A big spoiler: The best time to visit Barcelona is any time of the year. There is not really such a thing as “the best month to visit Barcelona.” Each season in the city offers unique events and comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different seasons in Barcelona and tell you exactly which is the best time to travel to Barcelona for which type of vacationer.
Whether you want to experience Barcelona with as few tourists as possible or spend a great city break – or maybe a classic beach vacation is exactly what you need. In the following lines, you will find out exactly which is the best time of the year to go to Barcelona for you.
In addition, you’ll find even more helpful info on Barcelona weather, temperatures, fantastic events, and reasons to travel to Barcelona for each season and month.
BARCELONA INFO BOX
Where to stay in Barcelona: Hotel Santa Marta (Great hotel in the center near attractions & beach) or W Barcelona (Luxury option directly at the beach)
The most popular activities & tours in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia Ticket – Skip the Line
Camp Nou – Barça Museum und Tour
Barcelona Card – More than 25 Attractions
Getting there: Make sure to check for the best flight deals on Flight comparisons like Skyscanner
Transport: T-Casual Ticket (10-trips-Ticket for € 12.15) or Hola BCN Day Ticket
Want to rent a car? You can find great deals on RentalCars. It gets cheaper from El Prat Airport.
Barcelona Must-Have: Practical Spanish Travel Dictionary or Catalan Travel Dictionary and Barcelona-Guide
What to find out in this post
- 1 The best time to visit Barcelona in general
- 2 The best time to see Barcelona without tourists
- 3 The best time for a city break in Barcelona
- 4 The best season for a Barcelona beach vacation
- 5 The best time to go to Barcelona on a budget
- 6 Barcelona Climate Chart – What are the average temperatures in Barcelona?
- 7 Water temperatures in Barcelona
- 8 Barcelona in Spring
- 9 Barcelona in Summer
- 10 Barcelona in the Fall
- 11 Winter in Barcelona
- 12 FAQ about the Climate in Barcelona
The best time to visit Barcelona in general
Generally, the months of May – October are considered the best months to visit Barcelona. At this time of year, it is warm and sunny, and there is relatively little rain. Due to the warmth, these months are also perfect for a beach visit.
However, while some might consider July and August the worst months to visit Barcelona, for travelers wanting to visit Spain for a beach vacation, those months are the best. In the following, you will find some examples of the best Barcelona traveling times for different types of travelers.
The best time to see Barcelona without tourists
To experience Barcelona with as few tourists as possible, you should definitely visit outside the high season. The months of January – April and mid-October – mid-December are particularly suitable. At this time of year, there are shorter lines at the sights and lower accommodation prices.
The best time for a city break in Barcelona
The best months for a city trip to Barcelona are probably April – June and September – early November. At this time of year, it is warm but not as hot as in the summer months. In addition, experience shows that there are fewer tourists in the city during these months.
The best season for a Barcelona beach vacation
If you want to visit Barcelona, especially to spend time at the beach, you should definitely visit the Catalan capital during the summer months of late June – mid-September. At that time, you are guaranteed a few sunny days, and you can relax on one of Barcelona’s wonderful beaches.
The best time to go to Barcelona on a budget
For those who want to save money on their trip, February and March are probably the best months. Because these are considered the cheapest months to visit Barcelona. Due to the lower popularity of traveling to Barcelona during these months, you can usually find pretty good accommodation deals.
Barcelona Climate Chart – What are the average temperatures in Barcelona?
The average annual temperature in Barcelona is a pleasant 15.5°C/60°F. In general, the Catalan Mediterranean coast is characterized by mild winters (only very rarely do temperatures fall below freezing/32°F) and warm summers (usually around 30°C/86°F).
Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate promises a sunny vacation all year round. The following climate diagram shows Barcelona’s average maximum and minimum temperatures during the year.
Temperatures in Barcelona in Celsius
Temperatures in Barcelona in Fahrenheit
Water temperatures in Barcelona
The average annual temperature of the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona is around 18°C/65°F. At such temperatures, you can still go swimming in the sea well into October.
Water temperatures in Celsius
Water temperatures in Barcelona in Fahrenheit
Barcelona in Spring
Spring is one of my favorite seasons in Barcelona and, for many, considered one of the best seasons to visit Barcelona. It starts with the cherry blossoms blooming all over the city in March.
At this time of year, the city comes back to life after a short winter. The bars, parks, and numerous terraces in the city fill up with people, and outside events are happening everywhere again.
Barcelona in March
- Average Temperature in March: 10 – 17°C/50° – 63°F
- Average days of rain in March: 5
- Average hours of sunshine in March: 6 h
- Average Water Temperature in March: 13°C/55°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in March
- End of calçots season
- cherry blossoms
- Spring weather
- Fewer tourists
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in March
- Cooler temperatures
- Dirty weather depending on the year
- Too cold for swimming
Holidays and Events in March
- Depending on the year, Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter in Spain, takes place in March
- Calçot’s season
- World Women’s Day (08.03.)
