Things to Do in Bilbao in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Bilbao

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Guggenheim Museum experiences fewer crowds - you'll actually have space to appreciate Puppy and the spider sculpture without fighting for photos. Lines are 15-20 minutes vs 45+ in summer.
Perfect weather for pintxos crawling - cool temperatures make bar-hopping in Casco Viejo comfortable, and November marks prime season for wild mushroom pintxos and seasonal game dishes.
Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season. Mid-range hotels that cost €150 in August run €90-110 in November.
Txakoli harvest season means cellar tours and tastings are at their peak in nearby Getaria and Zarautz, with fresh wine and fewer tourist groups.

Considerations

Rain comes in sudden, heavy bursts - expect to duck into cafés or shops 2-3 times per day. The narrow streets of Casco Viejo become crowded when everyone seeks shelter simultaneously.
Beaches are too cold and rough for swimming - water temperature drops to 15°C (59°F) and Atlantic swells make coastal walks potentially dangerous.
Daylight ends by 6:30 PM, limiting outdoor sightseeing time and making evening photography challenging without proper equipment.

Best Activities in November

Guggenheim Museum and Modern Art Gallery Tours

November's cooler weather makes indoor cultural exploration ideal. The museum's climate control feels perfect after walking in 8-16°C (46-61°F) temperatures. Fewer crowds mean you can spend quality time with Koons' Puppy installation and the permanent Basque contemporary collection. Special autumn exhibitions typically launch in November.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (10-11 AM) to avoid afternoon rain rushes when tourists seek indoor shelter. Standard admission runs €16-20, with audio guides adding €6. Skip-the-line tickets worth it on weekends. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Pintxos Food Walking Tours

Cool November evenings are perfect for bar-hopping through Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva. This is peak season for seasonal specialties like wild boar pintxos, porcini mushroom preparations, and hearty bean stews. The 8-10°C (46-50°F) evening temperatures make walking between bars comfortable rather than sweaty.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6-9 PM) capture the authentic local experience when basques finish work. Expect to pay €45-65 per person including tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead as November is popular with Spanish domestic tourists. Look for tours including 6-8 stops with wine pairings.

Basque Coast and Fishing Village Day Trips

November's dramatic weather creates spectacular coastal scenery along the Cantabrian Sea. Getaria and Zarautz are perfect for storm watching and visiting txakoli wineries during harvest season. The cooler temperatures make walking the coastal paths comfortable, though expect 15-minute rain showers.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips run €55-80 including transportation and winery visit. Full-day coastal tours with San Juan de Gaztelugatxe cost €90-120. Book weather-flexible tours that can adjust routes based on conditions. Best departure times are 9-10 AM to maximize daylight.

Bilbao Architecture Walking Tours

November's soft light and occasional mist create dramatic photography conditions for Bilbao's mix of medieval and contemporary architecture. The cool temperatures make walking 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) comfortable. Rain adds atmosphere to shots of the Gothic Cathedral and Calatrava's airport.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (10 AM-12:30 PM) offer best light and lower rain probability. Private architecture tours run €35-50 per person for groups of 4+. Self-guided options work well with flexible timing for weather breaks. Waterproof camera gear recommended.

Traditional Basque Cooking Classes

Perfect indoor activity for rainy November days. Learn to prepare seasonal dishes like marmitako (tuna stew) and November's specialty mushroom dishes. Cooking schools are less crowded than summer, offering more personalized instruction. The cool weather makes kitchen work comfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost €75-95 including meal and wine. Book 3-4 days ahead for weekend slots. Look for classes in traditional Basque farmhouses 20-30 minutes outside the city. Most include market visits and recipe cards to take home.

Rioja Wine Region Day Trips

November marks the end of harvest season in nearby Rioja, just 90 minutes from Bilbao. Cooler temperatures make vineyard walking pleasant, and many bodegas offer special post-harvest tastings. The 1.5-hour drive through autumn landscapes is spectacular, though pack rain gear for outdoor portions.

Booking Tip: Full-day Rioja tours run €85-120 including transportation, 2-3 winery visits, and lunch. Book Tuesday-Friday for better winery access and fewer crowds. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) with English-speaking guides and guaranteed departures.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Gastronomika San Sebastian Food Congress

Europe's premier culinary congress takes place 45 minutes from Bilbao, featuring Michelin-starred chefs and innovative Basque cuisine presentations. Professional cooking demonstrations, tastings, and networking events draw international food enthusiasts.

Mid to Late November

Bilbao International Documentary Film Festival

ZINEBI showcases international documentaries across multiple venues in the city center. Many screenings include English subtitles, and the festival creates a vibrant cultural atmosphere perfect for November's indoor-focused weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - November rain comes in sudden 15-20 minute downpours that umbrellas can't handle in the narrow, windy streets of Casco Viejo

Comfortable waterproof walking boots - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring the compact city center

Layered clothing system - temperatures fluctuate 8°C (14°F) between morning and afternoon, plus indoor venues are well-heated creating 10°C (18°F) swings

Compact umbrella as backup - useful for light drizzle, though ineffective in the strong Atlantic winds that funnel through Bilbao's river valley

Moisture-wicking socks - feet stay damp in November's 70% humidity, especially after ducking through rain puddles on uneven medieval streets

Waterproof phone case - essential for photographing outdoor art installations and architecture during unpredictable weather

Warm evening outfit for pintxos tours - bars can be drafty, and you'll spend time walking between venues in 8-10°C (46-50°F) temperatures

Light wool sweater or fleece - indoor venues like Guggenheim maintain 18-20°C (64-68°F), perfect with a warm mid-layer

Sunglasses for rare sunny moments - when clouds break, reflection off wet surfaces and the Nervión River creates intense glare

Insider Knowledge

November is peak season for wild mushroom hunting in nearby forests - many restaurants feature special perretxiko (St. George's mushroom) menus that locals wait all year for. Ask servers about seasonal specials not listed on English menus.

The Mercado de la Ribera (Europe's largest covered market) gets crowded between 11 AM-1 PM when locals shop before afternoon rain typically starts. Visit at 9 AM or after 3 PM for easier navigation and better vendor interaction.

Many museums and attractions offer 'Bilbao Card' discounts in November to attract off-season visitors - the card saves 20-30% on combined entries but only pays off if visiting 4+ attractions in 2-3 days.

Local buses become packed during heavy rain as everyone avoids walking. The metro system (designed by Norman Foster) is more reliable and connects all major attractions with covered stations - buy a Barik card for 20% savings on transport.