The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Bilbao. Temperatures rise (66°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 31% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. August (8.2/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 6 out of 12 months in Bilbao. Compared to April: +4°F daytime, +0.9h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
6 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
17°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
14.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 26
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Bilbao is August (8.2/10), 1.0 pt higher than May.
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
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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 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 · 41%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May 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 75°F highs, 63°F 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 63°F, while afternoon highs average 75°F.
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 May?
In May, the sea averages 62°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 May?
The average UV index reaches 6 in May in Bilbao (high), with about 14.5h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.