Barcelona weather

Barcelona weather averages and climate

Barcelona enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. It is less hot in summer and warmer in the winter than many other Spanish coastal resorts.

Average daily max (°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
13.6 14.2 16.2 18.5 21.8 25.6 28.2 29.0 25.8 22.1 17.41 14.0 20.6
Average daily min (°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
4.7 5.4 7.4 9.4 12.8 16.8 19.8 20.2 17.4 13.5 8.6 5.7 11.8
Average relative humidity (%)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
69.0 67.0 67.0 68.0 68.0 68.0 67.0 66.0 68.0 71.0 70.0 67.0 68.0
Average rainfall (mm)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
35.0 27.0 32.0 35.0 46.0 24.0 19.0 58.0 86.0 78.0 43.0 37.0 520
Average daily sunshine (hrs)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
4.0 5.0 6.0 7.10 8.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 7.0
Average wind speed (mph)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
9.2 8.9 9.0 9.1 8.4 8.2 8.2 8.1 8.4 8.6 8.9 9.4 8.7
Average sea temperature (°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
13 13 14 15 18 22 24 26 24 22 18 15 20

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

If you are a heat lover, the best time to visit Barcelona is summer, when the weather is guaranteed to be hot with ten or more hours or more of daily sunshine.  Winters are relatively mild with frost and snow being rare. The climate is relatively dry through the year but rain is more frequent in October and November.

Barcelona weather in January

Winter in Barcelona is mild, making it a popular choice to escape the coldest weather in the UK. Frosts and snow are very rare and most Januaries pass by without any. It is one of the drier months in this part of the world.  

Barcelona weather in February

The driest month of all in Barcelona is February with around a third of the rain that you might expect in, say, Bournemouth. Compared with Britain, temperatures will feel spring-like, and you can often get away with wearing just a jumper or cardigan.

Barcelona weather in March

Barcelona enjoys comfortable and relatively high air temperatures in spring. However, with sea temperatures of around 14°C, it is not particularly comfortable to swim in the sea and most outdoor pools will not be open. Visiting in Spring avoids the worst of the tourist season crowds, and queues for attractions are likely to be much shorter.

Barcelona weather in April

For some, Barcelona can be a good Easter holiday destination as you can expect plenty of warm sunshine without the strongest heat of the summer months. Sea temperatures of around 15°C are still rather chilly though.

Barcelona weather in May

For those who are free to travel in School term time, May can be one of the best times to visit Catalonia, as July and August temperatures can be too hot for some. One consequence of the relatively low sea temperatures is that a brisk and fresh onshore sea breeze is common at this time of year. 

Barcelona weather in June

This is the first month where swimming and playing in the sea is really pleasant as the sea will typically be at 22°C even in the long summer evenings. Daylight at this time of year is from 6:00 am in the morning until 9:30 pm at night. 

Barcelona weather in July

While low humidity and a steady breeze help to keep the temperature comfortable, summer in Barcelona can soar up into the mid 30°C when weather systems move over from Africa. Inside of buildings like the Sagrada Familia, it can feel very hot out of the breeze. Night time temperatures are high too so make sure your accommodation has air conditioning.  

Barcelona weather in August

August is often very hot in Barcelona. You’ll need to seek out the shade of the trees when wondering along Las Ramblas as well as wearing sun cream and drinking plenty of water. However, the sea is never far away, and this keeps temperatures a good deal less hot than some inland parts of Spain. 

Barcelona weather in September

September is a good month to visit Barcelona, especially if you or your children like swimming in the sea, as the sea temperature is around 24°C. However, this month is the wettest month of the year, so you can expect rain to be more frequent than at other times.

Barcelona weather in October

Although the air temperatures are cooler at this time of year, sea temperatures of 22°C are still relatively high and it is comfortable to swim in the sea. It is a relatively wet month though, with more rain than average.

Barcelona weather in November

Barcelona enjoys comfortable and mild temperatures in autumn. Rainfall drops significantly by November, making it a good month for dry weather. It is usually warm enough to comfortably explore outdoor sites such as Park Güell. 

Barcelona weather in December

People travel to Barcelona in December to visit the various Christmas markets including the famous “La Fira de Santa Llúcia”. The weather is obviously relatively cold but warmer than many parts of the UK. Daylight hours are short, from around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Barcelona tourist information

References to the work of Gaudi are constant throughout the city, but most notable is the amazing cathedral, known as La Sagrada Família.

A must-visit while in Barcelona is La Rambla, a mainly pedestrianized street lined with trees and famed for street performers, cafés and tasteful market stalls with handmade crafts and jewellery.

Football lovers will want to visit The Camp Nou, home of the famous Barcelona FC. The stadium is worth a visit even if there isn’t a match, and was enlarged for the 1982 World Cup to seat 99,000 people.

There are beaches on the edge of the city centre, lined with great bars and restaurants to take in the evening's ocean views.