2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Bilbao — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Bilbao. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

5.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

13°C

Rainy days

15days

Daylight

14.6h

Rainfall

86mm

Sunshine

10.8h/day

Humidity

81%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

8

Very High
Wind

16 km/h (gusts 33)

Is May a good time to visit Bilbao?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:50

Sunset

21:28

14.6h daylight

Visiting Bilbao in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Bilbao Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 13°C 8°C 15d (111mm) 5.9h
78% Humid
2.4 Moderate
Wet
Feb 15°C 9°C 12d (78mm) 7.3h
77% Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 9°C 17d (92mm) 8.7h
75% Humid
5.2 High
Wet
Apr 17°C 11°C 14d (83mm) 9.7h
77% Humid
6.9 High
Wet
May Current 19°C 13°C 15d (86mm) 10.8h
81% Very Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 22°C 16°C 14d (96mm) 10.5h
83% Very Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jul 24°C 18°C 9d (37mm) 11.5h
80% Very Humid
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Aug 25°C 18°C 11d (55mm) 10.9h
80% Very Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Sep 23°C 17°C 15d (101mm) 9.3h
79% Humid
5.7 High
Excellent
Oct 21°C 15°C 11d (101mm) 7.8h
77% Humid
4.2 Moderate
Good
Nov 17°C 11°C 16d (145mm) 6.3h
78% Humid
2.6 Moderate
Wet
Dec 14°C 9°C 17d (136mm) 5.6h
79% Humid
2 Low
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthAprScore: 7.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Bilbao – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Bilbao

Titanium Guggenheim Museum, pintxos bars in Casco Viejo and a Basque cultural renaissance.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Bilbao?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Bilbao?
May is typically excellent for visiting Bilbao, with average highs of 19°C and around 15 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Bilbao in May?
Evenings in Bilbao during May are mild at 13°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Bilbao in May?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in May?
Bilbao typically sees around 15 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Bilbao in May?
In May, Bilbao gets approximately 14.6 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Bilbao?
Yes, May is peak season in Bilbao. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Madrid)

Last Updated: February 2026