Bilbao is a destination worth discovering at any time of year, but each season offers unique experiences that can make your visit truly unforgettable. If you’re planning to explore the Basque capital and immerse yourself in its world-renowned food culture, here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Bilbao.

Spring in Bilbao: The Awakening of Basque Gastronomy

March to June is one of the best times to visit Bilbao. The weather becomes increasingly pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 12 to 20°C (54-68°F), perfect for strolling through the Old Quarter and discovering the city’s best pintxo spots during our food tours.

During these months, seasonal products like Tudela artichokes, tear peas, and fresh broad beans take center stage on restaurant menus. Spring is also when local markets burst with color and flavor, making it an ideal time to join a food tour and experience Bilbao’s culinary scene at its freshest. The city shakes off winter’s grey skies, and the streets fill with locals enjoying terraces and the famous txikiteo (bar-hopping for pintxos).

Special highlight: Semana Santa (Easter Week) brings traditional Basque desserts like torrijas and pantxineta to the forefront, adding an extra layer of gastronomic discovery to your visit.

Summer: Peak Season for Food and Festivals

July and August transform Bilbao into a vibrant celebration of Basque culture. While these are the warmest months (averaging 20-25°C or 68-77°F), the proximity to the coast keeps temperatures comfortable compared to inland Spanish cities.

Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s Great Week) in mid-August is the city’s biggest festival, featuring nine days of concerts, traditional Basque sports, and endless food celebrations. The streets overflow with txosnas (temporary food and drink stands) serving everything from traditional cider to innovative pintxos.

Summer is also perfect for combining your Bilbao food tour with beach visits. After exploring the culinary treasures of the city center, you’re just a short metro ride from the beautiful beaches of Getxo, Plentzia, or Sopelana.

Keep in mind: This is high season, so booking your food tour in advance is essential, and accommodation prices are at their peak.

Autumn: Mushroom Season and Harvest Bounty

September to November is arguably the most spectacular time for food lovers visiting Bilbao. Autumn brings the highly anticipated mushroom season, when Basque chefs showcase their creativity with wild mushrooms like boletus, perretxikos (St. George’s mushrooms), and níscalos.

The weather remains mild in early autumn, making it comfortable for walking tours through the city’s seven original streets of the Casco Viejo. As the season progresses, the crisp air pairs perfectly with heartier Basque dishes like marmitako (tuna stew) and warming cider from nearby Sagardotegis (cider houses).

October is particularly special, as it’s when txakoli (Basque white wine) is harvested and pressed. Many of our food tour participants discover their love for this slightly sparkling local wine during this season.

Foodie tip: November marks the start of gastronomic society season, when these exclusive cooking clubs (txokos) are most active, though access remains limited to members and guests.

Winter: Cozy Comfort Food and Fewer Crowds

December to February might be the rainiest season in Bilbao, but it’s also when the city’s culinary soul truly shines. This is the time for hearty stews, rich bean dishes, and the comfort of warm pintxos bars where locals gather to escape the drizzle.

Winter in Bilbao means fewer tourists, making it easier to experience the authentic local atmosphere during our food tours. You’ll have more opportunities to chat with bartenders, learn about Basque culinary traditions, and discover hidden gems without the summer crowds.

The Christmas season brings its own gastronomic traditions, including polvorones, turrones, and special holiday pintxos. New Year’s Eve celebrations center around food, with many families preparing elaborate meals featuring kokotxas (hake cheeks), percebes (goose barnacles), and other delicacies.

Weather note: Pack layers and a good rain jacket, but don’t let the possibility of rain deter you – Bilbao’s covered arcades and proximity between bars make bar-hopping very manageable even in wet weather.

Making the Most of Your Food Tour Experience

Regardless of when you visit, a food tour in Bilbao offers the best introduction to Basque culinary culture. Our guides help you navigate the often-intimidating pintxo bar scene, explain local ingredients and traditions, and ensure you taste the authentic flavors that make Bilbao a gastronomic powerhouse.

Insider advice: Book your food tour for your first or second day in Bilbao. This gives you insider knowledge and recommendations that you can explore independently for the rest of your stay.

So, When Should You Visit Bilbao?

The honest answer? There’s no bad time to visit Bilbao for food lovers. Each season offers distinct culinary experiences:

• Best weather: Late May to early July, and September
• Best for food diversity: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
• Best for festivals: August (Aste Nagusia) and December (Santo Tomás)
• Best value and fewer crowds: January-March (excluding Easter)
• Best for authentic local experience: October-November and January-February

Ultimately, the best time to visit Bilbao is when you can make the trip. This city’s culinary scene thrives year-round, with passionate chefs, dedicated producers, and a food culture that permeates every aspect of daily life. Whether you’re biting into a perfectly grilled txuleta (steak) in summer or warming up with a bowl of alubias (beans) in winter, Bilbao never disappoints.

Ready to discover the flavors that make Bilbao one of the world’s great food cities? Join us on a food tour and let us show you why locals say “Bilbao se come,” – Bilbao is meant to be eaten.

Book your Delights Bilbao Food Tour today and experience the Basque capital’s culinary treasures in any season!