The Weather of the Basque Country
On any given gloriously warm day, we can bet we’ll hear visitors comment on the wonderful weather of the Basque Country. When we hear praise for the sunshine, we are quick to remind visitors that our verdant mountains did not turn a lush green on their own. We have a considerable amount of rainfall to thank for that! This isn’t meant to put anyone off, however it’s important to know more about the climate of this unique region before you plan your next visit to this beach town.
By EMT
The Basque Country features an oceanic climate which means we have fewer extreme temperatures, with warm summers and mild winters when it often rains. While thunderstorms are few, there are roughly 186 days of rainfall per year in Donosti, averaging a few to dozen rainy days per month. Take note, the rainiest months are from October to December. On a visit to Northern Spain, it isn’t uncommon to see the weather marked by cloudy conditions and precipitation. In fact, there are some days where it seems the light rain doesn’t stop. The Basque have a word for this relentless and misty rain - txirimiri (siri-miri) - and it literally translates to 'a light rain. ' Thankfully it’s usually a drizzle mild enough for visitors to carry on enjoying the day, without being too much of an inconvenience. However, since it’s not uncommon for showers to dominate the forecast, we always recommend packing a small umbrella and bringing a light rain jacket with you when visiting outside of the summer months. If you find yourself in need of raincoat while in town, we suggest buying one from local favorite Batela, whose jackets feature a nautical style and come in a variety of colors.
For those interested, there is snow present in the mountainous areas of the Basque Country. From late December through April, the nearby Spanish Pyrenees become a popular destination for those looking for winter sports.
And for those who are solely seeking sun, the summer months of July and August are the best times to visit. Towns like San Sebastian and Biarritz are experiencing their least amount of rainfall and you can count on long warm days spent by the beach.
No matter the time of year the weather can be somewhat unpredictable here, so our pro tip is to check the World Climate Guide which will help forecast the weather for the month(s) you’ll be visiting. And when packing your bag, be prepared for a light rain and cool nights. With that said, keep in mind that should you visit during a spell of rain, life carries on here. Locals see rain as less of a disturbance and more as nature’s way of generously showering the land. After all, the very raw beauty of the Basque Country relies on the rain to keep its climate stable and landscape thriving.
Things to explore in every climate
Our suggestions on things to do according to climate
On a rainy day:
Check out Museo San Telmo, take a tour to a local cheese farm followed by indoor wine tasting and delicious lunch in Getaria, or check out our suggested kid-friendly activities which include in-door options to enjoy with tiny travelers.
When it’s overcast and slightly chilly:
Walk the Paseo Nuevo, sign up for a cooking class which we can help arrange, or take a e-bike tour which is a fantastic way to see the city.
For a warm summer day:
Spend your day by the sea of course, and try out a surf class while you’re at it! Our top picks across the Basque coast here.