Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Barcelona is a Spanish city every visitor is looking forward to visiting during vacation. The city has a rich history and fantabulous culture with great weather, food, and beaches.

Keeping these in mind, you are sure that a visit to this city will be worth your time and investment.

So, when is the best time to visit Barcelona, you may be wondering? Well, the best time to visit this Spanish City depends on what you want to do.

The weather condition varies from season to season. Your best time may be when you want to have a good time at the beach or an incredible seasonal fruit.

Here, we are going to take you through everything you need to know about Barcelona. In the end, you will be able to know the best time that suits your plans and intention for your visit. 

What are the Seasons in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a beautiful city with four major seasons. We have summer, winter, fall, and spring.

Each season has unique things that make them memorable with the activities of that season. Let's take you through the seasons. 

1. Summer in Barcelona

The summer season is a hot season that comes between July and August. It happens to be the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 29 ºC. You can expect this temperature on most days of the month. 

The only period of a low temperature is in the middle of the night. It is around 23 ºC. The hot temperature that blows a warm atmosphere can be devastating if you are not accustomed to it.

If you are a lover of heat and hot temperatures, the summer season could be your best period to visit Barcelona.

Summer season is a time we have different outdoor events such as Barcelona Beach Festival and Rock Fest Barcelona. It marks the height of the tourist season in Barcelona.

As usual, there will be long queues of visitors at places such as the Sagrada Familia. If you love large crowds and spending a lot of time at the beach, summer is a good time to visit Barcelona for you.

2. Fall in Barcelona

The fall season comes as the high temperature of the summer season begins to dip. It marks another season for many visitors as the weather becomes pleasant and less hot.

Some visitors prefer visiting Barcelona during the fall season to the summer season. 

The fall weather allows for exploring the gardens and parks of the city. You can visit Parc de la Ciutadella or Parc Guell to enjoy the moment with your friends and loved ones.

It also announces the rainy season in Barcelona which last till April. thus, while planning to visit during this season, you may experience some wet weather. 

In addition, some businesses start to close down their business activities in preparation for the winter holidays in December.

If you want a comfortable environment with mild weather, the fall season is ideal for you. However, remember that you may experience wet weather and some businesses may not open for activities. 

3. Winter in Barcelona

The winter period is a colder period when fewer visitors visit the city. The hotels and flights are relatively cheap as fewer tourists visit. Most tourist attractions are less busy and crowded.

While you make plans of visiting by this period, there are things you should be aware of. Note that the average temperature is 12 ºC. The coldness continues till February when the temperature reduces to around 10 ºC. 

However, it will interest you to know that Barcelona does not get to extreme cold conditions with heavy snow.

With a warm and heavy dress, you can still enjoy your visit to the city. You will also benefit from the attractions the city offers. 

If you are a lover of the Christmas festival, this season is a good period to visit this ancient city. During this period, the holiday lights, the Christmas markets, and the songs make the city comes alive.

You are sure to have a good time visiting museums as they decorate them with nightlife scenes. While visiting, get ready to protect yourself from the cold weather. Also, expect fewer crowds.

4. Spring of Barcelona

Spring is another great season you should consider visiting Barcelona. The early month of March has lower temperatures and cloudy weather.

The weather begins to warm up as we move into the other months of spring. The mild weather encourages visitors to visit recreational sights without worrying about unbearable heat. 

While you are enjoying, don't forget that rain is still a possibility because the rainy season continues till April. Do keep in mind that this period is not a period for large crowds.

If you love spending your vacation where there is a quiet environment and less crowded, this season is a great period to visit Barcelona. You are sure to have a great time without distractions.

The Spring season presents you with the opportunity to enjoy fun activities and pleasant temperatures without struggling to navigate through the crazy high-season crowd.

During this time, some schools are on holiday and families travel to share some time outside the city. You enjoy fair prices for accommodation and attractions before prices begin to rise. 

Once the temperature starts to rise, the prices of accommodation and attractions rise with it. It makes sense to pay a lower price for the same apartment you would have paid much higher during the summer.

When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona?

How do I know the best time to visit Barcelona? Well, the best time to visit Barcelona depends on what you want to do in this city.

In short, the best time and what you want to do are closely tight together. Your best time may not be my best time, and my best time may not be your best time.

So, in addition to the nature of different seasons in this city, it is essential to take a closer look at when some major events take place.

For instance, beach lovers who want to spend the whole day at the beach would prefer to visit the city in summer with extra fees. 

On the other hand, lovers of culture would prefer to visit the city in winter. They don't only enjoy the city during this time, they also save more money on hotels and accommodation. 

What are the best Events and Times to Expect from Barcelona?

Barcelona has a lot of attractions for anyone who plans to spend some time in the city. The activities range from season to season. Take a look at some of them.

