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Summer is high season and the most popular time for a trip to San Sebastian. Between June and August, the weather is warm and perfect for enjoying La Concha beach. The city is buzzing with life with major events like Jazzaldia (the jazz festival) in July and Semana Grande in August with its spectacular fireworks competitions. Flight prices to San Sebastian tend to be at their highest now, so book early. It is the best time to eat pintxos outdoors in the Old Town and surf at Zurriola. Expect crowds and a fantastic atmosphere, but be prepared for accommodation prices to reflect the high demand during these months.

Autumn, especially September and October, is considered by many the best time to fly to San Sebastian. The water is still warm enough for swimming, but the largest tourist crowds have receded. In September, the famous international film festival is held, attracting stars from all over the world. Nature in the Basque Country shifts into beautiful colors, making hikes on Monte Urgull or along the coast extra magical. It is also an excellent time for food lovers as the harvest season kicks off. You can often find cheap flights to San Sebastian during this period compared to the summer, while the weather often remains mild and pleasant well into October.

Winter is the cheapest month to fly to San Sebastian, especially in January and February. Although it can be rainy and cool, it rarely gets really cold. On January 20th, the city's biggest festival, Tamborrada, is celebrated—a 24-hour drum festival that is a unique cultural experience. It is also the season for cider houses (Sagardotegia) in nearby villages like Astigarraga, where you drink fresh cider directly from the barrels and eat traditional food. For those looking for last-minute flights to San Sebastian, winter is perfect for experiencing the city like a local without the crowds. Museums like San Telmo offer good shelter from any rain showers.

Spring in San Sebastian means the city wakes up to life again. From March to May, parks and gardens at Palacio de Miramar bloom. It is a fantastic time for a weekend trip to San Sebastian as temperatures begin to rise and days get longer. Spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling without the summer heat. You can find affordable flight tickets to San Sebastian before the summer season kicks off in earnest. The Basque Country's green landscapes are at their most beautiful now. It is also a good time to explore nearby French towns like Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz on a day trip, as the border is just a short train ride away.

In San Sebastian, it is easy to get around on foot, especially between the famous beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta. For longer distances, there is an efficient bus network called Dbus. If you plan to visit nearby towns in the Basque Country, the Euskotren train is an affordable and scenic option. Compared to Sweden, public transport here is much cheaper, but keep in mind that schedules can vary during the siesta. Car rental is only recommended if you are exploring the countryside, as parking in the city center is both expensive and hard to find. Many also choose to rent a bicycle to use the nice bike paths along the coast.

For those who want to be close to the center of the action, Parte Vieja, the old town district, is perfect for being near pintxos bars, though it can be noisy. The Gros area on the other side of the river is popular among surfers and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with modern cafes. For a more luxurious experience with sea views, you should look at hotels along the La Concha promenade. The price level for accommodation is generally higher than in the rest of Spain but often more affordable than in Stockholm. Book well in advance, especially during the summer months and the film festival in September, as the city fills up quickly.

Food is religion in San Sebastian. Instead of a large dinner, people do a 'txikiteo', which means going from bar to bar eating a pintxo and drinking a small glass of wine, txakoli, at each place. It is customary to throw used napkins on the floor in some traditional bars, though this is changing. Basques are proud of their language, Euskara, so learning a word like 'Agur' (goodbye) is greatly appreciated. Unlike in Sweden, dinner is eaten late, rarely before 21:00. Tipping is not mandatory but leaving a few small coins is common.

To avoid tourist traps, you should visit the La Bretxa market early in the morning where the city's chefs buy their ingredients. Take a walk up Monte Urgull instead of the more touristy cable car to Monte Igueldo for a fantastic free view. TICKETS.SE tips you to go to a Sagardotegi (a cider house restaurant) in nearby Astigarraga for a unique experience where you drink cider directly from the barrels. For the perfect photo, head to 'Peine del Viento' at sunset. Remember that the pace is slower here than in Sweden, so don't stress but enjoy the atmosphere.