01Verdict
When to go, in short
Barcelona is warm enough for the beach from June to September and mild enough for walking all year, which is why it is never truly off-season. The most comfortable months are May, June, September and October, with sea temperatures still pleasant into October. July and August are hot, humid and at maximum capacity, with cruise ships adding thousands of day visitors. Winter is sunny and mild by northern standards, and January and February are the only months when the Sagrada Família queue shortens noticeably.
Book the Gaudí sites ahead in every month: the Sagrada Família and Park Güell sell timed tickets online and sell out days ahead in high season. Most museums close on Mondays, and Catalan holidays on 24 June, 11 and 24 September and 26 December close shops in addition to the Spanish national dates. The city has restricted tourist flats and raised the tourist tax, so hotel prices have risen. For the best weather at reasonable prices, take May outside the Primavera Sound week, or October.
02Weather
Barcelona weather by month
04Compare
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Daylight | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona in January | 15 °C / 58 °F | 6 °C | 4 | – | 9.5 h | quiet | Good |
| Barcelona in February | 16 °C / 60 °F | 8 °C | 4 | – | 10.6 h | quiet | Good |
| Barcelona in March | 17 °C / 62 °F | 9 °C | 4 | – | 11.9 h | moderate | Good |
| Barcelona in April | 19 °C / 66 °F | 11 °C | 6 | – | 13.3 h | busy | Excellent |
| Barcelona in May | 22 °C / 72 °F | 15 °C | 4 | – | 14.5 h | busy | Excellent |
| Barcelona in June | 27 °C / 80 °F | 20 °C | 3 | – | 15.2 h | very busy | Good |
| Barcelona in July | 29 °C / 85 °F | 22 °C | 2 | – | 14.9 h | very busy | Good |
| Barcelona in August | 30 °C / 86 °F | 23 °C | 4 | – | 13.8 h | very busy | Mixed |
| Barcelona in September | 27 °C / 80 °F | 19 °C | 6 | – | 12.5 h | busy | Excellent |
| Barcelona in October | 23 °C / 74 °F | 16 °C | 6 | – | 11.1 h | busy | Excellent |
| Barcelona in November | 19 °C / 65 °F | 10 °C | 5 | – | 9.9 h | moderate | Excellent |
| Barcelona in December | 16 °C / 60 °F | 7 °C | 3 | – | 9.2 h | moderate | Good |
08Pick a month