Pamplona sits about 450 metres above sea level, between the green, rainy north of Navarre and the drier Ebro valley to the south. The result is a climate with four very distinct seasons: warm and sunny summers, crisp winters with the odd frost, and springs and autumns that can bring a bright blue sky one day and steady rain the next. This guide explains the Pamplona weather month by month, so you can choose the best time for your trip and pack the right clothes.
All figures are long-term averages from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), measured at Pamplona airport between 1981 and 2010. Any single year can be warmer or wetter, so always check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Pamplona weather at a glance
- Warmest months: July and August, with average highs of about 28 °C (82 °F) and around 300 hours of sunshine a month.
- Coldest months: December and January, with highs of 9–10 °C (48–50 °F) and lows close to freezing.
- Wettest months: November and December (72–75 mm), with April close behind.
- Driest months: July and August, with only four or five rainy days each.
- Snow: uncommon in the city. There are around nine or ten days with snowfall a year, usually light and between December and March.
Pamplona weather by month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Rainfall | Rainy days | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 °C (48 °F) | 1 °C (34 °F) | 57 mm | 9 | 93 h |
| February | 11 °C (52 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 50 mm | 8 | 125 h |
| March | 15 °C (59 °F) | 4 °C (39 °F) | 54 mm | 8 | 177 h |
| April | 16 °C (61 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 74 mm | 10 | 185 h |
| May | 21 °C (70 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 60 mm | 9 | 228 h |
| June | 25 °C (77 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 46 mm | 6 | 268 h |
| July | 28 °C (82 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 33 mm | 4 | 310 h |
| August | 28 °C (82 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 38 mm | 5 | 282 h |
| September | 25 °C (77 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 44 mm | 6 | 219 h |
| October | 19 °C (66 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 68 mm | 9 | 164 h |
| November | 13 °C (55 °F) | 5 °C (41 °F) | 75 mm | 10 | 108 h |
| December | 10 °C (50 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) | 72 mm | 10 | 88 h |
Average values for 1981–2010 at Pamplona airport (AEMET). Rainy days are days with 1 mm of rain or more.
Spring in Pamplona (March to May)
Spring arrives gradually. March still has chilly mornings, with lows around 4 °C (39 °F), but afternoons reach about 15 °C (59 °F). By May, highs are around 21 °C (70 °F) and the parks, from the Taconera and the Ciudadela to Yamaguchi Park, are at their greenest.
It is also a changeable season. April is one of the wettest months of the year, although showers tend to come and go quickly. Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the stone streets of the old town. When the sun comes out, spring is perfect for walking along the city walls and enjoying pintxos on a terrace.
Summer in Pamplona (June to August)
Summer is dry, bright and warm. Average highs are 25–28 °C (77–82 °F) and on hot days the thermometer can climb well above 30 °C. Nights are usually pleasant, with lows of 12–15 °C (54–59 °F), and July enjoys more than 300 hours of sunshine.
The big event is San Fermín, from 6 to 14 July, when the city fills with people dressed in white and red. If you plan to come for the fiesta, wear sun protection, drink plenty of water and book your accommodation for the Running of the Bulls months in advance. June and the second half of August are just as sunny and much quieter.
Autumn in Pamplona (September to November)
September is still summery, with highs of about 25 °C (77 °F) and few rainy days, which makes it one of the best months to visit. At the end of the month the old town celebrates San Fermín Chiquito, a small and very local version of the July fiesta.
October brings cooler days, around 19 °C (66 °F), and the first autumn colours in the city’s parks. It is also a good time to explore the beech forests of the Pyrenees, an easy day trip from Pamplona, and to enjoy seasonal produce such as wild mushrooms and chestnuts. November is the wettest month of the year and the days get noticeably shorter, so bring an umbrella.
Winter in Pamplona (December to February)
Winter is cold but often bright. Highs are around 9–11 °C (48–52 °F) and nights frequently drop close to freezing, so frost is common in the early morning. Snow falls on a few days a year but rarely settles in the city, while the nearby Pyrenees are usually white.
December is a festive month, with Christmas lights, a market in Plaza del Castillo and traditions such as Olentzero and the Three Kings parade. Read our guide to Christmas in Pamplona and, if you are staying for the end of the year, our tips for New Year’s Eve in Pamplona.
Is Pamplona rainy?
Pamplona gets around 670 mm of rain a year, spread over about 90 days. That is more than Madrid or Barcelona but much less than the Basque coast, just an hour away. Rain is most frequent from October to May, usually as showers or grey, drizzly days rather than storms, while summer is mostly dry. A compact umbrella is all you need for most of the year.
The weather during San Fermín
In the second week of July, Pamplona usually enjoys long, sunny days with afternoon highs around 28 °C (82 °F). The early morning, when the Running of the Bulls starts at 8:00, is much fresher, often below 18 °C (64 °F), and the nights out are pleasant. Occasional summer storms are possible, so a light layer and a small poncho are useful if you are going to spend the whole day outdoors.
Does it snow in Pamplona?
Snow is possible from December to March, but it is not common in the city and it usually melts within a day. If you want to see snow, the Pyrenees valleys of Navarre are about an hour’s drive away. In winter, frost and fog on early mornings are more likely than snow, followed by bright, cold afternoons.
When is the best time to visit Pamplona?
- For warm weather without the crowds: June and September.
- For the full fiesta experience: 6 to 14 July, booking well ahead.
- For quiet sightseeing: spring and autumn, especially from Sunday to Thursday.
- For a festive atmosphere: December and the first days of January.
If you are coming to Pamplona for medical treatment or for work, the weather matters less than the location. Our apartments are next to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, so you can walk there in a few minutes whatever the season. Find out more about our accommodation near the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
What to pack for Pamplona
- Spring: layers, a light waterproof jacket and an umbrella.
- Summer: light clothes, sunglasses, sun cream and a sweater for the evenings. For San Fermín, white clothes and a red scarf.
- Autumn: a warm jacket for October and November, an umbrella and shoes that cope with rain.
- Winter: a warm coat, hat and gloves, especially if you plan to be out in the evening.
- All year: comfortable walking shoes. The best of Pamplona is discovered on foot.
Where to stay in Pamplona in any season
Our apartments are in the Pío XII area, next to Yamaguchi Park and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, about a 15–20 minute walk from the old town. They have a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, heating, fibre Wi-Fi and a smart TV, so you will be comfortable whether it is a hot July afternoon or a rainy day in November.
See all our apartments in Pamplona or, if you are staying 28 nights or more, our long stay apartments with all bills included. When you know your dates, check availability and book online.
