Things to Do in Bilbao in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Bilbao
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak pintxo season with local asparagus, bonito tuna, and txakoli wine at their absolute best - the bar crawls in Casco Viejo are legitimately better in June than any other month because the seasonal ingredients are actually in season
- Aste Nagusia planning buzz without the August crowds - you get the anticipation and preparation events but can still walk into restaurants without reservations and see the Guggenheim without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists
- Perfect hiking weather in the surrounding mountains - temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) at elevation make the Anillo Verde trails and Gorbeia Natural Park genuinely comfortable, unlike the sweltering July-August heat
- San Juan festivities on June 23-24 bring massive bonfires on the beaches, all-night parties in Getxo and Algorta, and a side of Basque culture that most international visitors never see - it's when locals actually let loose
Considerations
- Weather genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by two grey, drizzly ones, and the 10-day forecast is basically useless here, so rigid itineraries will frustrate you
- Beach weather is hit-or-miss - water temperature hovers around 17-18°C (63-64°F), which is cold enough that you'll see mostly locals swimming (they're used to it) while tourists stand on the sand looking disappointed
- Some cultural venues have reduced hours as staff take early summer breaks, and you'll occasionally find a pintxo bar closed on random weekdays for private events or staff holidays - less predictable than peak season
Best Activities in June
Coastal hiking along the Flysch Route to Zumaia
June offers the sweet spot for this UNESCO-recognized geological formation walk - temperatures stay comfortable at 18-21°C (64-70°F) during morning hikes, the dramatic cliffs aren't obscured by summer haze, and the wildflowers along the coastal path are actually blooming. The 10 km (6.2 mile) route from Deba to Zumaia takes about 3-4 hours, and you'll want to time it with low tide to see the rock formations properly. The variable weather actually works in your favor here - dramatic clouds make for better photos than flat blue skies, and the occasional light rain keeps the trails less crowded than July-August.
Guggenheim and contemporary art gallery circuit
June is actually ideal for Bilbao's indoor cultural offerings because you're not fighting peak summer crowds and the variable weather makes museum days feel strategic rather than like you're missing out on sunshine. The Guggenheim sees about 40 percent fewer visitors than August, meaning you can actually spend time with the Richard Serra sculptures without someone's selfie stick in your face. Pair it with Azkuna Zentroa and the Fine Arts Museum for a full art day when the weather turns grey. The 70 percent humidity makes the climate-controlled galleries feel especially comfortable.
Pintxo bar crawls in Casco Viejo and Ensanche
This is genuinely the best month for pintxos because June brings white asparagus from Navarra, bonito del norte tuna season, and the first txakoli wine release. The bars aren't packed with August tourists yet, so bartenders actually have time to explain what you're eating, and locals are out in force enjoying the long evenings - sunset around 9:45pm means the streets stay lively until midnight. The slight chill in the air (13-15°C/55-59°F after dark) makes the warm, crowded bars feel cozy rather than suffocating. Budget 25-35 euros per person for a proper crawl with wine.
Day trips to Basque coastal villages
June weather makes the drive along the coast from Bilbao to San Sebastian genuinely spectacular - you'll get dramatic clouds over the cliffs, occasional breaks of brilliant sunshine, and way fewer tour buses than high summer. Getaria, Lekeitio, and Mundaka are about 45-60 minutes from Bilbao and offer authentic fishing village life, excellent seafood restaurants, and beaches that locals actually use. The 23°C (74°F) highs mean you can comfortably walk the villages without melting, and the morning fog that sometimes rolls in creates an atmospheric vibe you don't get in summer.
Rioja Alavesa wine region tours
An hour south of Bilbao, the Rioja Alavesa region is perfect in June - the vines are lush and green (harvest isn't until September), temperatures are comfortable for winery walks at 20-24°C (68-75°F), and the architectural wineries like Ysios and Marques de Riscal look stunning against the June light. You'll avoid the peak harvest crowds and often get more personal attention from winemakers. The medieval village of Laguardia makes an excellent lunch stop, and the whole day feels more relaxed than the packed August wine tours.
Surfing lessons and beach time in Sopelana and Mundaka
June brings consistent swells to the Basque coast without the July-August beach crowds, and the water temperature around 17-18°C (63-64°F) is cold but manageable in a 4/3mm wetsuit (which all surf schools provide). Sopelana, 20 minutes from Bilbao, offers beginner-friendly beach breaks, while Mundaka has one of Europe's best left-hand point breaks for experienced surfers. The variable weather actually works well - cloudy days mean less UV exposure during long sessions, and the occasional rain doesn't matter when you're already wet. Mornings tend to have cleaner conditions before afternoon winds pick up.
June Events & Festivals
San Juan Festival (Noche de San Juan)
June 23-24 brings the biggest beach party of the year to Bilbao's coast - massive bonfires on Ereaga Beach in Getxo, all-night celebrations in Algorta, and locals jumping over fires for good luck at midnight. It's a pre-Christian solstice celebration that the Basques have kept alive with serious enthusiasm. Expect beach barbecues, impromptu music, and crowds that party until sunrise. The tradition involves burning old furniture and items to symbolically cleanse the past year, so the bonfires get impressively large. This is genuinely when you see local culture without the tourist filter.
BBK Live Music Festival (Bilbao BBK Live)
Usually scheduled for early-to-mid June, this three-day music festival on Mount Kobetamendi brings major international and Spanish acts to a hillside venue with views over Bilbao. Past lineups have included The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and top Spanish artists. The festival camping and day-pass options make it accessible, and the location about 15 minutes from central Bilbao means you can festival by day and explore the city at night. The June weather makes camping actually pleasant rather than sweltering.