Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate: mild, bright winters, pleasant springs and autumns, hot and humid summers. It is rarely very cold, snow is exceptional, and the sun shines for about 2,500 hours a year. The sea is swimmable from June to early October. It is part of the Barcelona guide.
The climate in charts
The seasons
Spring (March-June)
The ideal time to visit. Temperatures rise from 17 degrees in March to 26 in June, days lengthen and terraces fill up. On 23 April, Sant Jordi, the city fills with roses and books; late May and June bring Primavera Sound and Sónar, and Sant Joan night (23 June) with fireworks and bonfires on the beaches. Swimming starts in June.
Summer (July-August)
Summer is hot and humid, with highs around 29-31 degrees and warm nights, rarely below 22. The sea reaches 24-25 degrees. It is high season: packed beaches, queues at monuments, high prices. In August many locals leave the city, but neighbourhoods hold their festivals, such as Gràcia's in mid-August. Visit monuments early in the morning.
Autumn (September-November)
September may be the best month: the sea is still warm, there are fewer tourists, long days and the great La Mercè festival (around 24 September), with castellers, correfocs and free concerts. 11 September is the Diada. October is the wettest month, with short but intense storms alternating with glorious days; in November temperatures fall to around 17 degrees.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is mild: highs around 14-15 degrees, lows rarely below 5, and many sunny days. It is the quietest, cheapest period, great for museums and Gaudí's works without queues. December has the Santa Llúcia market outside the cathedral and Christmas lights; in January the Three Kings parade arrives by sea; February brings Santa Eulàlia and Carnival. Beware the Mobile World Congress in late February or early March, when hotels are full and very expensive.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| January | Mild, cool evenings | Three Kings, sales, low season |
| February | Mild | Santa Eulàlia, Carnival, Mobile World Congress |
| March | Pleasant | Spring, sometimes windy |
| April | Warm | Holy Week, Sant Jordi |
| May | Ideal | First beach days |
| June | Hot, swimmable sea | Primavera Sound, Sónar, Sant Joan |
| July | Hot and humid | High season, festivals |
| August | Very hot | Gràcia festival, crowds |
| September | Hot, warm sea | Diada, La Mercè |
| October | Mild, storms | Low season begins |
| November | Cool | Chestnuts and panellets at All Saints |
| December | Mild, sunny | Fira de Santa Llúcia, Christmas |
For all festivals see Barcelona festivals and festivals and events.
Prices and crowds
Hotel prices are highest in summer, during big congresses at the Fira (especially the Mobile World Congress), the Formula 1 Grand Prix, big concerts and important Barça matches. November, January and February (excluding MWC) are the cheapest months. Barcelona has one of Europe's highest tourist taxes, which varies by type of accommodation and is paid per person per night.
What to pack
- Summer: light clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sandals; something to cover shoulders and legs in churches.
- Spring and autumn: layers, a light jacket, an umbrella in October.
- Winter: a light coat or padded jacket, a scarf; homes often have limited heating.
- Always: comfortable shoes for walking and climbing up to Park Güell and Montjuïc.
See also beaches and the climate in Spain.