Looking for things to do in San Sebastian? Swim at La Concha beach, ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo and walk up Monte Urgull, hop between the pintxo bars of the Old Town (Parte Vieja), see Chillida’s Peine del Viento at the end of the bay and surf at Zurriola. Allow 2 to 3 days to visit San Sebastian, more with the Basque coast. The best time is June to September, the least rainy months.
Donostia-San Sebastián, capital of the province of Gipuzkoa in the Spanish Basque Country, curves around the bay of La Concha, close to the French border. It is one of the rainiest cities in Spain. This guide brings together the beaches, the neighborhoods, how pintxos work, an itinerary and two calculations we have not found elsewhere: rainfall in San Sebastián compared with Biarritz, just across the border, month by month, and sunset times over the bay.
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San Sebastian at a glance
- Country Spain (Basque Country, province of Gipuzkoa); Basque name: Donostia
- Languages Spanish and Basque (euskara)
- Currency euro (€)
- Time zone UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer), one hour ahead of London (see time difference in Spain)
- Getting there nearby airports include San Sebastián (Hondarribia), Biarritz across the French border and Bilbao; from further afield, most travellers connect via a European hub
- Entry Schengen area; US and UK citizens need no visa for short tourist stays (US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK)
- Ideal length 2 to 3 days, 4 to 5 with the Basque coast
- Best time June to September
Things to do in San Sebastian: the highlights
La Concha beach
A curving city beach lined by a promenade and its white railing, La Concha is the symbol of the city. The water is usually calm, as the bay is partly closed off by Santa Clara island, reachable by boat in summer, with a small beach at low tide (Wikipedia). Further west, Ondarreta, at the foot of Monte Igueldo, is popular with families.
Zurriola and the Gros district
On the other side of the mouth of the Urumea, Zurriola beach is open to the swell: this is the surfers’ spot. Behind it, the Gros district has its own pintxo bars with a neighborhood feel. At the end of the beach, the Kursaal congress center hosts the international film festival, founded in 1953.
The Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Between the port and the Alameda del Boulevard, the Parte Vieja packs in narrow streets, the Plaza de la Constitución with its numbered balconies, San Vicente church, the basilica of Santa María del Coro and the highest density of pintxo bars. It also has the city’s oldest market, La Bretxa. In the evening, it is the lively heart of San Sebastián.
Monte Igueldo and its funicular
At the western end of the bay, a funicular climbs to the top of Monte Igueldo, with a view over the whole bay. An old-fashioned little amusement park awaits families. It is the most photographed viewpoint in the city, especially at sunset (see the times month by month below).
Monte Urgull, the port and the Paseo Nuevo
Monte Urgull, a fortified hill above the Old Town, is climbed on foot along wooded paths up to the Mota castle and the statue of the Sacred Heart. The Paseo Nuevo runs around it at the edge of the waves. At its foot are the fishing port and the aquarium.
The Peine del Viento
At the end of Ondarreta beach, Eduardo Chillida’s three steel sculptures, the « Comb of the Wind », are anchored in rocks pounded by the sea. In heavy swell, jets of water shoot up through vents built into the square.
Museums: San Telmo, Tabakalera, Chillida-Leku
The San Telmo museum, in a former convent in the Parte Vieja, is devoted to Basque society. Tabakalera, a former tobacco factory, is a contemporary culture center. The Chillida-Leku museum, in Hernani, displays Chillida’s sculptures in a park. Miramar Palace and its gardens overlook the bay.
Parks, cathedral and the banks of the Urumea
Cristina Enea park, the largest and most wooded in the city according to the tourist office, surrounds a former ducal palace; Aiete park and its neoclassical palace form another large green space. In the Romantic Area (Área Romántica), the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Buen Pastor) dates from the city’s expansion at the end of the 19th century (Wikipedia). The bridges over the Urumea, including the María Cristina bridge, link the center with Gros.
Pintxos: how it works
A pintxo is a small bite, often on a slice of bread, laid out on the bar or made to order. A pintxo evening means moving from one bar to the next. The most common customs, which vary from bar to bar:
- Cold or hot: the pintxos on the counter are served cold; hot dishes are ordered from the staff, often listed on a board.
- One or two per bar: try the house specialty, then move on.
