The climate of Bilbao
Bilbao,
Spain, is located in the Cfb Köppen climate zone, characterized by marine west coast weather conditions with warm summers. Here, a clear shift between the seasons is noticeable, with distinctively moderate temperature variants and considerable precipitation amounts throughout the year.
Analyzing the provided climatological data, the yearly temperatures in Bilbao swing between 6.5°C (43.7°F) and 23.3°C (73.9°F), while humidity levels hover around 75 to 79%. Weather conditions reveal precipitation ranging from 31mm (1.22") to 103mm (4.06") monthly, indicating a wet environment. Rainfall is frequent with a record of up to 18.6 days in some months. Snowfall though moderate, tends to happen mostly in the colder months with an annual total of up to 12mm (0.47") across select months.
Inspection of the data reveals a pattern of varying daylight hours from 9 hours to over 15 hours, while sunshine lasts from approximately 5.2 to 9.5 hours per day. UV index readings are constant and never go above 5 units. Visibility remains unchanging annually at 10km (6.2mi), and wind speeds are reasonably stable, with the highest gusts reaching 26.5km/h (16.5mph).
The unique weather pattern to note is the month of
November which receives the maximum rainfall of 103mm (4.06"), causing a significant increase in humidity.
The best time to visit Bilbao
Considering the weather factors, the ideal time to explore
Bilbao would be during the summer months from
June to
August. During this period, temperatures range from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). The rainfall is less compared to other seasons, averaging from 34mm (1.34") to 50mm (1.97"). Plus, visitors can enjoy up to 15.3 hours of daylight and about 9.5 hours of sunshine, ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Bilbao
On the contrary, the less hospitable time for tourists would be the late autumn month of
November. This month witnesses the most substantial precipitation of 103mm (4.06") across 18.4 days. The temperature drops to an average of 14.5°C (58.1°F), alongside a lower daylight duration of 9.7 hours, possibly restricting outdoor pursuits.
Spring weather in Bilbao
Spring marks a transitional phase in
Bilbao when the colder months make way for warmer weather. From
March to
May, temperatures rise from 13°C (55.4°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Spring carries noticeable rainfall ranging from 43mm (1.69") to 54mm (2.13"), distributed over approximately 18 days. The length of daylight extends from 12 hours to 14.7 hours, and sunshine increases progressively from 7.2 to 8.9 hours per day.
Summer weather in Bilbao
Summer, from
June to
August, provides the most delightful weather conditions. Average temperature highs range from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F) and are complemented by low rainfall from 34mm (1.34") to 50mm (1.97"). These warmer months offer the longest daylight hours, extending to 15.3 hours in June, and ample sunshine duration averaging 9.4 hours.
Autumn weather in Bilbao
Autumn months of
September to
November see a downward trend in temperatures from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F) and an escalation in precipitation. Rainfall increases from 31mm (1.22") and peaks at 103mm (4.06") in November, resulting in more humid conditions.
Winter weather in Bilbao
Winter brings in the coldest temperatures, ranging from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F) between
December and
February. Though
Bilbao experiences mild winters compared to other regions, December brings occasional snowfall of around 5mm (0.2"). Rainfall rates range from 54mm (2.13") to 84mm (3.31"), resulting in cold, wet conditions. However, the short winter days still enjoy an average sunshine duration of 5.4 hours.
Weather in January
Cold temperatures prevail in
Bilbao,
Spain during
January, interspersed with several days of snowfall. The mercury ranges from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F), while the city experiences 5mm (0.2") of snowfall, usually close to the beginning of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Bilbao experiences a minor increase in temperatures in
February, offering a slight respite from the cold. However, the recorded snowfall doubles from that seen in
January, hitting a peak at 12mm (0.47"). This month is less rain-soaked, although downpours are not unusual.
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the arrival of
March, residents and visitors in
Bilbao can say goodbye to snowfall, as temperatures continue their upward trend. The transition from winter to spring is marked by a plummet in snowfall to just 1mm (0.04"). During this period, the city enjoys greater daylight hours, heralding the onset of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a significant shift in weather to
Bilbao, with no recorded snowfall and a further increase in temperature. Monthly rainfall is at a low for the year at 43mm (1.69"), a notion delighting those who prefer to stay dry. As the city waves goodbye to the last vestiges of winter, the days get longer and Bilbao blooms under the gentle warmth of the Spanish sun.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Bilbao is characterized by warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours, as the grips of the colder season loosen further. Rainfall remains consistent around 50mm (1.97"), similar to
April, making it a wet yet warm period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in
Bilbao, with temperatures soaring to 20.3°C (68.5°F). This month sees no recorded snowfall, signaling the definitive end of the colder months. The clear skies and ample sunlight make for longer days, encouraging more exploration and outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Bilbao, with the highest temperatures of the year observed at 22.6°C (72.7°F). The city experiences the least rainfall at 34mm (1.34"), making it the driest month of the year. The warmth of the sun reaches its zenith in July, bathing the city in pleasant heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As temperatures continue to hover in the 20s°C,
August remains a hot month in
Bilbao. Despite the slight decline in mercury readings compared to
July, the city’s warmth barely diminishes. The outdoor lifestyle thrives with locals and tourists flocking to the city’s beaches, parks, and markets.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the start of fall in
Bilbao as temperatures gently begin their descent while remaining above 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases to 31mm (1.22"), though it remains relatively low compared to the city's wetter months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a further cooling down in
Bilbao. As daylight hours reduce, there is a marked transition from the warmth of
September to cooler, crisper days. Noteworthy is the slight increase in rainfall to 35mm (1.38"), introducing the city to the wetter months' arrival.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Temperatures continue their downward trend in
November as
Bilbao leans into the late-autumn season. The city sees the highest rainfall for the year at a significant 103mm (4.06"), making it the wettest month of the year. The frequent showers and cooler temperatures bring a dampness the city hasn't experienced since the beginning of the year.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December in
Bilbao signals the arrival of winter with average temperatures plummeting to 8.1°C (46.6°F). The city records 2mm (0.08") of snow, rain increases to 54mm (2.13"), and the daylight hours hover around nine, marking the shortest day of the year.
Weather in December »