What to Pack for Bilbao in December: Waterproofs for a Cozy Basque Adventure

Heading north and wondering what to pack for Bilbao in December? This Bilbao packing list covers everything for a cozy, culture-filled winter trip.

Bilbao in December is cool, misty, and atmospheric. This northern Spanish city offers a blend of cutting-edge architecture, traditional pintxos bars, and the lush green hills of the Basque Country. While winter isn’t the coldest, it is definitely the wettest — so waterproof gear and warm layers are musts.

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Expect gray skies with occasional drizzle, chilly evenings, and damp mornings. Whether you’re visiting the Guggenheim, strolling along the Nervión River, or exploring nearby coastal towns, you’ll want to pack smart with breathable but weather-resistant clothing.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Bilbao in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Average high: 13°C / 55°F
• Average low: 6°C / 43°F
• Rain: 12–15 days/month, mostly light drizzle or showers
• Snow: Unlikely in the city
• Vibe: Rainy, artistic, sophisticated but relaxed

What to Pack for Bilbao in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Water-resistant suitcase – For rainy travel days 💼
• Carry-on backpack – Great for day trips to Getxo or San Sebastián 🎒
• Duffel bag – Soft-sided for train storage 👜
• Daypack – Waterproof or with rain cover 🎒
• Packing cubes – Help organize layers and weather gear 📦
• Shoe bags – Prevent soggy shoes from touching clothes 👟
• Toiletry bag – Waterproof lining preferred 🧴
• Travel document wallet – Keep things safe in rain 📁
• Reusable tote – For museums or grocery stops 🛍️
• Laundry pouch – Store damp socks and layers 🧺
• Luggage scale – Check weight before flights ⚖️
• Travel lock – For lockers or hotel security 🔒
• Neck pouch – Secure small items in crowds 🎟️
• Fast-dry towel – Great for hikes or hostel stays 🧼
• Neck pillow – For long bus/train rides 🛏️
• Sleep mask – Shorter daylight hours 😴

👗 Clothes

• Thermal long-sleeve tops (2–3) – Perfect base layer ❄️
• Light sweaters (2–3) – Stylish and warm 🧶
• Water-resistant jacket – Must-have in December 🌧️
• Wool coat – Optional for city evenings 🧥
• Long-sleeve blouses or shirts (2–3) – Great under coats 👚
• Jeans or thick trousers (2–3) – Practical and comfy 👖
• Leggings – For layering or relaxing 🧘
• Midi skirt or dress – Add tights for warmth 👗
• Puffer vest or down layer – Under your jacket for extra warmth 🧥
• Rain poncho – For downpours 🌧️
• Activewear – For walks or hotel gyms 🚶
• Pajamas – Warm for chilly mornings 💤
• Swimsuit – If your hotel has a spa 👙
• Underwear (7+) – Pack breathable options 👙
• Bras (2–3) – Include sport or seamless 👚
• Wool socks (5–7) – Avoid cold, wet feet 🧦
• Tights – Layer under dresses or pants 🧤

💆 Skincare

• Gentle cleanser – Protect against rain and city grime 🧴
• Balancing toner – Refreshes after long days 💧
• Thick moisturizer – Combat cold air dryness 🧴
• Sunscreen – Needed even on cloudy days ☁️
• Makeup remover – Cleansing balm or wipes 🧻
• Face scrub – Use weekly for fresh skin 🧽
• Eye cream – Treat tired or dry eyes 👁️
• Hydrating mist – On-the-go boost 💦
• Sheet masks – Recovery after cold days 🧖
• SPF lip balm – Lips still need sun protection 💋
• Spot treatment – For any flare-ups 🩹

💄 Makeup

• BB or CC cream – Light coverage with hydration 💁
• Concealer – Brighten under eyes 👁️
• Setting powder – Keep things in place 💨
• Blush – Add warmth to cheeks 🌺
• Highlighter – Reflect the city lights ✨
• Bronzer – Healthy glow 🌞
• Eyeshadow palette – Warm, earthy tones 🎨
• Waterproof eyeliner – No smudging in rain 🖊️
• Mascara – Waterproof if possible 💧
• Brow gel – Neat brows in wet weather 👁️
• Lipstick or tinted balm – For evening style 💄
• Setting spray – Lock in your look 🌬️
• Brush kit – Travel-friendly size 🖌️

💇 Hair Care

• Brush or comb – Anti-static version 💇
• Hair ties + clips – For windy days 🌬️
• Shampoo & conditioner – Hydrating formula 🧴
• Dry shampoo – Volume on damp days 💁
• Heat protectant – If using tools 🔥
• Anti-frizz serum – A must in humidity 💧
• Mini hairdryer – Most hotels include 💨
• Straightener or curler – Compact styling tool 🌀
• Wool hat or beanie – Keep warm and stylish 🧢
• Headband or scarf – Add flair 🎀