- Drinks: a small glass of wine (txikito), a zurito of beer, txakoli (Basque white wine) or cider.
- Paying: you often pay when you leave, telling the staff what you had.
- Where: the Parte Vieja for the density of bars, Gros for a more local atmosphere.
- Cider houses: the sagardotegi around the city open during cider season; check the dates with the tourist office.
San Sebastian itinerary: 3 days
- Day 1: La Concha on foot, Parte Vieja, Plaza de la Constitución, La Bretxa market, climb Monte Urgull; pintxos in the evening
- Day 2: Ondarreta and the Peine del Viento, Monte Igueldo funicular, Miramar Palace; Gros and Zurriola late in the day
- Day 3: San Telmo museum or Tabakalera, aquarium, Chillida-Leku in Hernani in the afternoon
- Day 4 and beyond: the Basque coast (Getaria, Zarautz), Hondarribia near the border, or Bilbao and its Guggenheim museum
Rain: San Sebastián compared with Biarritz
San Sebastián is one of the rainiest cities in Spain, and it gets more rain than Biarritz, just across the French border. We compared the official normals for the two stations and calculated the number of rainy days to expect over a four-day stay.
| Month | Rain San Sebastián | Rain Biarritz | Rainy days in 4 days, San Sebastián | … in Biarritz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 157.0 mm (6.2 in) | 139.6 mm (5.5 in) | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| February | 135.0 mm (5.3 in) | 110.4 mm (4.3 in) | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| March | 124.0 mm (4.9 in) | 102.8 mm (4.0 in) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| April | 156.0 mm (6.1 in) | 117.7 mm (4.6 in) | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| May | 120.0 mm (4.7 in) | 116.1 mm (4.6 in) | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| June | 95.0 mm (3.7 in) | 99.2 mm (3.9 in) | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| July | 85.0 mm (3.3 in) | 77.3 mm (3.0 in) | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| August | 117.0 mm (4.6 in) | 87.5 mm (3.4 in) | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| September | 132.0 mm (5.2 in) | 118.2 mm (4.7 in) | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| October | 167.0 mm (6.6 in) | 147.3 mm (5.8 in) | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| November | 188.0 mm (7.4 in) | 206.9 mm (8.1 in) | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| December | 174.0 mm (6.9 in) | 150.6 mm (5.9 in) | 1.5 | 1.7 |
- Over the year, about 1,650 mm (65.0 in) in San Sebastián versus 1,474 mm (58.0 in) in Biarritz.
- July is the driest month on both sides (85.0 mm / 3.3 in in San Sebastián): about 1.2 rainy days over a 4-day stay.
- November is the wettest (188.0 mm / 7.4 in): plan for museums, the market and pintxo bars.
When to go to San Sebastian?
Go between June and September: it is the driest and sunniest period (about 197 hours of sunshine in August), with highs of 23.1 to 25.7 °C (74 to 78 °F). May and October are good compromises outside the beach season. Winter stays mild (highs around 13 °C / 55 °F) but very rainy. For the rest of the country, see when to go to Spain.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine (h) | Sunset on the 15th | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.1 °C (56 °F) | 4.7 °C (40 °F) | 157.0 mm (6.2 in) | 13 | 88 | 5:59 pm | ❌ Rainy and cool |
| February | 13.8 °C (57 °F) | 5.0 °C (41 °F) | 135.0 mm (5.3 in) | 12 | 108 | 6:39 pm | ⚠️ Cool, a little less rain |
| March | 16.1 °C (61 °F) | 7.0 °C (45 °F) | 124.0 mm (4.9 in) | 12 | 141 | 7:15 pm | ⚠️ Mild, showers |
| April | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 8.5 °C (47 °F) | 156.0 mm (6.1 in) | 14 | 159 | 8:51 pm | ⚠️ Mild but rainy |
| May | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 11.8 °C (53 °F) | 120.0 mm (4.7 in) | 12 | 182 | 9:27 pm | ✅ Spring, more sunshine |
| June | 23.1 °C (74 °F) | 14.8 °C (59 °F) | 95.0 mm (3.7 in) | 10 | 188 | 9:51 pm | ✅ Start of the season |
| July | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 85.0 mm (3.3 in) | 9 | 198 | 9:47 pm | ✅ The driest |
| August | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) | 117.0 mm (4.6 in) | 10 | 197 | 9:13 pm | ✅ The sunniest |
| September | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 14.7 °C (58 °F) | 132.0 mm (5.2 in) | 10 | 170 | 8:19 pm | ✅ Mild, sunny |
| October | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 11.8 °C (53 °F) | 167.0 mm (6.6 in) | 12 | 134 | 7:27 pm | ⚠️ Mild, rain increasing |
| November | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 7.8 °C (46 °F) | 188.0 mm (7.4 in) | 13 | 96 | 5:45 pm | ❌ The wettest |
| December | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 5.6 °C (42 °F) | 174.0 mm (6.9 in) | 12 | 81 | 5:33 pm | ❌ Rainy, short days |
Getting around San Sebastian
- On foot: the Parte Vieja, La Concha and Gros are easy to explore on foot; a continuous promenade runs along the bay.
