If there’s one word to describe the weather in Northern Spain, it is unpredictable.
You can plan your trip down to the last detail, but the North will always keep you on your toes—sometimes in the best way, sometimes not so much. You might bask in glorious sunshine with perfect temperatures in April or get drenched by an unexpected downpour on July 20. Who knows, and who cares? Because that’s the beauty of Northern Spain—you don’t need the weather on your side to enjoy all the amazing things to do.
Northern Spain has an oceanic climate, which means rain is part of the deal. Locals, particularly those over 60, often mention that it barely rains anymore and that summer nights are too warm to sleep. Either they are exaggerating a bit, or there was once enough rain here to flood the ocean.
Temperature-wise, winters typically range from 8°C to 14°C (46°F – 57°F), while summers rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). No scorching heatwaves, no freezing cold—just a pleasant, if somewhat moody, climate.
For the latest weather updates, check the official AEMET website (Spain’s State Meteorological Agency).
That said, keep in mind these are average temperatures for a super diverse region like Northern Spain. You can find close-to-freezing temps in the mountains during winter, while the coast can hit over 20°C. And just to show we’re not exaggerating, we’ve got the proof:
Northern Spain Weather by Season
Northern Spain’s weather changes throughout the year, but never too dramatically. Each season has its perks, whether you’re here for adventure, food, or just soaking up the scenery. Here’s what to expect:
Weather in Northern Spain in Winter ❄️
Winter in Northern Spain isn’t the brutal, snow-covered scene you might expect. Sure, the Picos de Europa and other mountain regions get their fair share of snow, but most coastal areas remain mild, with temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F). However, the mountain villages look absolutely magical under a blanket of snow—perfect for capturing some of the best photos of your life.
Rain is common, especially in Galicia, the rainiest region in the area. But don’t let that stop you—it’s a great excuse to indulge in some of the best seafood in the world. And just like the rest of the north, even on rainy days, you can still be surprised by sunny spells. When that happens, get ready to explore the region like never before, as you’ll have Northern Spain almost entirely to yourself during the off-season.
Best places to go in winter:
- Picos de Europa National Park: Perfect for winter hikes or simply admiring the views of Covadonga Lakes.
- Comarca dos Ancares (Galicia): A winter haven with cozy traditional villages like O Cebreiro.
- Coastal Villages of Basque Country: Winter peace, charm, and no crowds in Elantxobe or Lekeitio.
Weather in Northern Spain in Spring 🌷
Spring is when the region shakes off the winter chill. Temperatures settle at a comfy 15-20°C (59-68°F), flowers burst into bloom, and what was green before is now an absolutely out-of-control green, with snow-capped peaks in the background. Simply stunning.
Expect a mix of sunshine and showers—perfect for nature lovers who don’t mind carrying a light rain jacket. Late spring (May-June) is easily one of the best times of the year to visit Northern Spain.
Best places to go in spring:
- Fishing Villages of Asturias: Less crowded, more beautiful, and lusher than ever.
- Rías Baixas (Galicia): Skip Easter and enjoy the perfect place at the right time.
- Potes and Liébana Valley (Cantabria): Bask in the spring colors set against snow-capped peaks.
Weather in Northern Spain in Summer ☀️
Forget the scorching heat of Southern Spain. Here, summers are a dream—20-25°C (68-77°F), with ocean breezes keeping things fresh. Yes, you might get a random downpour, but it’s usually gone before you’ve finished your coffee.
July is typically the hottest month of the year with the least rainfall. In recent years, there have even been some heatwaves, but that’s far from the norm. It’s a joy to sleep without air conditioning.
*This doesn’t mean you can’t have beach days in June or September—it happens quite often—but the heat isn’t as guaranteed as it is in July and August.
Best places to go in summer:
- Beaches of Cantabria: Wild, beautiful, and never too hot.
- The Sella River Descent in Ribadesella (Asturias): Brace for the crowds, but it’s too fun to miss.
- Islas Cíes (Galicia): Cool off in the cold waters of a world-class beach.
Weather in Northern Spain in Autumn 🍁
Autumn in Northern Spain is underrated. The summer crowds are gone, the landscapes turn golden, and food festivals are in full swing. Expect temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F), with a bit more rain as the season goes on.
November tends to be the rainiest month of the year in some areas of Northern Spain. But nothing a good fabada can’t fix.
Best places to go in autumn:
- La Rioja Alavesa (Basque Country): Wine harvest season—need we say more?
- Sequoia Forest (Cantabria): The autumn colors here are unreal.
- Bilbao (Basque Country): Pintxos, museums, and fewer tourists.
Best Time to Visit Northern Spain
Overall, the best time to visit Northern Spain is from May to late September. However, depending on the kind of trip you’re planning, we’ve highlighted the most ideal times of year for each type of experience below.
The Best Time to Explore Northern Spain’s Cities & Towns
May, June, and September are ideal for strolling through cities and visiting some of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain. These months offer a more relaxed vibe with a very local atmosphere, fewer tourists, and pleasant temperatures around 20°C (68°F). With plenty of daylight hours, you can easily fit multiple places to visit in a single day.
Best Time to Visit Northern Spain for Beach Lovers
If you’re chasing beach days, aim for July and August. The water is at its warmest, and the coastal towns are buzzing with life. The days are pretty warm, though it’s rare to see temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F), but it can happen from time to time.
The beach towns take on a vibrant summer atmosphere that’s hard to beat, and everyone knows it. As a result, these months are the busiest on the beaches.
The Best Time for a Culinary Journey in Northern Spain
For food lovers, the north of Spain is a year-round delight. But if you want to experience it at its peak, spring and autumn are the golden seasons. In particular, we recommend September and October, when the grape harvest takes place, offering a chance to enjoy exquisite delicacies paired with some of the world’s finest wines.
