Things to Do in Bilbao in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Bilbao
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring warmth without summer crowds - May sits in that sweet spot where locals are still around and you can actually get a table at pintxos bars without booking weeks ahead. Temperatures hover around 20°C (69°F) during the day, warm enough for outdoor terraces but cool enough to walk the city comfortably.
- Aste Nagusia warm-up events and neighborhood festivals - While the big August blowout is months away, May brings smaller neighborhood fiestas, particularly in Deusto and Rekalde, where you'll experience authentic Basque celebrations without the tourist chaos. These are the events locals actually attend.
- Perfect hiking weather in the surrounding mountains - The Artxanda funicular and trails around Mount Pagasarri are at their best in May. Morning temperatures around 11°C (51°F) warm to comfortable 20°C (69°F) afternoons, ideal for the 3-4 hour loop hikes that would be punishing in summer heat.
- Green season pricing still applies - Hotels haven't hit peak summer rates yet. You're looking at 30-40% lower prices compared to July-August, and flight prices from major European hubs typically run €80-150 return rather than the €200+ summer premium. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead rather than the 8-10 weeks you'd need for high season.
Considerations
- Rain happens, and it's unpredictable - Those 10 rainy days aren't spread evenly. You might get three straight days of drizzle or sudden afternoon downpours that last 30-45 minutes. The Atlantic weather systems move through fast, but they're real. Locals carry a small umbrella year-round for good reason.
- Some beach clubs and coastal venues aren't fully operational - The beaches at Plentzia and Sopelana are accessible, obviously, but beach bar service is limited and water temperatures sit around 15°C (59°F). If you're planning a beach-focused trip, May isn't your month. The coastline is beautiful for walking, just not for extended swimming.
- Variable temperatures mean layering is essential - That 9°C (16°F) temperature swing between morning and afternoon catches tourists off guard. You'll start your day needing a jacket at the Mercado de la Ribera at 9am, then be too warm by noon at the Guggenheim terrace. Locals dress in layers, and you should too.
Best Activities in May
Guggenheim Museum and contemporary art circuit
May weather makes this perfect timing for Bilbao's museum circuit. When those afternoon showers roll in, you're already inside experiencing the Guggenheim's latest exhibitions, then the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, then the newer Azkuna Zentroa cultural center. The UV index hits 8 on clear days, so alternating indoor cultural visits with outdoor walking works brilliantly. Crowds are manageable - you'll wait maybe 15-20 minutes for Guggenheim entry on weekends rather than the hour-plus queues of summer.
Pintxos bar routes through Casco Viejo
May evenings are ideal for the traditional pintxos crawl because you're comfortable standing outside bars without summer heat or winter rain gear. Start around 7pm when locals begin their evening rounds. The Casco Viejo's narrow streets and covered arcades provide shelter during those brief showers, and the 70% humidity actually keeps the bread from drying out too fast on bar counters. This is when you'll find seasonal ingredients like white asparagus from Navarra and fresh anchovies.
Coastal hiking from Getxo to Plentzia
The 8 km (5 mile) coastal path between these towns is spectacular in May when wildflowers cover the cliffs and temperatures stay comfortable for the 2.5-3 hour walk. You're hiking above the Bay of Biscay with constant Atlantic views, and the morning fog that often sits on the water burns off by 10-11am. The trail is exposed, so that UV index of 8 matters - but the variable conditions mean you might also get dramatic cloud cover. Metro access at both ends makes logistics simple.
San Mamés Stadium tours and Athletic Club match experience
If Athletic Club has home matches in early May before the season ends, this is your chance to experience Basque football culture at its most intense. The stadium tour runs year-round and is a solid rainy-day backup plan. May's moderate temperatures make the exposed seating sections comfortable, unlike the cold rain of winter matches or August heat. The atmosphere for matches is exceptional - this is the only major European club that restricts players to Basque-born or Basque-trained athletes.
Rioja wine region day trips
May is actually ideal for Rioja visits because harvest isn't happening yet, so wineries have full attention for visitors, and the vineyards are lush and green rather than the dusty brown of late summer. The region is 90-120 minutes south by car or organized tour. Spring weather means comfortable walking between bodegas in towns like Haro and Laguardia. You're tasting current releases and library wines without the September harvest chaos.
Bilbao La Vieja neighborhood exploration and street art
This formerly industrial neighborhood has transformed into Bilbao's creative district, and May weather is perfect for wandering its steep streets discovering murals, independent galleries, and newer restaurants. The area is walkable but hilly - those temperature swings matter when you're climbing. Morning visits around 10am-1pm catch the best light for photography, and you'll encounter actual residents going about their day rather than tourist groups.
May Events & Festivals
Bilbao BBK Live pre-sale and lineup announcements
While the actual festival happens in July, May is when final lineup additions are announced and when savvy locals grab discounted tickets before prices jump. Even if you're not attending the festival, the buzz around the city creates a music-focused energy with promotional events and pop-up concerts in smaller venues.
Neighborhood fiestas in Deusto and Rekalde
These smaller barrio celebrations typically happen in mid to late May with traditional Basque sports demonstrations, local food stalls, and evening concerts. They're not advertised to tourists but are open to everyone. You'll see traditional sports like stone lifting and wood chopping, and the food is better and cheaper than tourist-focused events.