Things to Do in Bilbao in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Bilbao
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Guggenheim Museum has fewer crowds - you can actually appreciate the Puppy sculpture and Bourgeois' Maman spider without fighting for photos. Indoor galleries are perfect for rainy days.
- Pintxos bars are at their coziest with locals gathering inside during evening showers. March is when new seasonal ingredients like wild asparagus and spring lamb appear on bar counters.
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to summer peaks. Four-star accommodations in Casco Viejo cost €80-120 instead of €150-200, and you'll have better room selection.
- March marks the start of hiking season in nearby mountains. Trails around Gorbeia Natural Park are accessible again after winter snow, with waterfalls at their most dramatic from snowmelt.
Considerations
- Rain comes without warning - those 10 rainy days mean sudden downpours that can drench you in minutes. Umbrellas are useless in the wind funneling through Bilbao's river valley.
- Daylight doesn't extend much past 7pm until late March. Your outdoor exploration window is shorter, especially for photography of the city's architecture.
- Atlantic swells make boat trips to nearby coastal areas rough or cancelled entirely. The Getxo ferry and coastal walks can be unpleasant on windy days.
Best Activities in March
Guggenheim Museum and Modern Art Gallery Tours
March weather makes this the perfect month for Bilbao's world-class indoor cultural attractions. The museum's climate-controlled galleries offer respite from unpredictable rain, and you'll spend quality time with Rothko, Koons, and rotating exhibitions without summer crowds. The building's titanium curves look spectacular in March's dramatic lighting conditions.
Pintxos Bar Walking Tours in Casco Viejo
March is when Bilbao's pintxos culture shines brightest. Locals crowd into cozy bars to escape spring rain, creating the authentic atmosphere tourists seek. Seasonal ingredients like spring onions, wild garlic, and early asparagus appear on bar counters. The compact old town is perfect for bar-hopping between rain showers.
Basque Countryside Day Trips to Getaria and Coastal Villages
March offers the sweet spot for exploring Basque fishing villages before summer crowds arrive. Getaria's seafood restaurants serve the season's first spring catches, and you'll have coastal paths mostly to yourself. Weather can be dramatic with crashing waves and moody skies perfect for photography.
Rioja Wine Region Tours with Indoor Tastings
March marks the beginning of vineyard activity as vines start budding, making it fascinating for wine enthusiasts. Most importantly, tastings happen in temperature-controlled cellars and tasting rooms - perfect for escaping Bilbao's unpredictable weather. Wineries offer more personal attention before busy season begins.
Bilbao Architecture Walking Tours
March's dramatic skies create perfect conditions for photographing Bilbao's architectural contrasts - from medieval Casco Viejo to Gehry's titanium curves and Calatrava's white bridge. Lower temperatures make walking comfortable, and you can duck into cafes during rain showers. The city's transformation story is most visible in spring light.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Coastal Hiking
March offers the most dramatic conditions for visiting this Game of Thrones filming location. Winter storms create spectacular wave action against the rocks, and you'll avoid summer's overwhelming crowds. The 241-step climb to the hermitage is more comfortable in cool weather, though bring waterproof gear for sea spray.
March Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) Processions
Bilbao's Easter processions are deeply moving religious events featuring elaborate floats and centuries-old traditions. Unlike Andalusian celebrations, Basque Holy Week is more solemn and intimate. The most impressive processions happen in Casco Viejo with participants in traditional robes carrying religious statuary through narrow medieval streets.