What March feels like in Bilbao
In Bilbao, March brings early spring. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Little changes after sunset — nights are cool, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Bilbao in March
March is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 7.1 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Bilbao averages about 6.9 mm per rainy day, so March is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 7:26 am and sunset at about 7:17 pm (local time) — 11 h 51 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 21 min more daylight than mid-February. The sun is out for roughly 70% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
In Bilbao's temperature order, March sits as the 4th coolest month. Afternoons run 1.5°C (2.7°F) warmer than in February, with 1 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April. April averages a high of 16.5°C (61.7°F).
Who March 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 March
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Bilbao in March?
It feels cool: typical highs are 14.6°C (58.3°F), with lows near 7.8°C (46°F).
Does it rain a lot in Bilbao in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 114 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Bilbao in March?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is March or April better for visiting Bilbao?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #10), rated Good against Fair. April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.