1. Best Time to Visit Barcelona for FC Barcelona Games

Barcelona happens to host one of the most popular and best football teams in the world. Many visitors feel a visit to Barcelona is incomplete without entering the famous stadium to watch a live match with this team.

You will be excited to watch your best players dribbling other players on the pitch. 

To give yourself this special treat, it's essential to know when the tournament takes place. Usually, the schedule for matches is set around mid-July. Matches begin in late August and end around late May.

They play most matches around the weekend. So, now you know, plan your schedule around it. 

2. Best Visit Time for Festivals

As you plan your visit to Barcelona, if you plan to attend some of the big festivals in the city, consider late spring and early autumn.

Some of the big events that take place during this time are the Music festival, the nine-day Festa Mayor de Gracia, Primavera Sound, the harbor swimming race, parades, concerts, feasts, and Catalan dances.

We also have the 4-day Festes de la Merce, which happens to take place in September.

As usual, when major festivals take place, there are a lot of people coming to participate in them. There is an exciting side to the large crowd as well. It's a moment to network and connect with more people. 

3. Best Time to Book Hotels in Barcelona 

Early preparation is important when planning to visit any city, including Barcelona. So, book your best hotels in Barcelona for families as early as possible.

If you intend to visit the city for the summer holiday, get your hotel reservation 3 months before the period. 

Early booking will save more money, and allow you to choose the best hotels of your choice. 

4. Best time for Honeymoon in Barcelona

Love is sweet and you have to create time with your heartbeat. If you are looking for a period for a romantic honeymoon, the late spring season and early fall can be a nice period to choose.

The weather is pleasant and warm, the street is charming with light for strolling, restaurants are open to enjoy outdoor dinner, and the iconic sights of the city are so beautiful to behold. 

The period is not as crowded as the summer period. You have quality time for an intimate experience. Moreover, the ranging weather helps you to plan better as a family together with your loved one. 

5. Best time for Shopping in Barcelona 

The city of Barcelona has fantastic shopping malls for all-around shopping. However, you can have a great shopping deal during the summer and winter sales season.

You are likely to have some discounts on your purchase during this period. 

In Spain, summer sales usually begin from July to August, while winter sales begin from early January to February. You can take advantage of this period to purchase items at a lower price with the same quality. 

6. Best time for Beaches in Barcelona

The beach experience is a wonderful experience most lovers of beaches look forward to seeing.

The beach season starts in late May and ends around early October. The warmest period of the sea temperature is in July and August. 

However, there are periods when the number of people at the beach varies. The best beaches near Barcelona become crowded with a large number of people in the summer months. 

There is a good balance of fewer crowds and warm weather in late spring and early fall. 

7. Best time to Avoid large Crowds in Barcelona 

In every city, off-seasons are periods you witness fewer crowds. In Barcelona, the period for the off-season is from November to February.

During this period, the city witnessed fewer tourists and short queues at popular recreational centers. 

The weather is wetter and cooler than other periods. Most people prefer spending a greater part of their time indoors. The temperature ranges from 10 ºC to 15 ºC.

Monthly Weather Update in Barcelona

The weather condition changes from one month to the other. Read on as we take you through the weather conditions for different months.

1. January Weather in Barcelona

The month of January happens to be the coldest month of the year. For those who live in areas that have much snow and frosty temperatures, the weather is likely to be mild. The temperature can get to as low as 5 ºC. 

The temperature rarely goes below the freezing point. There are some possibilities of experiencing warm temperatures of 16 ºC.

The rainfall is low with about 40mm fall in 8 days. The sun still shines occasionally during this month.

What do you need to carry in January?  

Carry your winter coat and sweater or light jacket for warmer days. Though days are shorter than in the summer season, the sunset is around 5:30 pm.

By 31st January, the sunset was a little after 6 pm. The average precipitation is 40mm while the average temperature is 14 ºC.

2. February Weather in Barcelona

In February, we have different ranges of weather conditions. The weather changes from rainfall to overcast and sunny days. Some mornings begin with sunshine, with rain arriving in the evening. 

The average temperature is 14 ºC despite being warmer than this temperature in the afternoon. The rainfall lessens and comes as light rain or drizzle. 

What do you need to carry in February?  

Considering the changes in weather conditions in February, one needs to plan very well for the month. You need to plan for a variety of clothing that is comfortable for cold weather and sunny days.

Do not forget to plan to dress with fabrics that protect you from extreme weather condition that is not good for your health. 

3. March Weather in Barcelona 

March happens to be the coolest month of the spring season. It is a nice time to be in this city as the temperature creeps to 16 ºC in the day and dive dips below 8 ºC overnight. 