- City buses: the municipal network serves Igueldo, Miramar and the neighborhoods.
- From France: via the border at Hendaye, by train or car; check operators’ timetables before you go.
- Car: useful for the coast and the cider houses.
Where to stay in San Sebastian?
| Area | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Parte Vieja | Pintxos and nightlife | Everything on foot; lively, sometimes noisy at night |
| Centro (Área Romántica) | First visit | Between the old town and La Concha, shops |
| Gros | Surfing, local feel | Zurriola beach, neighborhood bars |
| Ondarreta and Antiguo | Families, peace and quiet | Calm beach, near Igueldo |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Spain is in the Schengen area. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your period of stay, and you need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. You may be asked for a return ticket, proof of travel insurance, sufficient funds and accommodation details. Under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026).
- Health: UK travellers need a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare, which does not replace travel insurance; whatever your nationality, take out insurance that covers medical costs.
- Safety: the U.S. Department of State notes that pickpocketing and theft are very common at tourist spots, train stations and beach destinations; watch your belongings in the Parte Vieja and on the beaches. GOV.UK warns that people drown in the sea every year: follow the beach flag system (a red flag means you must not enter the water), and notes that in some parts of Spain wearing only swimwear on the seafront promenade or nearby streets can get you fined. See our travel insurance guide.
- Emergencies: dial 112 (GOV.UK).
Practical tips for San Sebastian
- Meal times: lunch and dinner are late; pintxo bars fill up in the early evening.
- Payment: cards are accepted almost everywhere; a little cash helps in small bars.
- Packing: a rain jacket in every season, swimwear from June to September; see what to pack.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges; see our eSIM guide.
- Reservations: book well-known restaurants in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in San Sebastian?
Two to three days for the city, its beaches and its hills; four to five days with the Basque coast and Bilbao.
What is the best time to visit San Sebastian?
June to September: July is the least rainy month and August the sunniest according to AEMET 1981-2010 normals.
Does it rain a lot in San Sebastian?
Yes: about 1,650 mm (65.0 in) a year at the airport station according to AEMET, more than Biarritz (1,474 mm / 58.0 in according to Météo-France), with 9 to 14 rainy days a month.
How do you get to San Sebastian?
The city has a small airport in Hondarribia, and Biarritz and Bilbao airports are nearby; from France, you can also arrive by train or car via Hendaye.
Which beach should you choose in San Sebastian?
La Concha for calm swimming, Ondarreta for families, Zurriola for surfing.
Do you need a visa for San Sebastian?
US and UK citizens need no visa for short tourist stays in Spain, which is in the Schengen area, but a passport valid at least 3 months beyond your stay (travel.state.gov and GOV.UK).
Our sources
- AEMET: 1981-2010 normals of the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) for the San Sebastián airport station, in Hondarribia, via the Wikipedia article « San Sebastián »
- Météo-France: 1991-2020 normals for the Biarritz-Anglet station, via the Wikipedia article « Biarritz »
- Destination de Voyage calculations: San Sebastián / Biarritz rainfall, rainy days in 4 days, sunset on the 15th of each month
- San Sebastián tourist office (sansebastianturismoa.eus); Wikipedia « San Sebastián »
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Spain country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Spain (updated 12 August 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To continue your trip, see our Spain travel guide and our other destinations in Europe.
