Best months: Sep, Oct, NovWind (Aug): 4 ktsSea (Aug): 24°C
Month-by-month climate
Through the seasons
Month by month
Hondarribia opens access to Spanish Basque surfing: Hendaye 5 minutes away, Zarautz and Mundaka 30 to 90 minutes. Intermediates find a luxurious base to explore the best spots on the Basque coast, from September to November.
Month
Air (°C)
Sea (°C)
Wind (kts)
Waves (m)
Rain (mm)
Verdict
January
8.6°
13.9°
6.4· 1%
2.36
198
Avoid
February
9.7°
12.7°
6.5· 1%
2.47
152
Avoid
March
11.1°
12.7°
6.3· 1%
2.23
145
Fair
April
13.1°
14.4°
5.4· 0%
1.71
117
Good
May
15.5°
17.0°
5.2· 0%
1.27
132
Good
June
18.7°
21.6°
4.6· 0%
1.10
120
Good
July
20.5°
22.9°
4.4· 0%
1.22
85
Good
August
20.8°
23.7°
4.3· 0%
1.36
109
Good
September
19.4°
23.2°
4.5· 0%
1.48
122
Best
October
16.9°
20.7°
5.7· 1%
1.77
121
Best
November
12.5°
17.1°
6.4· 1%
2.84
222
Best
December
10.6°
15.0°
6.8· 3%
2.34
185
Avoid
JanAvoid
Air
8.6°
Sea
13.9°
Wind
6.4 kts
Waves
2.36 m
Rain
198 mm
FebAvoid
Air
9.7°
Sea
12.7°
Wind
6.5 kts
Waves
2.47 m
Rain
152 mm
MarFair
Air
11.1°
Sea
12.7°
Wind
6.3 kts
Waves
2.23 m
Rain
145 mm
AprGood
Air
13.1°
Sea
Spring
Spring at Hondarribia is a privileged season to explore the Basque coast in all its diversity. From March to May, winter swells lose volume but retain quality, and Hondarribia's position — gateway to the Spanish Basque Country — gives access in under two hours to the full range of spots: Hendaye 5 minutes, Zarautz and Zumaia 30 to 45 minutes, Mundaka 90 minutes. The town itself, with its medieval walls, parador and pintxos gastronomy, offers an unmatched setting for a refined surf trip. Rivage villas nearby offer their best year-round rates.
Summer
Summer at Hondarribia is quieter than Biarritz, more authentic than Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The great Hondarribia beach stays calm (sheltered by Cabo Higer), perfect for children, while Hendaye 5 minutes away offers more formed waves for daily sessions. For intermediates, it's the season of dawn sessions on active spots and detours to Mundaka, Zarautz or Zumaia on rare swells. Spanish Basque cuisine — pintxos, txakoli, txogitxu — gives the trip a unique gastronomic dimension. Rivage villas offer the ideal balance between activity and refinement.
Autumn
Autumn anoints the Spanish Basque coast as one of Europe's great surf destinations, and Hondarribia as its most refined gateway. From September to November, Mundaka enters its peak season — the legendary left-hander on a sandbar firing in the Urdaibai estuary on long-period swells —, Zarautz delivers reference sessions, and Hendaye 5 minutes away offers the daily base. For intermediates, it's the chance to surf a diversity of spots unmatched in Europe, from a luxurious base. Rivage villas in Hondarribia or the surrounding heights offer impeccable comfort for this multi-spot trip style.
Winter
Winter at Hondarribia is a season for patient intermediates. From December to February, Atlantic lows follow one another and Mundaka can deliver its XL days — 4 to 6 metre sets on the legendary left — but turns into an expert affair. For intermediates, the best windows are at Hendaye at low tide, or on satellite Spanish-coast banks between fronts. Wisdom dictates leaning on non-surf riches: skiing in the Pyrenees (1h), thalassotherapy, Basque gastronomy, day trips to San Sebastián (40 min). Rivage villas reveal a unique intimacy this season.
January+
Demanding Basque winter. 2.5–4 m swells. Hondarribia beach stays calm (sheltered by Cabo Higer), but Hendaye, Zarautz and Mundaka absorb the full power. Technical sessions for seasoned intermediates.
February+
Sustained winter conditions. Mundaka delivers a few remarkable days. Water at 12°C, 5/4 mm hooded.
March+
Pivot. 1.5–2.5 m swells. The Spanish Basque coast regains its tempo, Zarautz and Bakio offer accessible technical sessions.
April+
Spring settles. 1.2–2 m swells, water at 14–15°C. Excellent for exploring the Spanish coast pointbreaks. Steady morning offshore winds.
May+
Pivot month. 1–1.5 m swells, water at 16–17°C. Peaceful sessions across the Basque coast. 3/2 wetsuit.
June+
Excellent compromise. Consistent swells, water at 18–19°C, light crowds. Hendaye 5 minutes away for daily sessions, Zarautz 30 min for more variety.
July+
Summer waves (0.7–1.2 m), water at 21°C. Hondarribia beach becomes ideal for children. Technical sessions early morning on active spots.
August+
Tourist peak. Small waves, water at 22°C. For intermediates, dawn sessions or detours to Mundaka on rare swells.
September+
The crown jewel. Autumn swells (1.5–2.5 m), water at 20°C, thinning crowds. Mundaka begins showing wake-up signs, Zarautz in peak form.
October+
Premium conditions. Powerful 1.8–3 m swells, golden light. Mundaka enters peak season, legendary right-hander for those who master it. Hendaye and Zarautz at the top.
November+
Mature autumn. 2–3 m swells, water at 15°C. Mundaka delivers its major days, intimate atmosphere across the coast.
December+
Storms return. 3–4.5 m swells, conditions often beyond intermediate. A few technical low-tide windows at Hendaye.
Data: Open-Meteo (ERA5), period 2014-2023. Updated May 5, 2026.