Barcelona in April
- Average Temperature in April: 13 – 20°C/55 – 67°F
- Average days of rain in April: 6
- Average hours of sunshine in April: 7 h
- Average Water Temperature in April: 14°C/57°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in April
- With a little luck already beach vacation possible
- cherry blossoms
- Spring weather
- Fewer tourists
- Diada de Sant Jordi
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in April
- Cooler temperatures
- Dirty weather depending on the year
- Often still too cold for swimming
Holidays and Events in April
- Depending on the year, Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter, takes place in April.
- On April 23 is the Diada de Sant Jordi, the day of St. George, which is considered the Catalan Valentine’s Day. According to the legend of Sant Jordi, women get a red rose and men a book on this day.
- Feria de Abril – Fair from Seville
Barcelona in May
- Average Temperature in May: 16 – 23°C/60 – 73°F
- Average days of rain in May: 6
- Average hours of sunshine in May: 8 h
- Average Water Temperature in May: 17°C/63°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in May
- Beginning of the beach season
- Warm summer weather, but not too hot
- Fewer tourists than in summer
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in May
- The water of the sea is still pretty cold
Holidays and Events in May
- 01 May Labor Day
- Primavera Sound Festival
- Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Pentecost (Pentecostés)
Barcelona in June
- Average Temperature in June: 20 – 27°C/68 – 80°F
- Average days of rain in June: 4
- Average hours of sunshine in June: 9 h
- Average Water Temperature in June: 20°C/68°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in June
- Still mostly no crowded beaches
- Warm summer weather
- Little rain
- Fewer tourists than in the highseason
- The sun shines longer each day
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in June
- Already more tourists than in spring
- Beginning of the peak season
Holidays and Events in June
- Sant Joan – Fireworks (24.06.)
- LGBT Pride Festivals and Celebrations
- Festival Jardins Pedralbes
Barcelona in Summer
Barcelona in the summer is just the thing for all the sun worshippers and party people out there. If you don’t mind hot temperatures and lots of tourists, summer is perfect for visiting Barcelona.
All day sun, sightseeing, and cocktails on the beach – that’s precisely what you can expect here in summer. During the warm months, every day, there is a different event somewhere in the city. And so, the short summer nights are perfect for experiencing the typical Spanish siestas.
Barcelona in July
- Average Temperature in July: 23 – 29°C/73 – 84°F
- Average days of rain in July: 2
- Average hours of sunshine in July: 10 h
- Average Water Temperature in July: 24°C/75°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in July
- Perfect weather for a beach vacation
- Hot summer weather
- Little rain
- Many outdoor events and concerts
- The sun is out for a long time
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in July
- Many tourists
- Higher prices
- Temperatures partly over 30°C/86°F
Holidays and Events in July
- Sónar Music Festival
- Festa Major in Raval and Poble Sec
- Festival Jardines Pedralbes
- Start of the outdoor cinema season at Montjuïc
Barcelona in August
- Average Temperature in August: 23 – 29°C/74° – 85°F
- Average days of rain in August: 5
- Average hours of sunshine in August: 9 h
- Average Water Temperature in August: 25°C/77°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in August
- Perfect weather for a beach vacation
- Hot summer weather
- Little rain
- Many outdoor events and concerts
- It’s light for a long time
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in August
- Many tourists
- Higher prices
- Temperatures partly over 30°C/86°F
- Many restaurants and stores closed for vacations
Holidays and Events in August
- Festa Major in Gràcia und Sants
- La Asunción (Assumption Day – 15.08.)
- Outdoor-Cinema-Season at Montjuïc
Barcelona in September
- Average Temperature in September: 20 – 26°C/69 – 79°F
- Average days of rain in September: 4
- Average hours of sunshine in September: 7 h
- Average Water Temperature in September: 24°C/75°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in September
- Perfect weather for a beach vacation until the middle/end of the month
- Warm to hot summer-like weather
- Little rain
- Many outdoor events and concerts
- From the middle of the month already far fewer tourists
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in September
- Still relatively many tourists
- Higher prices until the end of the month
- Temperatures partly over 30°C/86°F
- Sometimes already cooler temperatures at the end of the month
Holidays and Events in September
- Día Nacional de Cataluña (Catalan National Holiday – many demonstrations will take place on this day throughout the whole city – 11.09.)
- La Mercè Festival – Barcelona’s biggest Festival
- The beginning of Soccer Season in Camp Nou
Barcelona in the Fall
While fall in Central Europe is usually gray and rainy, in Barcelona, there is still a lot of sun waiting for you. Partly still pleasant temperatures allow you to have a nice hike in Barcelona’s nature or to drink a Spanish coffee on one of the numerous outdoor terraces without freezing, even in late fall.
