Planning a trip to Barcelona is exciting because that means you have an amazing time ahead of you! Wine, sangria, arguably the world’s best ham – plus cultural gems by the famous artist Gaudì, such as the iconic Sagrada Familia. Then, of course, there’s the amazing shopping along Las Ramblas, the city’s vibrant energy, and non-stop nightlife. Oh, and to top it all off – it boasts some of Catalonia’s best beaches. You can’t go wrong! For a different coastal experience, consider exploring the West Coast and Unlock Newport Beach Getaway, where you’ll discover stunning beaches, luxury shopping, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
But when is the best time to visit Barcelona to get the most out of what the city has to offer? There are a few things to consider when answering that question. Of course, there’s the weather, but there are tourist crowds, travel prices and local events you should take into account as well.
Here we’ll provide all of this helpful information with details of average weather conditions and events by month. We’ll talk about the best time to visit Barcelona, keeping in mind that much will depend on what you want to see and do – and under the types of conditions that best suit you.
So let’s begin…
Table of Contents
Barcelona Weather in January
Barcelona Events in January
Barcelona Weather in February
Barcelona Events in February
Barcelona Weather in March
Barcelona Events in March
Barcelona Weather in April
Barcelona Events in April
Barcelona Weather in May
Barcelona Events in May
Barcelona Weather in June
Barcelona Events in June
Barcelona Weather in July
Barcelona Events in July
Barcelona Weather in August
Barcelona Events in August
Barcelona Weather in September
Barcelona Events in September
Barcelona Weather in October
Barcelona Events in October
Barcelona Weather in November
Barcelona Events in November
Barcelona Weather in December
Barcelona Events in December
Table of Contents
Depending on what your top priorities for your travels are, any month year-round could be the best time to visit Barcelona! For the most amount of sunshine, prime beach season and a large number of events taking place throughout the city – the summer months are the peak period. That also means that attractions are the most crowded with fellow visitors and costs are at their peak.
This is our INSIDER GUIDE for the best times to visit Barcelona! (Photo credit – lonelyplanet)
To avoid the tourist and price peaks, but still get plenty of warm weather and sunshine, the best time of year to visit Barcelona is spring. You’ll get long days and pleasant weather in the 60s℉ (15℃) and 70s℉ (20℃) making for ideal conditions to enjoy the outdoors and touring popular sites.
If you’re looking for the hottest weather for beach days and outdoor nightlife, the months of May to September are the best time to visit Barcelona. The average high in these months lingers around 80℉ (27℃) with lows that stay warm at an average of 70℉ (21℃) with almost no rain.
If you want warm weather but more of a tourist and price break, the best months to visit Barcelona are in March and April. Similarly, the fall months of October and November provide an enjoyable middle ground between low and high tourist season and for the weather.
In addition to weather and tourists, you should also take into consideration local events taking place year-round.
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in January (Photo credit – shutterstock)
January is Barcelona’s coldest month but with an average daily temperature of 55℉ (13℃), it’s not particularly cold! The average low temperature lingers around 40℉ (5℃) which is much warmer than many other European destinations during this time. Rainfall is low with an average of only 1 inch (30mm) for the month.
Editor’s Note: One of the best ways to get to know Barcelona is through its museums.
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in February (Photo credit – shutterstock)
Temperature-wise, February feels much like January with temperatures staying in the 43℉ (6℃) to 57℉ (14℃) range. The chance of rain increases slightly this month, and you’re likely to find a fickle mix of cloudy, chilly and rainy days scattered with days of sunshine.
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Read below for information about Barcelona weather in March (Photo credit – tripsavvy)
Warmer temperatures creep up as March gets underway and spring lingers just around the corner. For the tourist averse, March could very well be the best time to visit Barcelona! The weather is mild with low rainfall. You can expect an average low of 46℉ (8℃) and an average high of 61℉ (16℃).
