Northern Spain, Spain: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Northern Spain, Spain? If you're planning to go to Northern Spain, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Spain, Spain

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Spain, Spain, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Spain, Spain

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Spain, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Spain, Spain by month

January

January in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

February

February in Northern Spain is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

March in Northern Spain is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It snows sometimes. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

April

April in Northern Spain can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

May

In May, Northern Spain is crisp. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Spain, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

June

If you visit Northern Spain during June, you might find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

Traveling to Northern Spain in July, you will notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you are traveling to Northern Spain in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

September

September here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

If you go to Northern Spain in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

December

December in Northern Spain is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows once in a while. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Spain. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Northern Spain, Spain

Northern Spain is an enchanting destination for those who love natural beauty, history, culture and delicious cuisine. It’s a region that boasts stunning landscapes, charming towns and historic landmarks. From the architectural splendors to the natural wonders, there’s so much to explore in the north of Spain. Here are the top tourist attractions in Northern Spain that you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. The Way of Saint James

The Way of Saint James or Camino de Santiago is a spiritual pilgrimage route that stretches for over 800 km and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route starts in various locations in Spain and other parts of Europe, with the most well-known being the Camino Frances, which begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the French Pyrenees. The pilgrimage ends at the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It’s a perfect way to soak in the history, cultural heritage and nature of northern Spain.

2. Bilbao

Bilbao is a port city located in the Basque Country and is known for its incredible architecture, delicious cuisine and outdoor attractions. The highlight of the city is the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, which is an epitome of avant-garde architecture. Apart from this, Bilbao also has the Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter of Bilbao, which is home to the narrow streets, traditional cafes and local shops. Moreover, the city is famous for its gastronomy, particularly haute cuisine.

3. The Picos de Europa National Park

Picos de Europa National Park is one of Spain’s most scenic protected areas, situated in the Cantabrian Mountains. The park is a haven for hikers, mountaineers and natural enthusiasts. The stunning limestone cliffs, lush green meadows, deep canyons and panoramic views attract visitors from all over. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to spot brown bears, wolves and other wildlife.

4. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of the autonomous region of Galicia, and the final destination of the Way of Saint James. It’s a picturesque city, famous for its grand Cathedral and the medieval charm of the Old Town. Its colorful squares, streets and alleys lined with traditional houses are a delight to explore. The Plaza del Obradoiro, the main square facing the Cathedral, is a great place to soak in the beauty and the energy of the city.

5. San Sebastian

San Sebastian, located in the Basque Country, is a gorgeous coastal city, known for its golden beaches, rich culture and culinary scene. The city is particularly famous for its pintxos, small bites served on top of a slice of bread. The Concha beach, Mount Urgull and Miramar Palace are the main attractions in the city.

In conclusion, the north of Spain is a fascinating region, that offers something for every traveler. From the pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago to the Guggenheim Museum, Picos de Europa National Park and the charming city of Santiago de Compostela, the region is filled with endless possibilities for exploration. So, pack your bags and head to Northern Spain to experience its raw beauty, rich culture and indulgent culinary delights!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Carthage, Tunisia, Northern Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Tokushima, Japan, Yorkeys Knob, Queensland, Australia, Turkey Run State Park, Indiana, United States of America, Tolland, Connecticut, United States of America, Van Nuys, California, United States of America, Palestinian territories, Palestinian territories, Udaipur Division, India, Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico, and Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada.