Bilbao Weather in December 2026: what to expect (1.2/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in December

In December, Bilbao sees 14.0°F during the day with 2.6h of sunshine per day. With 49.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.

December ranks 11 out of 12 months in Bilbao. Compared to November: −4°F daytime, 6 pts fewer rainy days.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index

2 · low

no protection needed

Feels like

dry air

7°

Sea

15°C

cold, for the brave

Daylight

8.8h of daylight

Air quality

good

AQI 26

Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Bilbao is August (8.0/10), 6.8 pts higher than December.

See August →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Bilbao, Spain's 4th city and capital of the Basque Country: 350,000 inhabitants, industrial city converted into a cultural capital since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 (Frank Gehry architecture, the "Bilbao effect" = global urban catalyst).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Bilbao

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Bilbao

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide

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 trip.

Country · Spain

🗣️LanguageSpanish

💶CurrencyEuro (€)

🚗DrivingRight-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5

💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic

📈Climate trend ⓘ+2.03°F/decade

🔥Hottest monthAugust · 77°F

❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 54°F

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 55%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days

Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

French Basque CountryFrance

Nearby

French Basque CountryFrance132 km

BordeauxFrance257 km

Baqueira-BeretSpain320 km

Other top picks

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Bilbao ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Spain

Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.0 → 1.0 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?

August is the best month with 77°F highs, 63°F lows, 5.9h of sunshine and 30.0% rainy days. The months of August & July offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Bilbao get in August?

Bilbao averages 5.9 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.5/10.

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 August?

In August, overnight lows reach 63°F, while afternoon highs average 77°F.

Is Bilbao good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Bilbao scores 2.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 7.5/10.

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 December?

In December, the sea averages 59°F in Bilbao: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.

Do you need sun protection in Bilbao in December?

The average UV index reaches 2 in December in Bilbao (low), with about 8.8h of daylight. No protection needed.