Rainy days tips
The Basque Country is famous for its stunning beaches, delicious pinxos, and charming streets. But the weather in the Basque country can be full of surprises! It’s mountainous and with a lot of Atlantic coastline, so i suppose that follows… To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to be prepared. As they say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation.” Here are five handy tips about the climate, the best travel time, and activities for any weather.
1. What’s the weather like in the Basque Country?
The Basque Country has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning it’s rarely extremely hot or freezing cold. It’s similar to the UK, N France or the Low Countries, except 5 degrees warmer at all points. A big difference is that the summers seem longer and sunnier, running from May to October. July and August are the warmest months (25-28 degrees) with proper elongated periods of clear blue skies, but also the busiest. Dec/Jan/Feb are the genuinely wintery months (10-14 degrees) where hats and coats are in order.
2. What to wear?
The weather in the Basque Country can be unpredictable, even in summer. Always pack the following:
Layers, layers, layers… Warm in the sun, cool in the shade. One moment it’s sunny, the next you might get caught in a quick rain shower. That’s the Basque Country!
A jacket or sweater for the evenings
An umbrella – Especially in the winter months, locals always carry a one just in case.
Comfortable shoes – The towns and cities have many cobbled streets, and without realising it, you’ll end up walking a lot.
A beret - if you want to fit in. It’s part of the original basque uniform.
3. Rainy days in San Sebastian
San Sebastián city for example, has plenty to offer, even when it’s raining. Here are some fun indoor activities:
San Telmo Museo – Discover the history and culture of the Basque Country in this fascinating museum.
Aquarium – One of Spain’s oldest aquariums, featuring a stunning tunnel where sharks swim overhead.
Bretxako Azoka Market – Dive into the local gastronomy and taste fresh Basque products in this covered market.
Pinxos Tour – Bad weather? It’s a perfect excuse to spend extra time hopping between pintxos bars, savoring the best Basque tapas. Book a tour here.
4- El tiempo; our favorite weather App
The Atlantic Ocean plays a big role in San Sebastián’s weather. In summer, it keeps the city refreshingly cool, but it can also bring sudden mist or rain. In winter, the ocean keeps temperatures mild. Always check a weather app, as conditions can change quickly! Our favorite app? El Tiempo.
5- Visit the Basque Country in spring or autumn
Although summer is the most popular travel season, the Basque Country is, in my opinion, at it’s best in the spring or autumn. Apart from the obvious natural beauty of springtime blooms and autumnal colours, it has a lot to offer outside the peak season:
Fewer tourists - you can enjoy the city at your own pace;
Spectacular waves at La Zurriola - perfect for surfers and photographers;
Lively, outdoor culture - the locals always meet up out on the terraces of squares to drink and socialise. Going round to your mate’s house isn’t much of a thing.
Cheaper hotel and restaurant prices – Off season prices drop significantly. Check out our hotel tips here to find the best accommodation for your city trip.
