Month guide · San Sebastián · Spain
San Sebastián in September
What September is really like in San Sebastián: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tabakalera, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit San Sebastián. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Often the best month: warm sea, settled weather and fewer families; hotels fill and prices peak again for the film festival.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 21°C (70°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in September
September is the 3rd-warmest month in San Sebastián: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 30 days. Compared with August (25°C (77°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:47
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 20:19
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 21°C (70°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, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- La Concha regattas — traditional trainera rowing races in the bay (usually the first two Sundays of September)
- San Sebastián International Film Festival (usually late September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Neighbourhood · Parte Vieja
Parte Vieja pintxo bars
Start around 7:30pm before the crowds and order the cooked-to-order pintxos from the board rather than only the ones on the counter.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Food
- After dark
Viewpoint · Igeldo
Monte Igueldo funicular and viewpoint
A wooden funicular dating from 1912 climbs from the end of Ondarreta beach to the summit of Monte Igueldo, the postcard view over the bay, Santa Clara island and Monte Urgull.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Photo spot
Park · Parte Vieja
Monte Urgull and Mota Castle
Climb from the Paseo Nuevo or the port side and come down through the Parte Vieja for an evening pintxo.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Outdoors
Landmark · Ondarreta
Peine del Viento
Eduardo Chillida's three rusted steel sculptures, installed in 1977, grip the rocks at the far western end of the bay, with a granite plaza by Luis Peña Ganchegui.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
The sea averages 21°C (70°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near San Sebastián.
What to pack
For highs near 23°C, lows near 15°C and 10 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit San Sebastián?
One of the best months to visit San Sebastián, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are June. Compare every month.
San Sebastián in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit San Sebastián?
It is one of the best months to visit San Sebastián. Often the best month: warm sea, settled weather and fewer families; hotels fill and prices peak again for the film festival.
+How warm is San Sebastián in September?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Sebastián in September?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.