And if it gets a little colder, plenty of warm snacks are waiting for you, such as hot chestnuts, which you can buy throughout the whole city at this time of year.
Barcelona in October
- Average Temperature in October: 17 – 23°C/62 – 73°F
- Average days of rain in October: 6
- Average hours of sunshine in October: 5 h
- Average Water Temperature in October: 21°C/70°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in October
- Mostly still warm weather, but not too hot
- The water temperature is often still suitable for swimming
- Fewer tourists
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in October
- Sunny summer weather is no longer certain
- Sometimes already cooler fall temperatures at the end of the month
Holidays and Events in October
- Día de la Hispanidad (12.10.)
- Sitges Film Festival (+ Zombie Walk)
- Halloween (31.10.)
Barcelona in November
- Average Temperature in November: 12 – 18° C/54 – 66°F
- Average days of rain in November: 6
- Average hours of sunshine in November: 5 h
- Average Water Temperature in November: 18°C/64°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in November
- Mostly still far warmer than in Central Europe
- The water temperature is still suitable for swimming for the very brave
- Fewer tourists
- More affordable prices
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in November
- Weather is usually already more autumnal and colder
- Weather is no longer suitable for beach holidays
Holidays and Events in November
- Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day – 01.11.)
- Hot chestnut stands
Winter in Barcelona
Even if the winters in Barcelona are pretty mild and sunny, you should not leave your jacket at home. Because here, too, the temperatures drop. However, the winter weather does not affect the charm of the Catalan capital at all.
In fact, for some, the cooler temperatures and the absence of tourist crowds make it the perfect time to go sightseeing in Barcelona. Christmas markets, fresh churros con chocolate, and the start of the calçots season (a Catalan type of onion usually served grilled) make the winter season in Barcelona extra special.
Barcelona in December
- Average Temperature in December: 9 – 15°C/49 – 63°F
- Average days of rain in December: 5
- Average hours of sunshine in December: 4 h
- Average Water Temperature in December: 15°C/59°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in December
- Mostly still far warmer than in Central Europe
- Fewer tourists than in summer
- Christmas markets & curious Christmas traditions
- Catalan Christmas delicacies
- Churros con Chocolate
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in December
- Cold temperatures
- Christmas markets are perceived as “less Christmassy” than markets in Central Europe
- Scarcely any fireworks on New Year’s Eve
Holidays and Events in December
- Churros and Chocolate
- Día de la Constitución (06.12.)
- Día de la Inmaculada Concepción (08.12.)
- Christmas (25.12.)
- San Esteban (26.12.)
Barcelona in January
- Average Temperature in January: 9 – 15°C/48 – 59°F
- Average days of rain in January: 4
- Average hours of sunshine in January: 5 h
- Average Water Temperature in January: 14°C/57°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in January
- Mostly warmer & sunnier than in Central Europe
- Few tourists
- Three Kings Parade on 05.01.
- Lower prices
- Extended Christmas season (until 06.01.)
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in January
- Chilly winter temperatures
- No beach vacation possible
Holidays and Events in January
- Churros and Chocolate
- New Year (01.01.)
- Epiphany (Jan. 06)
- Beginning of Calçots season
- January discounts in department stores
Barcelona in February
- Average Temperature in February: 8 – 15°C/47 – 49°F
- Average days of rain in February: 4
- Average hours of sunshine in February: 6 h
- Average Water Temperature in February: 13°C/55°F
Reasons to visit Barcelona in February
- Despite cold temperatures a lot of sun
- Fewer tourists
- Favorable prices
Reasons against visiting Barcelona in February
- Cold winter temperatures
- No beach vacation possible
Holidays and Events in February
- Churros and Chocolate
- Valentine’s Day (14.02.)
- Calçots Season
- Carnival in Sitges
- Llum Festival
FAQ about the Climate in Barcelona
The climate in Barcelona can best be described as a temperate Mediterranean climate. It has warm summers and mild winters.
The average annual temperature in Barcelona is a pleasant 15.5°C/60°F. By comparison, the average annual temperature in Germany is only around 10.2°C/50°F.
If you want to experience Barcelona without tourists, you should travel to Barcelona between January – May or October and November. However, this time is not ideal for a beach vacation.
The most affordable months to travel to Barcelona are considered to be February and March. However, these are also the months with the coolest temperatures.
Barcelona is characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate – which means warm summers and mild winters.
Theoretically, it can snow in Barcelona in winter. However, this happens only once every few years. Temperatures in Barcelona rarely fall below freezing.
In winter, it can get quite cold in Barcelona. Although temperatures rarely drop below 10°C/50°F, the perceived temperature is sometimes lower due to high humidity and cold winds.
Temperatures in Barcelona very rarely rise above 32°C/90°F, even in summer. However, the temperatures usually feel warmer due to the high humidity.
What is your favorite season in Barcelona? What’s more important to you – summer temperatures or fewer tourists? Let us know below in the comments!
