Things to Do in Bilbao in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Bilbao
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer energy without the extreme heat - 25°C (77°F) highs are genuinely comfortable for walking the city, unlike Madrid or Seville which are sweltering. You can explore the Casco Viejo's steep streets at 2pm without melting.
- Aste Nagusia festival transforms the entire city during the third week - nine days of 24-hour street parties, traditional Basque sports, concerts, and fireworks. Hotels book out months ahead, but if you're here during this week, you'll experience Bilbao at its most alive.
- Longer daylight hours mean sunset around 9:45pm, giving you genuinely useful evening time. You can finish dinner at 10pm and still stroll along the Nervión River in daylight, then catch the golden hour lighting on the Guggenheim.
- Beach weather finally arrives - San Sebastián and the coastal towns are just 100 km (62 miles) away, and July is when locals actually swim. Water temperatures hit 20-21°C (68-70°F), which sounds cold but is perfectly swimmable once you're in.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't predictable drizzle - Bilbao gets sudden, heavy downpours that can last 30-90 minutes and completely disrupt outdoor plans. The Guggenheim's outdoor sculptures lose their appeal when you're sheltering under a titanium overhang.
- If you're here during Aste Nagusia week (typically August 15-24, but occasionally starts in late July), accommodation prices triple and availability disappears. Outside that week, July is actually reasonable, but check the exact dates for 2026 before booking.
- The 70% humidity makes it feel stickier than the temperature suggests, particularly in the narrow streets of the old quarter where air doesn't circulate well. It's not oppressive, but if you're sensitive to humidity, mornings before 11am are noticeably more comfortable.
Best Activities in July
Guggenheim Museum and Contemporary Art Route
July weather is actually ideal for Bilbao's museum circuit - warm enough that the 15-minute walks between venues are pleasant, but you'll appreciate the air conditioning inside. The Guggenheim is never quiet, but July weekday mornings (9am opening) have shorter lines than August. Combine it with Azkuna Zentroa and the Fine Arts Museum for a full day. The contemporary art scene here is legitimately world-class, not just the Guggenheim's architecture.
Pintxos Bar Crawls in Casco Viejo
July evenings are perfect for the traditional pintxos route - warm enough to stand outside bars with your wine, but not so hot that you're uncomfortable in the packed interiors. Locals eat late (9-11pm), so if you go at 7pm you'll have space to actually see the pintxos selection. The seasonal anchovy catch peaks in early summer, and you'll find white asparagus from Navarra still on menus. This isn't just bar food - it's genuinely skilled cooking in miniature form.
Coastal Day Trips to San Sebastián or Getaria
July is when these beaches actually make sense - water temperature finally hits 20°C (68°F) and locals are swimming. San Sebastián is the obvious choice but gets genuinely packed in July; Getaria (40 km/25 miles west) has the same beautiful coastline with a fraction of the crowds. The real draw is the seaside restaurants serving grilled fish that was swimming that morning. Take the morning train, spend 5-6 hours on the coast, return by evening.
Mount Artxanda Funicular and Hiking Routes
The funicular up Mount Artxanda gives you the classic Bilbao panorama shot, but July weather makes the actual hiking trails worthwhile. The 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) ridge walks offer continuous views over the city and estuary without serious elevation gain. Start early (8-9am) before it gets warm, or go late afternoon for sunset. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked - this isn't wilderness hiking, more like elevated park walking with spectacular views.
Rioja Alavesa Wine Region Tours
July brings long daylight hours perfect for wine country day trips - the Rioja Alavesa region is 100-120 km (62-75 miles) south and features both traditional bodegas and modern architectural wineries. The landscape is beautiful in July before the August heat browns everything. You're tasting last year's wines, not this harvest, but the cellars stay naturally cool. Most worthwhile if you're genuinely interested in wine - this isn't just an excuse to drink, the production methods and family histories are fascinating.
Bilbao Estuary Kayaking and Water Activities
July water temperatures make kayaking the Nervión estuary actually pleasant rather than teeth-chattering. The 2-3 hour routes paddle past the Guggenheim, under historic bridges, and through the industrial port area that tells Bilbao's transformation story. It's not wilderness paddling - you're in an urban estuary - but the perspective from water level is unique. Some operators offer sunset paddles that catch the evening light on the Guggenheim's titanium.
July Events & Festivals
Bilbao BBK Live Music Festival
Three-day rock and indie music festival held on Mount Kobetamendi, typically the second weekend of July. Major international headliners plus Spanish acts, drawing 40,000+ people daily. The hillside venue offers views over Bilbao between sets. If you're into live music, this is one of Spain's better festivals with solid lineups and reasonable organization. Camping available on-site or stay in the city and take shuttle buses.
Aste Nagusia Preparation Week
While the main Aste Nagusia festival typically starts mid-August, late July sees the city preparing - stages being built in Plaza Arriaga, txosnas (temporary bars) going up, and a building sense of anticipation. Not an event itself, but if you're here late July you'll catch the pre-festival energy and see locals genuinely excited about their biggest celebration. Hotels and restaurants start adjusting hours and menus.