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Read below for information about Barcelona weather in April
Spring is in the Barcelona air as warmer conditions take over the city. With temperatures being neither too hot nor too cold – and just before the tourist season takes off – April is a favorable time to visit Barcelona. You may experience brief spurts of rain, but you’ll find plenty of sunny days with an average low of 50℉ (10℃) and an average high of 64℉ (18℃).
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Read below for information about Barcelona weather in May (Photo credit – citylifebarcelona)
In May, Barcelona enjoys even warmer, sunnier and longer days. Beach season is just around the corner – and often arrives by the end of the month! Tourists are aware of this, so expect costs to increase accordingly. But weather-wise, you’ll enjoy pleasant 57℉ (14℃) to 73℉ (23℃) temperatures that provide prime conditions to enjoy Barcelona’s outdoor activities.
Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Barcelona!
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in June (Photo credit – tripsavvy)
Beach season is officially here – along with crowds of tourists and some of Barcelona’s warmest weather! You have over 9 hours of daily sunshine to enjoy the 65℉ (16℃) to 80℉ (27℃) weather. The sun is strong now, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in July (Photo credit – shutterstock)
Barcelona temperatures – and tourist crowds – reach their peak in July. Sunseekers flock to the beaches as temperatures reach an average high in the 80s℉ (27℃) – that feels hotter with humidity – often causing overcrowding. Other tourist attractions will also be crowded, so be prepared and pack plenty of water to stay hydrated!
Have an early flight? Grab a hotel near Barcelona AIRPORT to have a stress-free time!
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in August (Photo credit – shutterstock)
Planning a trip? See our list of the best things to see in Barcelona!
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in September (Photo credit – barcelonahacks)
As the intensity – in terms of weather, tourists and prices – calms down from the previous month, September can also be considered the best time to visit Barcelona. Temperatures drop to a pleasant range of 64℉ (18℃) to 80℉ (27℃), though the chance of fall showers increases with a monthly average of 3 inches (73mm) of rain.
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Read below for information about Barcelona weather in October (Photo credit – linguabarcelona)
Autumn weather conditions begin taking over Barcelona with the arrival of cooling temperatures – but many days remain warm and sunny. In exchange for increased chances of rain, you get the benefit of an even bigger decline in tourists. The average daytime temperatures stay in a comfortable 70℉ (21℃) range.
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in November (Photo credit – aimsun)
You can still find warm days in Barcelona in November, but overall weather conditions cool down significantly as low season settles in. Even though temperatures are cooler, the average rainfall drops to very low levels – and so do tourists and prices. For those reasons, many also consider November to be the best time to visit Barcelona. Daily average temperatures range from 48℉ (9℃) to 64℉ (18℃).
Read below for information about Barcelona weather in December (Photo credit – alux)
December days in Barcelona are short with only 4 hours of daily sunshine. Average temperatures range from a chillier 41℉ (5℃) to 57℉ (14℃). But the festive holiday atmosphere also makes for a magical time, so it’s worth packing an extra layer or two to enjoy the holidays Barcelona style!
Fortunately, Barcelona’s weather is mild and comparatively warm most of the year. Except for a couple of months of rain and unpredictable weather, pretty much any time can be a good time to book your Barcelona travel.
But the best time to visit Barcelona for prime weather conditions is in the late Spring (mid-April through May), June and early fall (September and October). July and August are considered prime for beach weather but can be too humid for many.
You may find scattered showers in early fall or late spring, but you’ll get plenty of sunshine overall for the city’s many outdoor activities with some of Barcelona’s most comfortable temperatures in the 70s℉ (20s℃). May, June and September are particularly enjoyable as the warm weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal.
The good news is that no matter when you book your trip to Barcelona, you’re in for an amazing time! Whether you decide to go during the hottest months to hit up the beaches and summer nightlife, or you go in the off-seasons to sightsee and eat amazing food, Barcelona won’t disappoint.
Enhance your experience even more by taking in as much of the Catalan culture through local events and traditional activities. If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s having plenty of options that will make Barcelona one of your all-time favorite destinations.
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Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!