2026 Climate Averages

Weather: San Sebastián — 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 San Sebastián. Warm weather with highs of 20°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. At 17°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

5.5
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

14°C

Rainy days

16days

Daylight

14.6h

Rainfall

103mm

Sunshine

10.9h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

8.1

Very High
Wind

17 km/h (gusts 34)

Sea Temp

17°C ❄️ Cold

Is May a good time to visit San Sebastián?

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

06:46

Sunset

21:24

14.6h daylight

Visiting San Sebastián 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
  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • 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

San Sebastián Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 13°C 8°C 15d (137mm) 5.8h
79% Humid
2.3 Moderate
Wet
Feb 15°C 9°C 12d (92mm) 7.2h
77% Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Mar 15°C 10°C 17d (120mm) 8.6h
75% Humid
5.2 High
Wet
Apr 17°C 11°C 14d (99mm) 9.6h
77% Humid
6.9 High
Wet
May Current 20°C 14°C 16d (103mm) 10.9h
80% Very Humid
8.1 Very High
Excellent
Jun 23°C 17°C 17d (131mm) 10.4h
83% Very Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jul 24°C 18°C 12d (52mm) 11.4h
82% Very Humid
8.4 Very High
Excellent
Aug 25°C 19°C 13d (98mm) 10.6h
82% Very Humid
7.5 Very High
Excellent
Sep 23°C 17°C 15d (135mm) 9.3h
79% Humid
5.8 High
Excellent
Oct 21°C 15°C 13d (135mm) 7.6h
78% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Wet
Nov 16°C 12°C 15d (173mm) 6.1h
80% Very Humid
2.5 Moderate
Wet
Dec 14°C 10°C 18d (183mm) 5.4h
81% Very Humid
2 Low
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthOctScore: 8

Where to Stay

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

San Sebastián

Basque culinary capital, including La Concha beach, La Concha beach promenade and Pintxos bar hopping in Parte Vieja, pintxos bars, and Michelin-starred dining.

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. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

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 San Sebastián?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit San Sebastián?
May is typically excellent for visiting San Sebastián, with average highs of 20°C and around 16 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 San Sebastián in May?
Evenings in San Sebastián during May are mild at 14°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 San Sebastián in May?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 14°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 San Sebastián in May?
San Sebastián typically sees around 16 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.
Can you swim in San Sebastián in May?
May is suitable for swimming in San Sebastián, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 20°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in San Sebastián in May?
In May, San Sebastián 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 San Sebastián?
Yes, May is peak season in San Sebastián. 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