Things to Do in Bilbao in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Bilbao
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect San Juan festival season - locals flood the streets for Bilbao's biggest celebration (June 23-24) with bonfires along the Nervión River and traditional pintxos competitions citywide
- Ideal hiking weather in the Basque mountains - temperatures stay comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F) at 800m (2,625 ft) elevation while sea level hits 23°C (74°F)
- Terrace dining peaks as restaurants extend outdoor seating hours until 11pm, and the famous Mercado de la Ribera operates extended summer schedules
- Guggenheim crowds thin out after May school groups but before August peak tourism - 30% fewer visitors than summer months with same opening hours
Considerations
- Rain gear essential - those 58mm (2.3 inches) come as sudden Atlantic squalls lasting 45-90 minutes that can drench the Casco Viejo's narrow stone streets
- Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during San Juan week (June 20-27) as Basque diaspora returns home for the festival
- Coastal fog rolls in 3-4 afternoons per week, dropping temperatures 8°C (14°F) in 30 minutes and obscuring mountain views from the Artxanda Funicular
Best Activities in June
Basque Coast Day Trips to Getxaria and Zumaia
June's stable weather makes this the prime month for coastal exploration. The dramatic flysch cliffs at Zumaia are accessible via 4km (2.5-mile) coastal walks, while Getxaria's txakoli vineyards offer outdoor tastings. Morning fog clears by 11am, leaving perfect 20°C (68°F) temperatures for seaside pintxos crawls.
Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museum Cultural Circuit
June's variable weather makes indoor cultural exploration perfect. The Guggenheim extends evening hours to 8pm starting mid-June, while the Fine Arts Museum showcases its Basque contemporary collection. Rain-free mornings (70% of days) are ideal for the outdoor Puppy installation and Nervión River walks.
Picos de Europa National Park Hiking Excursions
June offers perfect mountain weather - snow melts by early June revealing wildflower meadows, while temperatures stay cool at elevation. The Fuente Dé cable car operates full schedules, and hiking trails at 1,800m (5,906 ft) remain comfortable at 12-15°C (54-59°F). Views extend 80km (50 miles) on clear days.
Traditional Basque Cooking Workshops
June's San Juan season brings seasonal ingredients like fresh anchovies and early summer vegetables perfect for learning authentic Basque cuisine. Indoor cooking classes provide ideal rainy day alternatives, while market tours showcase peak spring produce at Mercado de la Ribera.
Athletic Bilbao San Mamés Stadium and Sports Culture Tours
June marks football off-season, making San Mamés tours more intimate and comprehensive. The stadium's architecture tour includes rooftop access offering 360-degree city views, while sports bars in the surrounding neighborhoods celebrate the season's end with extended terrace hours.
Rioja Alavesa Wine Region Day Trips
June vineyard visits occur during crucial flowering season when vines show early grape clusters. Temperatures in wine country reach 25°C (77°F) - warmer than coastal Bilbao - perfect for outdoor tastings and cellar tours. Modern architectural wineries like those in Elciego offer panoramic valley views.
June Events & Festivals
San Juan Festival (Jaiak)
Bilbao's biggest celebration transforms the city with neighborhood bonfires, traditional Basque sports competitions, and 24-hour pintxos bar crawls. The highlight is June 23rd evening when massive bonfires line the Nervión River and locals jump over flames for good luck. Street parties continue until dawn on June 24th.
Bilbao BBK Live Music Festival Weekend Preparations
While the main festival occurs in July, June sees intensive preparation with venue setup at Kobetamendi Hill and pre-festival concerts in city center venues. Local music bars extend hours and host warming-up parties for the 40,000+ festival attendees arriving early.