What January feels like in Bilbao
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Bilbao's year. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Bilbao in January
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Bilbao's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.9 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 8:41 am and sets around 6:00 pm local time, giving 9 h 19 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 18 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 60% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Bilbao. Against December, the average high is 1.1°C (2°F) lower, with 22 mm more rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. By February, typical highs are 13.1°C (55.6°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Bilbao in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Quick questions
How warm is Bilbao in January?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 12.1°C (53.8°F), with lows near 6.4°C (43.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 134 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Bilbao in January?
Pack rain protection and a light jacket. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Bilbao?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #12), rated Good against Fair. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.