Is January a good month to surf San Sebastián?

January is outside San Sebastián's main surf season (March–April, September–November), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.

How warm is the sea in San Sebastián in January?

About 13°C on average, which calls for a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves.

What is the weather like in San Sebastián in January?

Air temperature averages 9°C, with about 4.1 mm of rain per day and average winds of 18 km/h.

Surf San Sebastián in January

Surfing San Sebastián in January: outside the main surf season, air around 9°C, sea around 13°C, 4.1 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves.

Surf season

Off-season

Air temperature

9°C

Sea temperature

13°C

Rain

4.1 mm/day

Wind

18 km/h avg

Average wave height

2.0 m (7 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

3.6 m (12 ft)+

Swell period

12 s

Main swell direction

From NW (315°)

What to wear: with the sea around 13°C in January, expect a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves.

Surf size in San Sebastián in January

Offshore of San Sebastián, waves in January average 2.0 m (7 ft), above the year-round average of 1.5 m — the 3rd biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 3.6 m (12 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 12 seconds from the NW.

These are open-ocean figures from 10 years of hourly wave data, not a beach forecast: a sheltered break will be smaller, an exposed reef or point can be bigger.

January in the context of San Sebastián's surf season

San Sebastián's main surf season runs March–April, September–November. January is outside it.

Full San Sebastián surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good month to surf San Sebastián?: January is outside San Sebastián's main surf season (March–April, September–November), so surf is less reliable, though it can still work on the right day.
How warm is the sea in San Sebastián in January?: About 13°C on average, which calls for a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves.
What is the weather like in San Sebastián in January?: Air temperature averages 9°C, with about 4.1 mm of rain per day and average winds of 18 km/h.