When to travel to San Sebastian
The typical question we all ask ourselves when deciding to travel to a destination is when is the best time to visit. Some are best seen in summer, such as beach destinations, others in spring, such as Japan, to see the cherry blossoms, and others at Christmas, such as Alsace. In the case of San Sebastian, this is a little more complicated, as there are several good times to visit our city, depending, of course, on what interests us most. So let’s see what are the best times to come to Donosti.
San Sebastian in winter
We know that winter is cold, and that in San Sebastian in particular the weather is not the best at this time of year, but winter may be one of the best times to visit us. This is because in winter we have the city’s two most important festivals, Saint Thomas’ Day and Saint Sebastian’s Day, celebrated on 21 December and 20 January respectively.
Celebration of Saint Thomas in Constitution Square.
In winter we also have Christmas, a great time to enjoy the city full of lights, Christmas markets, the Olentzero parade and the Three Kings parade. And although we don’t do anything special on New Year’s Eve, there is always a great atmosphere in the city centre and the Old Town for going out.
In winter we also celebrate carnival, with the first weekend in February seeing the celebration of the Iñude eta Artzaiak and Caldereros carnival groups. If you like dressing up, this is a good opportunity, although it is true that depending on the year, carnival usually falls in spring.
San Sebastian in spring
In addition to carnivals on occasion, in spring, although the season actually begins in January, in the middle of winter, we have the cider season. If you want to enjoy the most traditional cuisine in the most traditional way, this is the best time. Book a table at a sagardotegi with all your friends and come and enjoy a good steak and cod washed down with all the cider you can drink. You won’t regret it.
On the other hand, the weather starts to improve in spring, although the rain never completely leaves us. In March, the daffodils bloom on the France Promenade, followed shortly afterwards by the Japanese magnolias and cherry trees. If you like to see cities full of flowers, spring is the best time, as Donosti is full of well-kept gardens that will delight anyone.
In spring, the façade of the San Telmo Museum also blossoms.
Easter also falls in spring, but we don’t celebrate it in San Sebastian, so if you want to see processions, we recommend you go anywhere else in the country, because you won’t find them here (or, if you want to escape them, Donosti is the place for you).
San Sebastian in summer
San Sebastian has three beaches, so visiting the city in summer is a great option, especially if you can’t stand the unbearable heat further south and don’t mind swimming in cold water. Weather permitting, the beach is usable from June to October, which isn’t bad. And if you like surfing, Zurriola is open all year round, with winter being the best time to catch waves.
Another reason to come in summer is the festivals. In July, the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated in the port, one of our favourite festivals, without a doubt, and also the International Jazz Festival. The week of 15 August is Semana Grande (Big Week), and the first two weekends of September are when the La Concha regattas, the rowing Olympics, are held. A great atmosphere and traditional sport, one of the best combinations we can think of. August also sees the commemoration of 31st August, the most important date in our recent history, which you cannot miss if you happen to be here.
Recreation of the battle of 31 August.
Of course, it gets hot in summer, rarely exceeding 30 degrees, but it is very humid and can be unpleasant. In addition, we get a lot of visitors and the Old Town is often impassable, making it very difficult to go out for pintxos, among other things. So if you are looking for peace and quiet, spring or autumn are better options for visiting us.
San Sebastian in autumn
Donosti in autumn is very pleasant. In October, it is still warm and sunny, there are fewer people, and you can still feel the summer in the air. In October, you can still go to the beach and avoid queues at restaurants. Rainy days increase, although they are not more common until November.
At the beginning of the season is the International Film Festival, held in the third week of September, a perfect time for lovers of this art form. But apart from the Film Festival, there are no major celebrations in autumn, making it perhaps the quietest time to visit. This means that hotels and transport are cheaper, so it’s a good time to come and see us.
The tours depart regardless of the weather, whether it is autumn, spring or summer.
We offer tours in all seasons and would be delighted to show you Donosti as only a local knows how. What are you waiting for?
Hegoi has been a local guide in Go Local San Sebastian for almost 10 years. A local among tourists, who loves his profession and enjoys showing his hometown. He also plays a key role in the teams of Free Walking Tour and Bike Rental.