Right then let’s get into this San Sebastian February mess. Wanted sunshine and sangria but got slapped in the face instead. Here’s exactly how it went down.
Thinking Warm Thoughts Like a Fool
Booked flights months ago. Saw “Spain” and imagined sunny beaches somehow? Ignored the calendar screaming “FEBRUARY”. Packed like an idiot:
- Thin sweaters
- Light jacket
- Regular sneakers
- Zero hats
Felt smug saving suitcase space. Yeah. Don’t be me.
Landing in Wind Hell
Stepped off the plane. Immediate face punch. Not freezing cold like Scandinavia, but wet and windy like a giant slapped you with a cold sponge. Checked my phone:
Actual temps:
- Daytime: Around 10°C (felt like 5 with wind)
- Nighttime: Dipped to 3-4°C
- Rain: Showed up uninvited almost daily
La Concha beach looked gorgeous… and utterly empty. Wind tried stealing my phone right out my hand.
The Great Wardrobe Crisis
First day walking around like an underdressed icicle. Those thin sweaters? Useless. That light jacket? A joke. Ended up buying:
- A proper, thick windproof jacket (burned €80 right there)
- Scarf and beanie combo from some souvenir stall
- Thick socks. God yes, thick socks.
Layering saved my life. T-shirt under sweater, sweater under jacket. Walking felt like wearing a cozy tent. Also ditched the sneakers. Wet pavement + wind + cold feet? Absolute misery. Needed waterproof boots badly.
What Actually Worked Out There
After freezing day one, got smart (ish):
- Top Half: Thermal base layer (pack one! NOW!), heavy hoodie, proper padded waterproof jacket. Scarf wrapped high like armor.
- Bottom Half: Jeans over thermals. Sounds weird, felt essential. Waterproof boots every single step.
- Extras: Beanie glued to head. Gloves forgotten day one – hands screamed until I bought cheap wool ones. Umbrella got wrecked by wind day two. Just wore the hood.
Walking around needed breaks. Popped into pintxo bars constantly. Not just for food… for HEAT. Stood near radiators shamelessly.
Unexpected Nuisances
Nobody warned me about the mist. La Concha looked moody sure, but damp sea air soaked everything overnight. Left my slightly damp jacket on a chair? Woke up to a cold, soggy mess. Drying stuff took ages indoors.
Rain wasn’t heavy storms. More like annoying spitting mixed with sudden downpours. Enough to ruin walks and soak your jeans fast if you’re stupid enough to just wear jeans alone. Saw other tourists looking shell-shocked near Zurriola beach, probably also expecting Barcelona weather.
The Brutal Truth
San Sebastian is stunning any time of year. But February? It’s cold, wet, and windy. Pack like you’re facing a damp, windy fridge:
- Waterproof & Windproof Jacket: Non-negotiable. Bring it or buy it painfully.
- Layers! Thermals, sweaters, hoodies – stack ’em.
- Hat & Scarf & Gloves: Don’t think. Pack them.
- Waterproof Shoes/Boots: Soggy feet ruin everything.
Did I get sunshine? Barely. Got blown around, damp, and spent half my cash on warm clothes. Still loved it? Weirdly, yes. But only because I stopped freezing by day three.
