May 17 is generally a great time to visit Bilbao. While there is a slight chance of rain (35%), showers are usually brief. Expect comfortable 18°C weather. Take advantage of the off-peak calm in Bilbao to see the sights without the usual crowds. Note: May 17 is Galician Literature Day in Bilbao, so expect special events, closures, and festive atmosphere.
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Essential Travel Info for Bilbao
Currency
EUR
€ Euro
Language
Spanish
+3 more
Driving
Right side
Connect
As of June 2022, Bilbao has 5G from all ...
Safety
High Safety
GPI: 1.603
Bilbao Weather Forecast for May 17
"Mild & Comfortable. Expect average highs of 18.4°C. 35% chance of rain."
What to Wear in Bilbao in May
Based on historical data for May 17, Bilbao typically experiences temperatures between 11.5°C and 18.4°C. We recommend packing light jacket, long pants, umbrella to stay comfortable. With a 35% chance of rain, keeping a raincoat or umbrella handy is a smart move.
Complete Packing Guide
Weekly breakdown & essential items for Bilbao
Smart Suitcase
- Light Jacket
- Long Pants
- Umbrella
Average High
18.4°C
Daytime Peak
Average Low
11.5°C
Nighttime Low
Feels Like
18.4°C
🌤️ Feels accurate
Rain Chance
35%
Avg 2mm if it rains
Cloud Cover
65%
Overcast
Pressure
1017.5 hPa
Medium volatility
Bilbao Weather Conditions & UV Index
Weather Confidence
30-year variance analysis
Based on 10 years of data
✓ Weather is generally predictable, but pack for minor variations. A light backup layer is recommended.
Sun Exposure
UV Index & Safety Guide
Protection Needed
SPF 30 recommended
05:00 - 10:00
16:00 - 20:00
Type I-II
🔴 18 min to burn
Type III-IV
🟡 27 min to burn
Type V-VI
🟢 45 min to burn
UV estimate based on latitude, season & cloud cover. Actual UV may vary.
Outdoor Comfort
How pleasant is it outside?
Dew Point
14.7°C
Pleasant
Heat Stress
Low
No heat warning
🙂 Best outdoor time:
Any time during daylight hours
Marine Conditions
Marine Life
No special warnings. Enjoy the swim!
Swim Index
❄️ Cold Water Hazard
Travel & Logistics Insights
Local Calendar
Holiday
Galician Literature Day
Flight Traffic
Quiet
36/100 pressure index
Health Advisory
Required
1 vaccine • View Details →
Landing Slots
~68
Daily arrival options (inc. codeshare)
Sunrise, Sunset & Wind in Bilbao
Daylight & Sun
Solar Elevation Cycle
🌅 Sunrise
05:47
☀️ Noon
13:09
🌇 Sunset
20:31
⏱️ Daylight
14h 44m
Wind Speed
15.3 km/h
Gentle breeze
Sunshine
10.4 hrs
Direct Sun (Cloud-free)
Humidity
79%
Humid / Damp
Travel Intelligence
Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Bilbao
Smart Flight Estimator
Airport-to-Airport Logistics
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Add your home location in settings to see airport details.
Travel Health & Safety in Bilbao
Travel Comfort Index
Real-time tourism conditions
Weather Quality
⛅ Good
Tourist Crowds
🟡 Busy
Price Level
💰💰💰 Expensive
Health & Wellbeing
Meteo-Health Forecast
Moderate fluctuations. Some sensitivity possible.
Weather unlikely to affect joint pain.
Moderate fish activity expected.
Air quality is excellent. Perfect for outdoor activities.
Regional Safety Profile
Seismic Activity
Rare minor tremors. Buildings are earthquake-resistant.
"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite data, Bilbao on May 17 averages 18.4°C with a 35% precipitation probability. Wedding/Outdoor Event Score: 89/100."
— Source: 30YearWeather.com|Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)|View Methodology
Bilbao Weather History (2010–2024)
Temperature History
Hall of Fame
Records from last 10 years
Better Alternatives Nearby
Consider these dates within ±7 days
May 19
18.8°C • 29% rain
Score
93
May 20
18.9°C • 30% rain
Score
93
May 22
18.9°C • 30% rain
Score
93
💡 Moving your event by a few days could significantly improve weather conditions
Compare Other Cities
Same date (May 17) in other destinations
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📍 Is Bilbao Worth Visiting on May 17?
Planning a trip to Bilbao on May 17? Our historical weather analysis based on 30 years of NASA satellite data shows that this time of year is characterized by pleasant mild weather averaging 18.4°C with a 35% historical precipitation risk.
🎉 Local Event: The date coincides with Galician Literature Day, which may influence local business hours and event availability.
✈️ Travel Logistics: Approximately 68 landing slots available daily during this period, indicating manageable crowd levels.
💉 Health Advisory: 7 vaccinations are recommended for Spain, including COVID-19.
🌊 Coastal Conditions: Water temperature averages 16.4°C (polar plunge). Wave conditions are generally surfers only with heights around 1.33m.
📊 Historical Extremes: The hottest May 17 recorded in the last 30 years saw temperatures hit 30.1°C in 2022, while the coldest dropped to 8.3°C in 2020.