So, you’re looking at the forecast San Sebastian Spain and seeing a bunch of little rain cloud icons. It’s kinda depressing, right? You’ve got this vision of a sun-drenched Basque paradise, but the screen says 50°F and drizzle. Honestly, most people see that and think their trip is ruined. They couldn't be more wrong.
If you’re checking the weather for today, January 16, 2026, it’s currently a chilly 47°F. The "feels like" is even lower—around 43°F—thanks to a 10 mph breeze coming off the south. It’s cloudy, but the precipitation chance is surprisingly low at just 10% for the moment. But here’s the thing about this city: the weather doesn't just "happen" to it; the city is built for it.
The Reality of the "Sirimiri"
In San Sebastian (or Donostia, as the locals call it), there's a specific word for the rain: sirimiri. It’s that fine, misty drizzle that doesn't really soak you but definitely reminds you that you’re in the greenest part of Spain.
The forecast San Sebastian Spain for the next few days shows exactly this pattern:
- Friday (Today): A high of 55°F with clouds during the day and light rain moving in tonight.
- Saturday: Expect more of the same, with temperatures hovering around 50°F and a 45% chance of rain.
- Sunday: This is the wettest day of the weekend. We're looking at a 65% chance of rain and a high of 50°F.
Is it "bad" weather? Only if you’re trying to work on a tan. For the rest of us, it’s the reason the hills are so blindingly green and why the pintxos bars feel so incredibly cozy. You haven't truly lived until you've ducked out of a damp street into a warm, wood-paneled bar in the Parte Vieja, smelling of grilled octopus and cider.
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Why the Forecast San Sebastian Spain is So Moody
The Bay of Biscay is basically a weather factory. It’s famous for some of the Atlantic’s fiercest storms, and San Sebastian sits right in the splash zone. Because the waters of the continental shelf are relatively shallow here, the sea gets rough, and the humidity is always high—85% right now, to be exact.
This moisture hits the mountains surrounding the city and has nowhere to go but down. That’s why the forecast San Sebastian Spain often looks wetter than nearby French cities or even Bilbao. But there's a silver lining: the Gulf Stream flows anti-clockwise along the coast, which keeps the temperatures moderate. You’ll rarely see it freeze here. In fact, even on the coldest days in January, the low stays around 41°F or 43°F. You won't need a heavy Arctic parka, but a wind-resistant, waterproof shell is basically the local uniform.
Navigating the Microclimates
One thing the apps don't tell you is how much the weather changes between La Concha beach and the Igueldo mountains. If you see a forecast San Sebastian Spain that says "partly sunny," like the one predicted for next Wednesday (high of 58°F!), that might mean the beach is gorgeous while the heights of Monte Urgull are wrapped in fog.
Locals are masters of the pivot. If it starts to pour, they don't go home; they just move the party inside. The city has more Michelin stars per square meter than almost anywhere else on Earth, and you don't need sunshine to enjoy a 14-course tasting menu.
Plan Your Days Like a Local
Looking at the upcoming week, Monday and Tuesday continue the trend of light rain and highs around 50°F. If you're visiting, basically expect to be damp but never miserable.
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- Pack the right gear: Skip the umbrella. The wind coming off the Bay of Biscay will just turn it inside out. Get a high-quality raincoat with a hood.
- Watch the UV index: Even when it’s cloudy, the UV index is usually around 1. Not enough to burn, but enough to remind you the sun is still up there somewhere.
- Check the wind direction: Today’s wind is from the south, which often brings slightly warmer air. If it flips to the northwest (like on Sunday), expect that damp, Atlantic chill to bite a bit harder.
The forecast San Sebastian Spain might look gray, but the city itself is anything but. Don’t let the icons scare you off. The rain is just the price of admission for the best food and most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Next Steps for You:
Check the local AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) station data specifically for the "Igueldo" station if you plan on hiking, as it offers the most accurate readings for the coastal wind speeds which can hit 20 mph by next Friday. If you're staying in the city center, focus on the humidity levels—when it hits 90% like it will this Sunday, plan for indoor museum visits like the San Telmo.