The month in detail
What to expect in January
In January, Bilbao sees 12°C during the day with 2.6h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 37% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
January ranks 11 out of 12 months in Bilbao. Compared to December: −2°C daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
5°
Sea
14°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.1h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 32
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Bilbao is August (8.2/10), 4.2 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Bilbao
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Bilbao
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Spain
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.13°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 25°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 12°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 41%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Bilbao ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
SpainTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.2 → 4.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
43.26°N · 2.93°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Bilbao?
July is the best month with 24.0°C highs, 17.0°C lows, 6.0h of sunshine and 21.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Bilbao get in July?
Bilbao averages 6.0 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in Bilbao?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Bilbao in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 17.0°C, while afternoon highs average 24.0°C.
Is Bilbao good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Bilbao scores 4.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 7.6/10.
When should you avoid Bilbao?
January is the most difficult month to visit Bilbao, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Bilbao in January?
In January, the sea averages 14°C in Bilbao: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Bilbao in January?
The average UV index reaches 2 in January in Bilbao (low), with about 9.1h of daylight. No protection needed.