San Sebastián

Basque Country Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Basque Country, Spain in January.

Considering a trip to Basque Country, Spain this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Basque Country in January

Basque Country, Spain is a region in Spain. January in Basque Country generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. During January, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from cold in Labastida at 10°C (50°F) to mild in Bakio at 13°C (55°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 9°C (48°F) in Bakio and 2°C (36°F) in Labastida. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

For specific regional insights in Basque Country, Spain, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in La puebla de Labarca with an average of 63 mm (2.5 in) to high rainfall in San Sebastián with 145 mm (5.7 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is more limited in many areas during this month. San Sebastián receives about 90 hours of sunlight. For sunnier weather, check our weather planner to find destinations with better conditions.

Explore Basque Country by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Basque Country — and find the best time to visit. (based on San Sebastián)

Best Places to Visit in Basque Country in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Basque Country.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Basque Country

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Basque Country, Spain?

Temperature range in Basque Country (January)

Precipitation variation in Basque Country (January)

San Sebastián

In January San Sebastián generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
7°C (45°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
80 hours
90 hours
108 hours
Monthly rainfall
150 mm (5.9 in)
145 mm (5.7 in)
144 mm (5.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Bilbao

In January Bilbao generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 13°C (55°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
13°C (55°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
6°C (43°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
78 hours
88 hours
99 hours
Monthly rainfall
115 mm (4.5 in)
121 mm (4.8 in)
120 mm (4.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In January Vitoria-Gasteiz generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
78 hours
88 hours
99 hours
Monthly rainfall
83 mm (3.3 in)
87 mm (3.4 in)
86 mm (3.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
17 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Zarautz

In January Zarautz generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
7°C (45°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
80 hours
90 hours
108 hours
Monthly rainfall
143 mm (5.6 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
140 mm (5.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Orio

In January Orio generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
6°C (43°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
80 hours
90 hours
108 hours
Monthly rainfall
143 mm (5.6 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Basque Country, in Spain.

In our records: Spain January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Spain in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • Based on our data, the coldest January night in Spain dropped to -12°C (10°F) in Madrid on January 12, 2021.
  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in Spain was -3°C (27°F) in San Sebastián on January 8, 1985.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Basque Country in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
San Sebastián 12°C (54°F) 7°C (45°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Bilbao 13°C (55°F) 6°C (43°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Vitoria-Gasteiz 10°C (50°F) 2°C (36°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Zarautz 12°C (54°F) 7°C (45°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Orio 12°C (54°F) 6°C (43°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Getaria 12°C (54°F) 7°C (45°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)

Basque Country weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Basque Country, Spain in January?

In January, Basque Country, Spain generally has poor weather conditions. San Sebastián sees daytime temperatures near 12°C (54°F), with nights cooling to roughly 7°C (45°F).

What is the average temperature in Basque Country, Spain in January?

In San Sebastián, the average daytime high in January is 12°C (54°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 7°C (45°F).

Does Basque Country, Spain get a lot of rain in January?

Yes, January tends to be a wetter month in Basque Country, Spain. Average rainfall in San Sebastián sits around 145 mm (5.7 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Basque Country, Spain?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Basque Country, Spain with often poor weather in San Sebastián.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in June, July and August offering mostly perfect weather in San Sebastián. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Basque Country.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Spain? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Spain.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.