Month guide · San Sebastián · Spain
San Sebastián in October
What October is really like in San Sebastián: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nicola at German Wikipedia, Public domain
Quick answer
October is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 10.9 hours of daylight. Mild and quieter, with good surf at Zurriola and the first autumn storms; a good month for food-focused trips.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 5th-warmest month in San Sebastián: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with September (23°C (73°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 15°C (59°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 08:21
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 19:25
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea
- 18°C (64°F)
Autumn (September–November). September is warm with regattas and the film festival; October is quieter with good surf, and November turns wet and windy.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
October has no major recurring festival in San Sebastián, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Beach · Gros
Zurriola beach
Gros's open Atlantic beach is the city's surf spot, with consistent waves and several surf schools renting boards and wetsuits along the promenade.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Parte Vieja
Paseo Nuevo
Stay well back from the edge on rough days; waves regularly sweep the promenade and it is sometimes closed.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Island · Bay of La Concha
Santa Clara island
The small wooded island in the middle of the bay has a lighthouse, picnic tables, footpaths and a tiny beach that appears at low tide.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Views
- Off the beaten path
Garden · Antiguo
Miramar Palace and gardens
Cut through the gardens on the walk between La Concha and Ondarreta instead of using the tunnel road.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 12°C and 12 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit San Sebastián?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, June and September are better overall. Compare every month.
San Sebastián in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit San Sebastián?
It is a shoulder-season month. Mild and quieter, with good surf at Zurriola and the first autumn storms; a good month for food-focused trips.
+How warm is San Sebastián in October?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Sebastián in October?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.