We have longer days as the sun stays around till 7 pm by the middle of the month and 8 pm by month end.

The clock moves an hour forward. The rainfall is not much because we witness 33mm falling in 4 days or more. 

What do you need to carry in March?

The days of the month are mostly dry without rainfall. You don't need to carry an umbrella along. However, it is essential to carry a warm coat in case the weather becomes chilly. 

4. April Weather in Barcelona

The month of April is the unofficial beginning of the summer in Barcelona. The temperature begins to become high throughout the month.

Though the average temperature is 18 ºC, there are days we record 21 ºC in the afternoon.

The average rainfall is 37mm in the form of light rain, drizzle, or short-lived thunderstorm. Visitors begin to visit the beach without necessarily swimming. It is too cold to swim with a sea temperature of 14 ºC. 

What do you need to carry in April?

As the summer begins, plan to carry summer kits like t-shirts, sandals for warm afternoons, shorts, and tank tops. You would also need sweaters and long pants for cooler evenings. 

5. May Weather in Barcelona

The month of May is a pleasant period with an average temperature of 20 ºC. The days look lengthened with sunset around 9 pm. By May 31, the sun remains up until about 9:20 pm.

We have had an increase in precipitation with 54mm of rainfall for more than nine days. The rain falls in the form of moderate or light rain, thunderstorm, or drizzle. 

What do you need to carry in May?

Carry your full range of clothing. Long pants and a light jacket are good for the evening.

You can combine it with shorts, a bathing suit, and sandals to enjoy the warm weather of the period. Adding an umbrella to your luggage is not bad. It will save you when rain falls. 

6. June Weather in Barcelona

June welcomes the hot weather. The average temperature increases from that of May to about 26 ºC. The rate of rainfall reduces drastically.

The month has the longest day with the sun setting around 9:30 pm on 30th June. 

What do you need to carry in June?

Carry your lightweight clothing, beachwear, wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, and sunscreen.

The evening temperature may get low to 18 ºC. If you are not too comfortable with low temperatures, bring long pants and sweaters.

7. July Weather in Barcelona

The month of July is a month of sunshine and heat in Barcelona. It is a perfect month for those who love sunbathing and beach activities.

The average temperature is 23 ºC, and rainfall is low with 25mm falling in 2 days. 

What do you need to carry in July?

It is essential to carry summer clothing, and sunscreen, and look forward to drinking more water.

Ensure to protect yourself from the scourging effect of the sun because it can cause sunburn if you don't effectively protect yourself.

8. August Weather in Barcelona

The month of August is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 29 ºC in Barcelona. We have high humidity which makes it much hotter. The sun rises before 7 am and set around 9 pm. 

What do you need to carry in August?

It is a must to pack summer wears as well as a bathing suit. Carry your hand fan along and sunscreen to protect your eye from damage.

Keep your umbrella behind because even the little rain that may fall brings more relief than discomfort. 

9. September Weather in Barcelona 

September marks the beginning of the cooldown as the temperature reduces. The weather may be a little unpredictable. Thunderstorms are frequent this month as precipitation increases to 75mm. 

What do you need to carry in September?

Carry your summer gear, some layers to protect yourself from cool, and a portable umbrella in case it rains. 

10. October Weather in Barcelona

October is the period we experience the full fall season. The days are still sunny but the temperature is down. It is a time to visit this Spanish city and enjoy the beauty the land has in stock for visitors.

The average temperature is 21 ºC, and rainfall increases to 81mm precipitation. 

What do you need to carry in October?

You need to carry short-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, a light coat, and a portable umbrella. The clock changes backward by an hour, and the sun sets before 7:30 pm.

11. November Weather in Barcelona

The month of November comes with the off-season as activities close down significantly. The air becomes chilled with a chilling average temperature of 8 ºC. No beach activities and fewer outdoor activities. 

What do you need to carry in November?

As you plan to visit the city in November, carry a raincoat along with evening layers and some lighter clothes for the day.

You do not need to carry any beachwear this time because there are no beach activities during this period.

12. December Weather in Barcelona

December is a month that has chilly but sunny days. The temperature is mild with an average temperature of 11 ºC. However, some afternoons may be warm with a temperature of 14 ºC. 

What do you need to carry in December?

Carry a warm coat and some sweaters to keep your body warm. You can still carry short-sleeved shirts and light jackets for days that are sunny and warmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary - Best Time To Visit Barcelona

To give a general review, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best time to visit Barcelona for most international visitors.

The transitional weather condition with varying temperature that ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 27 ºC makes the season a good option for many. 

Visitors use the season to explore places like La Rambla, Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia, etc. At the same time, some avoid the sunny weather and crowds of the summer (July and August) season.

The summer is known to be the peak of tourist season with lots of people spending their days at the beach.