When to do
the Sella River descent?
There is a perfect moment for every plan. Climate, flow, crowd and water temperature change a lot from one month to another on the Sella — here is the month-by-month guide from Arriondas to choose the best day of the year for your descent.
The best month
to descend the Sella.
Every month of the year has its character on the river. Hover over each month to see its ideality, climate and usual crowd.
- Jan Off-season
- Feb Off-season
- Mar Off-season
- Apr Start of season
- May Very good — low crowd
- Jun Ideal — flow + climate
- Jul Popular — good climate
- Aug Maximum crowd — book now
- Sep Ideal — calm + climate
- Oct End of season · autumn landscape
- Nov Off-season
- Dec Off-season
Each season,
its moment.
Lively flow, Cantabrian green
The best time to do the Sella River descent if you seek calm and green landscape. The flow is more active due to snowmelt and spring rains, the river is at its best and there are very few people. Cooler water temperature — wetsuit recommended, available at pickup.
- Active flow
- Low crowd
- Intense green
- Wetsuit recommended
- Long days
- Clean air
Sun, atmosphere and warm water
The Sella River descent in summer is the most popular option of the year. Good climate, warm water for swimming and lively atmosphere on the river beaches. August concentrates the season at its peak — days with more light, more life on the river and the best atmosphere. Check the booking calendar: you will see which days are active and which are not. With 5-7 days in advance is usually enough, the sooner the better.
- Warm water
- Stable climate
- Lively atmosphere
- Book in advance
- Riverside bars
- Family and friends
The best-kept secret of the Sella
September is usually the best month of the year: still warm climate, fewer people and the river with good flow. October brings autumn landscape among the ochre tones of the forest. An intimate plan, without rush — for those who seek the calmest Sella.
- Perfect balance
- Few people
- Autumn landscape
- Mild climate
- Golden light
- Spectacular photos
Off-season · to consult
The regular Sella River descent season is from April to October. Outside those months, the activity is not regularly operative due to high flow, water temperatures and variable conditions. If you have a specific date in mind, write to us and we will see.
- Off-season
- Very high flow
- Cold water
- Variable conditions
- Check availability
- Plan for spring
Prior booking is required all year round. Don't worry: flexible payment — by card now or on the day you pick up your canoe.
How many people
descend each month.
Usual occupancy percentage relative to the August peak. Choose your moment according to the calm you seek.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The peak is in August. For fewer people with the same river, choose May, September or October.
Choose your moment.
-
August · book in advance
It is the month with the most demand of the year. In peak season, with 5-7 days is usually enough — the sooner, the better. In the booking calendar you will see which days are available (active) and which are not.
-
September · the secret
Warm climate, few people and the calm river. The best balance of the year if you can choose date.
-
Spring · bring wetsuit
The water is cool (14–18 °C). The wetsuit keeps body temperature and makes the experience much more comfortable.
-
Weekends · or weekdays
In July and August Saturdays are saturated. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday offer the same river with half the crowd.
-
Check the daily report
Flow, temperature and wind affect the pace of the descent. We notify you if there are changes the afternoon before.
-
Open hours · 10:30–12:30
Premium · open hours booking: you arrive at our Arriondas facilities whenever it suits you between 10:30 and 12:30, without choosing a specific time. By regulation of the Confederación Hidrográfica del Cantábrico, the stay on the river is until 18:00.
Before booking,
take a look.
Once you have the date, these pages help you finalise the plan. Click each one to see the summary.
What is the best time to do the Sella River descent?
The best times are June and September: good climate, stable flow and low-medium crowd. July and August have the best climate but also the highest demand. May and October are ideal for those who seek total calm, assuming the water is cooler.
Can you do the Sella River descent in summer?
Yes, the Sella River descent in summer (June-August) is the most popular option. Good climate, warm water and lively atmosphere. August concentrates the highest crowd of the year — with 5-7 days in advance is usually enough (the sooner, the better). In the booking calendar you will see which days are active.
And in spring? Is it worth it?
Spring is excellent if you seek calm: more active flow due to snowmelt, green landscape and very few people. The water temperature is cooler (14–18 °C), so we recommend wearing a wetsuit — we give it to you at pickup.
Can you do the descent in winter?
The regular season is from April to October. Outside those months the activity is not regularly operative due to high flow and water temperature. If you want a specific date off-season, write to us and we will evaluate it.
When are there fewer people on the Sella?
The months of May, September and October are the calmest. If you prefer to go in peak season avoiding saturation, choose weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) and early departure times.
Does the descent depend on the river flow?
It affects the pace and time. With high flow (spring, autumn after rains), the river goes down faster and the current pushes. With low flow (end of dry summer), the pace is slower. It is only suspended due to extreme floods or storm — in those cases we offer date change at no cost.
What temperature does the water have in the Sella?
It varies according to the season: 14–18 °C in spring, 18–22 °C in summer, 16–20 °C in autumn. The wetsuit is available at pickup for the cooler seasons.
Until when can I book?
We recommend booking with at least 48 h in advance. In peak season (July and August) with 5-7 days is usually enough — the sooner, the better. In the booking calendar you will see which days are active and which are not. Last-minute bookings we manage via WhatsApp or phone according to availability.
Now you know when
to go to the Sella.
Choose the month that fits your plan best, book in advance if it is August and get ready for an unforgettable day. Book without paying now — pay by card or on the day you pick up the canoe.
Limited spots in July and August.