famous for food?
It has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, alongside an exceptional pintxo bar scene in the old town.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June-September) brings the best beach weather, though it's also the busiest and most expensive period; spring and autumn are quieter alternatives.
Is San Sebastián good for surfing?
Yes — Zurriola beach has consistent waves and a relaxed surf culture, with board rental and lessons widely available.
How far is San Sebastián from France?
The French border is about 20 minutes away, making it easy to combine with a trip to Biarritz or the French Basque Country.
How do I get around San Sebastián?
The city is compact and very walkable, with the old town, beaches and main districts all within easy reach on foot.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
La Concha beach lives up to the hype and the pintxo crawl through the old town was one of the best food experiences of our trip.
Maite E. · August 2023
★★★★★
Surfed Zurriola in the morning and ate incredible pintxos in the evening — hard to beat that combination in one city.
James P. · September 2024
★★★★☆
Quieter in May with lovely weather, though some restaurants weren't fully booked yet which made spontaneous dining easier.
Beatriz M. · May 2023
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