Updated May 2026 · Written by the Hostal La Mexicana team
Santander receives around 1,200 mm of rain per year — about the same as London, spread more evenly through the year. July and August average 6–8 rainy days; outside summer, 10–12 days per month with some precipitation is normal. The rain in Cantabria tends to come in spells: a morning shower, a clear afternoon, another shower in the evening. The key is having indoor plans ready and being flexible about when to go outside.
MUPAC — the best rainy-day museum
MUPAC, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, is probably the single best plan for a rainy day in Santander. It occupies around 2,000 m² in the basement of the Mercado del Este on C/ Hernán Cortés 4 — five minutes on foot from the hostal, completely covered, and with a permanent collection worth 60–90 minutes of attention. The highlights: original portable art from the Palaeolithic (decorated bone batons, engraved plaques), high-fidelity reproductions of cave paintings from Altamira, El Castillo and La Garma, and a chronological walk from the earliest human presence in Cantabria to the end of the Middle Ages. Entry: €6, free Sunday pm from 17:00. Closed Mondays. See the MUPAC guide for full hours.
Centro Botín — contemporary art on the bay
Centro Botín (Jardines de Pereda, 8 min from the hostal) hosts rotating temporary exhibitions of international contemporary art in a Renzo Piano building above the bay of Santander. The exhibitions change; check the current programme at centrobotin.org before you go. Entry to exhibitions: €8–12. The upper walkway is free. Even on a rainy day, the view from the walkway over the grey bay is worth it.
Pintxos and slow lunches
A rainy day in Santander is a good excuse for a proper pintxos session without the rush of a sunny afternoon. The main pintxos concentration is in the streets around the Mercado del Este: C/ Hernán Cortés, C/ Daoíz y Velarde and the surrounding blocks. Reliable bars for a covered, slow morning or afternoon:
- La Taberna del Herrero — traditional pintxos, well-regarded classics
- Taberna Santoña — anchovies from Santoña and solid wine list
- Casa Lita — standing bar, strong local following
- Fuente Dé — larger, good for groups
- Casemira — near the cathedral, quieter crowd
- Quebec — creative pintxos, slightly pricier
See the pintxos guide for the full list with zones and specialities.
The Aquarium of Cantabria
The Aquarium of Cantabria is at the tip of La Magdalena peninsula, about 20 minutes on foot from the hostal (or bus line 4). It has a glass-tunnel tank with sharks and rays, sea turtle tanks and a section on the marine environment of the Cantabrian Sea. It's best as a rainy-day option if you're visiting with children or have an interest in marine life; adults-only visits tend to prefer MUPAC or Centro Botín. Entry: check current prices at the official website.
Shopping in the centre
Santander's shopping centre is compact and walkable. The main streets — C/ Juan de Herrera, C/ Burgos, C/ Cádiz, the area around the Ayuntamiento — have the main high-street retailers. For independent shops, the streets around the Cathedral and C/ Alta are better. A wet afternoon browsing is a comfortable fallback if the other plans are closed or full.
Rainy day plans at a glance
| Plan | Distance from hostal | Cost | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUPAC | 5 min on foot | €6 (free Sun pm) | 60–90 min |
| Centro Botín (exhibition) | 8 min on foot | €8–12 | 1–2 h |
| Centro Botín (free walkway) | 8 min on foot | Free | 30 min |
| Pintxos session | 3–7 min on foot | €12–20 pp | 1–2 h |
| Aquarium of Cantabria | 20 min / bus line 4 | ~€14 adult | 1.5–2 h |
| Shopping centre | 2–5 min on foot | Free entry | As long as you like |
| Cathedral | 6 min on foot | Free | 30 min |
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot in Santander?
Santander has an Atlantic climate — rain is possible in any month. July and August average 6–8 rainy days per month; outside summer, 10–12 is normal. The rain usually comes in spells rather than lasting all day. An umbrella and a flexible plan are enough. Check the AEMET forecast at aemet.es the evening before each day.
What indoor plans are there in Santander?
The best fully indoor plans are MUPAC (5 min, €6), Centro Botín exhibitions (8 min, €8–12) and the Aquarium of Cantabria (20 min, ~€14). Pintxos bars in the centre work as a half-plan any afternoon. The city's shopping area is compact and good for an hour or two on a wet day.
Is MUPAC a good plan for a rainy day?
Yes — one of the best. It's 5 minutes from the hostal, fully covered, open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday), and the permanent collection easily fills 60–90 minutes. Entry is €6, free on Sunday afternoons from 17:00. Families and solo visitors alike find it engaging. See the MUPAC guide for full hours and booking details.