Bilbao in March

In March, Bilbao averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (110 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

March is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Bilbao. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

15°C
Avg high
7°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
110 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Bilbao

9th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
11 h 53 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Bilbao (9th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (19°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (14°C) and warms a further 2°C into April (17°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Bilbao

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:24 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:17 PM
Day length
11 h 53 min

Times shown for Bilbao local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bilbao — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Bilbao's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:04 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:04 AM – 8:04 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:37 PM – 7:37 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:37 PM – 8:17 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Bilbao.

📅 When to book — Bilbao in March

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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Bilbao's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

March in Spain — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

✝️
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Festival · high impact

Holy Week processions, especially in Seville and Málaga. Hotels in Andalucía sell out a year ahead, prices 2-3x normal. Some banks and shops close.

Plan: Seville at peak is unforgettable but planning-intensive. Other Spanish cities are quieter and more affordable.

Crowds & pricing — March in Bilbao

Shoulder

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 — March in Bilbao

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.2
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bilbao in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bilbao in March?

In March, Bilbao averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in March?

March is quite rainy in Bilbao, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Bilbao?

March 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 March?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Bilbao for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bilbao on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.