Bilbao in January
In January, Bilbao averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (147 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Bilbao. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Bilbao
January is one of the coolest months in Bilbao (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (19°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (14°C) and warms a further 2°C into February (14°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Bilbao
Times shown for Bilbao local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Bilbao — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Bilbao's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Bilbao in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Bilbao's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Bilbao
Bilbao is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Bilbao
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Bilbao in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 43°F | 147 mm | 16 | — |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 124 mm | 15 | — |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 110 mm | 16 | — |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 82 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 11°C / 53°F | 72 mm | 14 | — |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 69 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 24°C / 76°F | 17°C / 62°F | 46 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 56 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 60°F | 68 mm | 11 | — |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 56°F | 87 mm | 12 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 49°F | 160 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 125 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bilbao in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bilbao in January?
In January, Bilbao averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in January?
January is quite rainy in Bilbao, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Bilbao?
January is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Bilbao in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Bilbao for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.