Barcelona, Spain: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Situated right on the Spanish coast, Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a hot summer, rainy fall, mild winter, and sunny spring. Barcelona weather depends on both chilly and warm breezes that blow in from the sea throughout the year; in general, temperatures are comfortable and humidity is above average. Most rain occurs in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Summer: The months of July and August can be sweltering in Barcelona. Although the temperatures technically don't rise above 85 degrees F on most days, the ever-present humidity makes the city feel much hotter. The average temperature is 80 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 1.5 inches.

Fall: Autumn days alternate between rain and sun in the Spanish city. Temperature-wise, Barcelona weather is usually quite pleasant in September, October, and November, ideal for outdoor hikes and sightseeing. The average temperature is 65 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3 inches.

Winter: Barcelona weather is either crisp or cold in winter, but the climate is both dry and sunny from the winter holidays through March. The average temperature is 55 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 1.5 inches.

Spring: Spring may be the best time of the year to visit Barcelona. Though rain showers the city from time to time, the cloudbursts don't last long, and generally the air is warm but not as humid as in summer. Some days, especially in May, the weather is perfect for hanging out on the beach. The average temperature is 60 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 1.7 inches.

For local news and weather reports in English, try the Barcelona Reporter.

When to Go: Peak Season

Summer may be Barcelona's peak season, but that doesn't mean it's the best time to travel. Like other southern European capitals, the Spanish city is usually hot and crowded during July and August, with blazing sun beating down on backpackers, art students, and traveling families and long lines at all of the museums and tourist sites. Hotel rates are at their highest, and the city's congestion slightly diminishes its charm. Of course, it's much better to come to Barcelona in summer than not to come at all, but traveling in the shoulder season is usually much more relaxing and enjoyable.

When to Go: Off Season

When the temperatures drop in Barcelona, the tourists clear out (at least to an extent.) Of course, 'winter' is relative here: Barcelona weather rarely dips lower than 45 degrees F, and snow is extremely unlikely. Still, hotel rooms go for discounted rates, and although the winter holidays around Christmas and New Years tend to attract modest crowds, the months of January and February are great for sightseeing in peace. Even if you're wearing a coat and scarf, you'll still appreciate that the warm sun often makes outdoor dining and strolling possible. Rain is intermittent but shouldn't affect your sightseeing plans for more than a few hours.

When to Go: Shoulder Season

During spring and fall, Barcelona is beautiful. The temperatures are comfortable, the sun often shines, flowers bloom in Park Guell, and the crowds aren't so intense - you might even be able to snag an outdoor table at one of the cafes along Las Ramblas. Hotel rooms, while not heavily discounted from their full summer rates, are more affordable, especially in months closer to the off season, like April and November. Come June, groups of foreign students start arriving en masse, so you're better off making your travel plans in April, May, or October, when you won't have to share your sightseeing itinerary with thousands of teenagers.

• Mon

   

  Sunny

  64  46

• Tue

   

  Mostly Sunny

  67  48

• Wed

   

  Partly Cloudy

  68  49

• Thu

   

  Partly Cloudy

  64  47

• Fri

   

  Partly Cloudy

  62  46

• Sat

   

  Partly Cloudy

  62  46

• Sun

   

  Scattered Showers

  62  47

Get more information on Barcelona weather.