Choosing the best time to visit Bilbao mostly comes down to what you are looking for: warmer days for exploring on foot, fewer crowds or more attractive prices. Unlike destinations with extreme climates, Bilbao can be visited year-round, but each season has its own character worth knowing before booking your trip.
Spring: mild temperatures and fewer crowds
Between March and May, Bilbao enjoys mild temperatures and a particularly green landscape, thanks to the hills surrounding the city. It is an interesting time to walk through Casco Viejo without the intense heat of summer or the more frequent rain of winter. Accommodation prices also tend to be more balanced outside peak season, making this a good option for travellers looking for good value at places like Pensión Manoli.
Summer: more energy, more visitors
Summer brings longer days and a livelier atmosphere, with busy terraces and more cultural events. It is also the busiest tourist season, which translates into higher prices and stronger demand for central accommodation. Booking ahead at a hotel like IO is especially advisable at this time of year, particularly in July and August.
Autumn: beautiful colours and a calmer pace
Autumn, between September and November, is considered by many travellers to be one of the best times to visit Bilbao. Temperatures are still pleasant, tourist numbers drop, and the colours on the hills around the city make viewpoints like Arraiz Behatokia even more appealing for a late-afternoon visit.
Winter: a quieter city and lower prices
Winter is often cold and rainy, but it is also the season with the fewest tourists and the most affordable accommodation prices. For travellers who do not mind shorter days and some rain, this can be a good time to explore the city at a relaxed pace, staying at simple accommodation such as Mendez ostatua without long queues or crowds.
- Spring: mild temperatures and good value for money.
- Summer: more energy, but also more people and higher prices.
- Autumn: perhaps the best balance between weather and calm.
- Winter: ideal for travellers seeking low prices and fewer crowds.
Events that may influence your dates
It is also worth checking the city's events calendar before choosing your travel dates. Aste Nagusia, Bilbao's biggest festival week, usually takes place in August and brings a huge amount of energy to the streets, but it also drives up demand for accommodation. The quieter months, such as January or February, tend to offer lower prices for travellers who do not mind the typical Basque winter chill, making them a good time for anyone who values calm and savings over festivals and events.
What to pack depending on the season
For spring and autumn, layered clothing and a light windbreaker are usually enough, since temperatures vary throughout the day. In summer, it is worth packing light clothes but also a thin jacket for the evenings, which can turn cool near the sea. In winter, a waterproof coat is essential, given how frequently it rains at that time of year.
Whichever season you choose, Bilbao always has something to offer. Check the accommodation options available for your travel dates and start planning your visit to the Basque city.
