The Best Time of Year to Travel to the North
Bilbao, San Sebastián, Santander, Oviedo, and A Coruña: a north that changes with every season
The north of Spain is a region that surprises at any time of the year. Its Atlantic climate, its green nature, its gastronomy, and its cities full of culture mean that each season offers a different experience. Choosing the best time depends on the type of trip you want to take: are you looking for mild weather? few crowds? beaches? festivals? green landscapes in their maximum splendour?
This tour of Bilbao, San Sebastián, Santander, Oviedo, and A Coruña will help you decide when to best enjoy each city and the essence of the north.
➤ Spring: the ideal season to discover the green north
Spring is possibly the best time of year to travel to the north. Temperatures are mild, rain decreases compared to winter, and the landscapes show off a spectacular intense green.
- Bilbao: cities full of light, open terraces, and strolls along the estuary.
- San Sebastián: La Concha Bay in its maximum splendour without large crowds.
- Santander: pleasant weather for touring the Magdalena Peninsula.
- Oviedo: parks and gardens in full bloom.
- A Coruña: calm atmosphere and perfect days for walks along the promenade.
It is the perfect season for travellers looking for **nature, urban routes, and moderate weather**.
➤ Summer: beaches, festivals, and vibrant atmosphere
Summer is the most popular time in the north. Temperatures are pleasant, rarely as high as in the south of Spain, making it a perfect refuge from the heat. In addition, coastal cities experience their liveliest moment.
- Bilbao: Aste Nagusia (Major Week festival), concerts, and outdoor activities.
- San Sebastián: crowded beaches and gastronomy in peak season.
- Santander: ideal days to enjoy El Sardinero or embark on a bay cruise.
- Oviedo: cool weather to explore the historic centre without feeling overwhelmed.
- A Coruña: urban beaches like Riazor or Orzán at their perfect point.
Summer is the best choice for those looking for **beach, light, atmosphere, and festivals**.
➤ Autumn: less tourism and golden landscapes
Autumn transforms the north into a landscape full of ochre, reddish, and golden tones. It is a fantastic time for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy seasonal gastronomy.
- Bilbao: museums and culture with less attendance.
- San Sebastián: mild temperatures and gastronomic routes.
- Santander: quieter walks along the seafront.
- Oviedo: cosy cider houses (*sidrerías*) and autumnal colours on Mount Naranco.
- A Coruña: mild autumn and spectacular sunsets at the Tower of Hercules.
Ideal for travellers looking for **tranquility, culture, and nature in autumnal tones**.
➤ Winter: calm, gastronomy, and elegant cities
Winter in the north is cool, humid, and perfect for those who enjoy landscapes enveloped in fog, quiet walks, and comforting gastronomy. It is the most economical time with the fewest tourists.
- Bilbao: a cultural city that can be enjoyed even in the rain.
- San Sebastián: tranquil bay and restaurants operating at full capacity.
- Santander: authentic maritime atmosphere without crowds.
- Oviedo: cafés, museums, and cider accompanied by hot dishes.
- A Coruña: Atlantic storms that provide striking landscapes.
Winter is perfect for those seeking **an intimate, gastronomic, and calm north**.
➤ So, what is the best time?
There is no single answer because the north offers different experiences depending on the season. However:
- Spring: the most balanced for weather, landscapes, and atmosphere.
- Summer: perfect for beaches, festivals, and Atlantic light.
- Autumn: the quietest and most photogenic.
- Winter: the most economical and gastronomic option.
The choice will depend on whether you want **sea, culture, gastronomy, calm, nature, or atmosphere**. The north always offers something different... and always surprises.
