Things to Do in Bilbao in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Bilbao

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Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures for walking Bilbao's steep neighborhoods - comfortable 20°C (69°F) highs mean you can explore Casco Viejo's seven streets without overheating
Green season brings lush landscapes to the Basque countryside within 30 km (18.6 miles) of the city - Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is at its most beautiful
Txakoli white wine season begins - local producers open their doors for tastings, and terrace season starts along the Nervión River
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to June-August peak, with availability still good for last-minute bookings

Considerations

Rain gear essential - those 10 rainy days mean sudden downpours that can last 45-90 minutes and disrupt outdoor market visits
Evenings require layers - temperature drops from 20°C (69°F) to 11°C (51°F) can catch visitors off-guard when dining al fresco
Some coastal boat excursions to nearby beaches may be cancelled due to variable conditions in the Bay of Biscay

Best Activities in May

Guggenheim Museum and Modern Art District Walking

May's mild temperatures and longer daylight hours (until 9pm) make this perfect for exploring Bilbao's architectural transformation. The museum's titanium exterior reflects beautifully in spring light, and you can comfortably walk the 2 km (1.2 miles) from Casco Viejo to Abandoibarra without summer heat fatigue. Indoor backup for rainy moments.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets €13-16, book online to skip lines. Allow 3-4 hours including surrounding area walk. Best visited 10am-2pm before afternoon rain potential. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Basque Countryside Wine Tours

May marks the beginning of txakoli tasting season in nearby Getaria and Bakio, 45 minutes from Bilbao. Spring weather is ideal for vineyard visits without summer crowds. The coastal txakoli producers offer stunning views over green hills to the Cantabrian Sea, and many open their seasonal outdoor tasting areas.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically €75-95 including transport, tastings, and lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

Pintxos Trail and Market Tours

May's pleasant evenings extend pintxos culture outdoors. Mercado de la Ribera (Europe's largest covered market) has peak spring produce, and the traditional 7-8pm pintxos hour stretches later with longer daylight. Rain creates cozy indoor bar-hopping atmosphere that locals prefer.

Booking Tip: Self-guided costs €25-35 per person for food, guided tours €45-65. Start at 6pm to hit markets before evening pintxos. Book guided options 3-5 days ahead. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Bilbao Estuary and Hanging Bridge Excursions

The UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante) connects Portugalete and Getxo via the world's oldest transporter bridge. May's clear days offer excellent views of the estuary from the upper walkway 50 m (164 ft) above water. Spring tides are gentler for boat trips along the Nervión River.

Booking Tip: Bridge crossing €0.45, upper walkway €8-10. Boat trips €15-25, weather dependent. Combine with coastal town visits. Best morning visits before afternoon weather changes. See current estuary tour options in booking section below.

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Nature Tours

May is peak migration season in this UNESCO biosphere reserve 40 km (25 miles) northeast. Spring bird migration, wildflowers in bloom, and comfortable temperatures for hiking the coastal paths around Mundaka and Bermeo. Avoid summer crowds at this surfing and nature hotspot.

Booking Tip: Day tours €55-75 including transport and guide. Self-drive recommended for flexibility. Hiking trails range 3-12 km (1.9-7.5 miles). Weather can change quickly near coast - check conditions morning of visit. See current nature tour options in booking section below.

San Sebastián Day Trips

The 1-hour train journey to San Sebastián is spectacular in May when the Basque mountains are green and visibility is clear. Donostia's beaches begin their season, pintxos culture is at its peak, and Michelin-starred restaurants are bookable without summer impossible waits.

Booking Tip: Train tickets €6-8 each way, runs hourly. Day tours €65-85 including guide and some tastings. Book restaurant reservations 2-3 weeks ahead for starred establishments. See current San Sebastian tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Bilbao BBK Live Festival Announcements

While the festival happens in July, May is when final lineup announcements and early bird ticket sales occur. Local bars celebrate with related events and the city buzzes with music anticipation

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - not just rain protection but wind shield for evening riverside walks when temps drop to 11°C (51°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Bilbao's Casco Viejo cobblestones become slippery when wet from those 10 rainy days

Layering pieces - cotton long-sleeve shirts and light cardigan for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings between day and night

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers hit suddenly and last 45-90 minutes, locals always carry one in May

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is serious, especially with reflection off the Guggenheim's titanium surfaces

Casual smart clothes for pintxos - Bilbao locals dress nicely for evening food culture, avoid overly touristy athletic wear

Day pack for market visits - Mercado de la Ribera and weekend markets require hands-free shopping for local products

Light scarf - essential for evening dining terraces along the Nervión River when temperatures drop

Power bank - longer May daylight means extended sightseeing, and your phone battery drains faster taking photos

Cash in small bills - many traditional pintxos bars still prefer cash, and market vendors rarely accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid touristy pintxos bars near the Guggenheim - head to Calle Ledesma or Plaza Nueva where prices are 40% lower and quality higher

Thursday evenings have the best pintxos variety because bars prep for weekend crowds - Tuesday is worst day as Monday leftovers get cleared

Free WiFi password at most bars is 'pintxo' or the bar name - never pay for internet when bar-hopping

May rainstorms clear quickly but create flash flooding on Gran Vía - duck into El Corte Inglés department store which connects underground to avoid getting soaked