Things to Do in Bilbao in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Bilbao
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect pintxo crawling weather - cool evenings (11-16°C/52-61°F) make bar-hopping comfortable without summer heat exhaustion
- Autumn colors transform the Basque countryside - October is peak foliage season for day trips to Gorbeia Natural Park and coastal villages like Getaria
- Museum season begins - locals flock indoors during rainy spells, creating vibrant cultural atmosphere at Guggenheim and Bellas Artes without summer tourist crowds
- Fresh seafood peak season - October brings bonito del norte tuna and autumn mushroom harvests, making it the year's best month for Basque gastronomy
Considerations
- Rain disrupts outdoor plans frequently - expect 10 wet days with sudden afternoon downpours that can last 1-3 hours and cancel hiking or beach trips
- Daylight shrinks rapidly - sunset moves from 7:30pm to 6:30pm during October, cutting short afternoon activities and coastal excursions
- Shoulder season pricing confusion - accommodation rates fluctuate wildly between summer (€120-180) and winter (€60-90) levels depending on events
Best Activities in October
Guggenheim Museum Extended Visits
October's rainy weather makes this the perfect month for lengthy museum exploration. Locals treat the Guggenheim as their cultural refuge during wet spells, creating an authentic atmosphere. Cool temperatures (16-21°C/61-70°F) make the titanium exterior comfortable to photograph, and autumn light creates stunning reflections on the building's curves. The museum stays busy but not overwhelmed like summer months.
Basque Culinary Walking Tours
October is peak season for Basque gastronomy - bonito tuna, wild mushrooms, and new wine arrive together. Cool evening temperatures (11-16°C/52-61°F) make pintxo bar crawling comfortable, and locals are out celebrating autumn harvests. Rain breaks provide natural stopping points between bars. The season's specialties like kokotxas and percebes are at their best.
Coastal Day Trips to Getaria and Zarautz
October offers the year's most dramatic coastal scenery with autumn storms creating spectacular wave displays. The fishing villages are authentic - summer crowds gone, locals preparing for winter. Clear days between rain systems provide stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea. Seafood restaurants serve peak-season catches without tourist markups.
Casco Viejo Historic Quarter Exploration
October rain makes the Seven Streets (Siete Calles) atmospheric rather than crowded. Wet cobblestones gleam under street lamps, creating perfect photography conditions. Indoor markets like Mercado de la Ribera bustle with locals buying seasonal produce. The quarter's covered arcades and deep doorways provide natural shelter during downpours.
Artxanda Funicular and Hillside Walks
October's variable weather creates dramatic cityscape photography opportunities. Clear mornings offer stunning views before clouds roll in. Autumn colors peak in surrounding parklands. The funicular provides quick escape from street-level rain, and hilltop paths offer covered viewpoints when weather changes suddenly.
Ría de Bilbao Boat Tours
October storms make the estuary dramatic and powerful. Boat tours operate on calmer days between weather systems, offering unique perspectives of industrial heritage and maritime culture. The river reflects autumn colors from surrounding hills, and fewer tourists mean more interaction with local guides about Bilbao's shipping history.
October Events & Festivals
Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films (ZINEBI)
One of Europe's longest-running documentary festivals transforms Bilbao into a cinema city. Screenings occur throughout the Casco Viejo and modern districts, with many venues offering shelter from October rain. Local filmmakers and international visitors create vibrant cultural atmosphere in bars and cafés between screenings.