Best Time to Visit Northern Spain for Outdoors Activities
From May to September, you’re likely to find ideal conditions for any outdoor adventure. With mild temperatures and long, sunny days, it’s the perfect time for hiking, biking, surfing, and immersing yourself in nature. Just keep in mind that the summer months tend to be busier with visitors.
We particularly love May because the days are long, the chances of rain start to go down, and the snow-capped peaks just add to the beauty of the landscapes.
If you’re planning hut-to-hut hikes, keep in mind that they’re generally only open from a few days before Easter until early December.
Worst Time to Visit Northern Spain
If we had to pick the worst time, it would be November. It’s the rainiest month, with shorter days and fewer events. There are still interesting things to do in Northern Spain at this time of year, but if you have the choice, the rest of the months are even better.
Weather in Northern Spain by Month
Keep in mind that we’re speaking broadly about the weather in Northern Spain, referring to the coastal oceanic climate that predominates in most of these regions: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country.
There are areas with mountain climates (like the Picos de Europa) or continental oceanic climates (such as the city of Ourense), which have weather patterns different from what we’ll detail below.
That being said, let’s go ahead!
January
One of the coldest months of the year, with temperatures typically ranging between 8°C (46°F) and 12°C (54°F). On rare particularly chilly days, it can drop to 5°C (41°F), but that doesn’t happen often. January tends to be quite wet, with an average of 14 days of rain.
February
Temperatures are very similar to those in January. Depending on the year, one month might be slightly colder than the other, but overall, they’re quite alike.
The same goes for rainfall—February might be a bit drier, but not by much. Gradually, the days start getting longer, with sunset happening around 6 PM or a little later.
March
Temperatures start to climb in March, ranging between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). It’s an unpredictable month, with sudden drops or spikes, and occasional days pushing close to 20°C (68°F). Rainfall usually begins to ease gradually.
April
April sees a slight rise in temperatures, becoming noticeably warmer by the end of the month. Rainfall is less frequent, averaging around 11 days, though some areas, like San Sebastian, can still be quite wet. The longer days are evident, with sunset happening around 8:30 PM.
May
The first full spring vibes are in the air. May brings milder weather, with temperatures around 12°C (54°F) to 20°C (68°F). Sunnier days make it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, or even to enjoy the first beach days of the year.
June
The start of summer arrives, with temperatures frequently hovering around 22°C (72°F) and little variation. The days are long, with sunset around 10:30 PM. On average, there are about 7 rainy days in this month. Perfect for beach days, hiking, and exploring the countryside.
July
Hotter temperatures roll in, ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F). Coastal towns are vibrant, making it one of the best months for beach activities. The region feels lively, but the heat is rarely too extreme. It’s the driest month of the year, though there are still about 4 to 5 days of light rain.
August
Similar to July, August brings warm temperatures, typically around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasantly cool, allowing you to sleep without air conditioning—something that’s rare in much of Spain. Statistically, it has a bit more rain, usually in the last days of the month.
The beaches are bustling, and the region is alive with summer events and festivals. It’s an ideal time for outdoor fun, although it can get quite busy.
September
The heat starts to ease, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 24°C (75°F). A fantastic month for hiking and coastal exploration, as the weather remains warm anmd pleasant but with fewer tourists than in July and August.
October
October brings cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°F). Expect some rain and shorter days, but the autumn colors make it a stunning time to explore the countryside and enjoy the local harvest. You might get the occasional beach day, but dipping into the water is only for the brave.
November
The chill of November sets in, with temperatures around 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F). It’s the rainiest month of the year, and the days are much shorter. A quieter time, perfect for indoor activities or visiting museums.
December
December starts off cold, especially toward the end. Mornings can dip to around 6°C (43°F), but typically range between 8°C (46°F) and 10°C (50°F). It’s generally drier than November, with around 11 rainy days. This month also brings the shortest days of the year, and the region starts to feel festive with Christmas markets and holiday lights.
Weather in Northern Spain | FAQ´s
Northern Spain enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and cooler summers compared to the rest of the country. It’s known for its green landscapes and frequent rainfall. Expect cool, fresh air and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature year-round.
The best time to visit Northern Spain is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for outdoor adventures, beach days, and exploring the region’s beautiful landscapes.
Yes, let’s just say that if you’re allergic to rain, Northern Spain might not be your ideal place to settle. However, from May to September, rainfall is not abundant, and the weather is generally perfect for all kinds of activities.
Winters in Northern Spain are relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, and also compared to inland places like Madrid or Toledo, which can drop below zero. Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F). However, during the coldest months of December and January, temperatures can drop lower, especially in the mountains, although they rarely fall below freezing in coastal areas.
Summer temperatures in Northern Spain range from 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F). The weather is warm, but not as hot as the rest of Spain, making it ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and enjoying the beach without the sweltering heat.
The Basque Country enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Expect more rainfall in the winter months, but summers are generally very pleasant and fresh.
Absolutely not. Some even joke that fire was invented in Southern Spain during the summer! However, Northern Spain isn’t particularly cold; it just doesn’t experience extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. While the south can hit over 40°C (104°F), the north stays mild. More and more Spaniards are escaping the summer heat up north.
Northern Spain experiences around 10 to 15 rainy days per month, particularly in autumn and winter. While rainfall varies by region, Galicia usually receives the most throughout the year. The summer months, however, tend to be much drier, with an average of 4 to 7 rainy days.
Absolutely! Winter in Northern Spain is ideal for those seeking fewer crowds. While temperatures are cool, it’s perfect for cozy indoor activities, cultural experiences, and exploring cities and villages. It’s also great for hiking in the mountains if you prefer cooler weather.
If you still have any doubts about the weather in Northern Spain, leave us a comment and we’d be happy to help!