Bilbao in May
In May, Bilbao averages 20°C (67°F) during the day and 11°C (53°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (72 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Bilbao, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Bilbao
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Bilbao (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (19°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (17°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (23°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Bilbao
Times shown for Bilbao local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Bilbao — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Bilbao's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Bilbao in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Bilbao's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Bilbao
This is a busy month in Bilbao — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bilbao in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bilbao in May?
In May, Bilbao averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 11°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in May?
May can be fairly wet in Bilbao, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Bilbao?
May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Bilbao in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Bilbao for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.