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof ankle boots – City walking + rain 👢
• Comfy sneakers – For museums or casual days 👟
• Dress shoes – For nice dinners or shows 👠
• Scarf – Wool or chunky knit 🧣
• Gloves – Touchscreen-enabled 🧤
• Umbrella – Small and windproof ☔
• Wool hat or beret – Stylish warmth 🧢
• Sunglasses – Rain clears to sun sometimes 😎
• Minimal jewelry – Understated and chic 💍
• Crossbody bag – Safe and hands-free 👜

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport + copies – EU ID if applicable 🛂
• Visa – Not required for most short stays 📝
• ID card – For local identification 🪪
• Travel insurance – Especially for rainy cities 🧾
• Tickets + hotel info – Printed and digital 🎟️
• Credit card + some euros – Local stores may prefer cash 💶
• Emergency contact list – Paper copy too 📇
• Offline maps – Bilbao’s old town is walkable 🗺️
• Notebook + pen – Notes or journaling 🖊️
• Travel wallet – Stay organized 👛
• Safe pouch – Use in hotel or hostel 🔐

🚑 First Aid

• Blister plasters – For long museum days 🩹
• Antiseptic wipes – For hands or wounds 🧼
• Gauze and tape – Minor injuries 🩺
• Tweezers – Useful and compact ✂️
• Mini scissors – TSA-approved ✂️
• Thermometer – Small digital 🌡️
• Cotton/Q-tips – For various uses ☁️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Prescriptions – Enough for the trip 💊
• Pain relievers – Walking aches or jet lag 🤕
• Cold meds – Wet weather risks 🤧
• Motion sickness tabs – For coastal excursions 🚗
• Daily vitamins – Maintain your health 💊
• Feminine products – Bring your brand 🩸
• Hand sanitizer – Essential 👐
• Antibacterial wipes – Trains, planes, etc. 🧽
• Eye drops – Rain and wind can irritate 👁️
• Contact lenses + solution – Bring extras 👓
• Mirror – For makeup or lens help 🪞
• Toothbrush + toothpaste – Basics 🪥
• Floss – Keep it clean 🦷
• Deodorant – Stick or cream 🧼
• Razor – With case 🪒
• Nail kit – Clippers and file 💅
• Perfume – Travel-size 🌸
• Tissues – Keep in every pocket 🧻

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone – Main device for everything 📱
• Tablet or laptop – Optional 💻
• Camera – For architecture and landscapes 📸
• Chargers – Don’t forget adapters 🔌
• Power bank – Explore without worry 🔋
• EU adapter – Spain uses Type C/F ⚡
• Offline apps – Maps, translate, bookings 🗺️
• SIM/eSIM – Cheap Spanish data 🌐
• Cloud storage – Back up your pics 💾
• Headphones – For museums and music 🎧
• Waterproof phone case – Just in case 📱

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – Read in cozy cafés 📚
• Movie downloads – Rainy night plans 🎬
• Podcasts/music – Basque culture + travel 🎶
• Journal – Capture your thoughts 📓
• Card game or puzzle – Good for downtime 🃏
• Travel guide – Handy offline version 📘

🎁 Extras

• Snacks – Pintxos between meals 🍫
• Water bottle – Reusable and light 💧
• Shopping tote – Bilbao loves local markets 🛍️
• Laundry soap – Quick sink washes 🧼
• Sewing kit – Fix a button 🧵
• Whistle – For solo safety 🔊
• Lint roller – Wool coats attract fuzz 👕
• Travel footrest – Long trains or flights ✈️
• Shoe deodorizer – Rainy days = must 👃
• Melatonin – For jet lag or new sleep patterns 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

• Book Guggenheim tickets in advance 🎟️
• Carry an umbrella – It rains often ☔
• Pack for layers – Temps shift quickly 🧥
• Learn a few Basque phrases – Locals love it 💬
• Try pintxos – They’re local tapas-style dishes 🍢

🛂 Visa Tips

• Spain is in the Schengen Area 🛂
• Bring proof of accommodation 📄
• Return flight confirmation – May be requested 🧾
• 90-day stay limit applies 🗓️
• Customs for gifts, food, wine 🎁

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – Valid 6+ months 🌍
• Insurance – Especially important for winter 🛡️
• Phone + SIM – Stay connected 📱
• Cards + cash – Use both 💶
• EU adapter – For all electronics ⚡
• Mini health kit – Be prepared 🧼
• Offline map – Useful in old town 🗺️
• Hotel/reservation printouts – Backup copies 🧾
• Weatherproof day bag – Always handy 👜
• Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧

👍 Good-to-Have

• Blanket scarf – Cozy + doubles as travel wrap 🧣
• Backup charger – Essential for all-day outings 🔌
• Mini steamer – For wrinkle-free layers 🧺
• Spare tote – For local artisan finds 🎁
• Eye mask & earplugs – Better sleep 😴
• SIM/eSIM – Easy internet access 🌐
• Luggage tag – Spot your bag in seconds 📛