Barcelona weather forecast now

Climate characteristics of Barcelona

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate (Csa), which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the climate by season:

Winter (December to February):

• Temperatures: Average temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Nighttime temperatures can dip to around 5°C (41°F), though freezing temperatures and snow are rare.
• Rainfall: Winter is the wettest season of the year. December and January are the months with the highest rainfall, but showers are typically short-lived.
• Weather: The mild winter temperatures make it an ideal time for outdoor exploration of the city’s attractions without the summer crowds. The chilly weather in the evenings calls for warmer clothing, such as jackets or sweaters.
• Tourism: Winter sees fewer tourists, providing a more local and peaceful atmosphere, especially in the city’s markets, museums, and historical sites.

Spring (March to May):

• Temperatures: Spring in Barcelona is characterized by gradually rising temperatures. In March, temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F), while May sees highs of 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F).
• Rainfall: April tends to be the wettest month of spring, with moderate rainfall. However, rain showers are typically brief, followed by sunny intervals.
• Weather: Spring is one of the best times to visit Barcelona, as the temperatures are mild and pleasant. The city’s parks and gardens begin to bloom, making it a great time for outdoor activities like walking tours or visits to the Parc de la Ciutadella or Park Güell.
• Tourism: Fewer tourists than in the summer months, so it’s a great time to explore the city’s top sights without the crowds. This is also when the city hosts various spring festivals.

Summer (June to August):

• Temperatures: Summers in Barcelona are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The hottest months are July and August, with occasional heatwaves reaching over 35°C (95°F).
• Rainfall: Rain is rare in the summer, making it an ideal time for beach activities and sightseeing. However, thunderstorms can occasionally occur, particularly in July.
• Weather: The Mediterranean Sea provides some relief with cool sea breezes, especially along the beach, making summer temperatures bearable. The sea temperature is warm, perfect for swimming and water sports.
• Tourism: Summer is Barcelona’s peak tourist season, with large crowds flocking to the city’s beaches and famous attractions such as La Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter. Be prepared for long lines and busy streets. This is also when the city celebrates festivals like Fiesta de Gracia.

Autumn (September to November):

• Temperatures: Autumn is marked by mild and comfortable temperatures. In September, daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), while November brings cooler temperatures of 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).
• Rainfall: Rain starts to increase in October, and the chances of showers become more frequent as the season progresses, especially in November.
• Weather: Autumn in Barcelona offers pleasant weather that is not as hot as summer, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city’s parks and streets are less crowded, and the cooler temperatures are ideal for walking tours.
• Tourism: The crowds begin to thin out after the summer season, so visitors can enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace. Additionally, autumn brings various cultural events and harvest festivals celebrating local food, wine, and traditions.

Summary of the Year-Round Climate:

• Winter: Mild with occasional rain. Fewer tourists, making it an excellent time for quieter visits to museums and landmarks.
• Spring: Pleasant, mild weather with moderate rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with fewer crowds.
• Summer: Hot and dry, with occasional heatwaves. Peak tourist season, especially along the beaches and main attractions.
• Autumn: Mild and comfortable with moderate rainfall. Great for outdoor exploration with fewer tourists than in summer.

Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate makes it an attractive destination year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly ideal for outdoor activities, while summer brings warm weather perfect for the beach. Winter provides mild weather, allowing for sightseeing in a quieter, more relaxed environment.

Weather in Barcelona by month

January:

• Average High: 15°C (59°F)
• Average Low: 8°C (46°F)
• Rainfall: Around 3 days of rain
• Weather: Cool and relatively mild with the possibility of occasional rainfall. It is one of the driest months, with daytime temperatures comfortable for outdoor activities.

February:

• Average High: 16°C (61°F)
• Average Low: 9°C (48°F)
• Rainfall: Around 3 days of rain
• Weather: Mild temperatures, but it can get chilly in the evenings. Occasional light rain may occur.

March:

• Average High: 17°C (63°F)
• Average Low: 10°C (50°F)
• Rainfall: Around 5 days of rain
• Weather: Spring starts to show, with mild temperatures and more sunshine. Rain is still possible, especially early in the month.

April:

• Average High: 18°C (64°F)
• Average Low: 12°C (54°F)
• Rainfall: Around 7 days of rain
• Weather: Temperatures warm up and the city experiences more sunshine. Rain is moderate, particularly in mid-April.

May:

• Average High: 21°C (70°F)
• Average Low: 15°C (59°F)
• Rainfall: Around 4 days of rain
• Weather: Pleasant spring weather with more sunny days. The temperature is warm enough for outdoor activities, and the chance of rain is lower.

June:

• Average High: 25°C (77°F)
• Average Low: 19°C (66°F)
• Rainfall: Around 2 days of rain
• Weather: The start of summer with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Rain is minimal, and the city becomes busier with tourists.

July:

• Average High: 30°C (86°F)
• Average Low: 22°C (72°F)
• Rainfall: Around 1 day of rain
• Weather: Hot, dry weather. The temperature regularly exceeds 30°C (86°F). It is the peak tourist season, especially for beachgoers.

August:

• Average High: 30°C (86°F)
• Average Low: 22°C (72°F)
• Rainfall: Around 1 day of rain
• Weather: Very hot and dry, with the temperature often reaching over 30°C (86°F). Humidity is higher along the coast, but there is very little rain.

September:

• Average High: 27°C (81°F)
• Average Low: 20°C (68°F)
• Rainfall: Around 4 days of rain
• Weather: Warm temperatures with decreasing humidity as summer ends. The risk of rainfall increases towards the end of the month, but the weather is still quite pleasant.

October:

• Average High: 20°C (68°F)
• Average Low: 14°C (57°F)
• Rainfall: Around 6 days of rain
• Weather: Mild and pleasant autumn weather, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. This is a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists around.

November:

• Average High: 16°C (61°F)
• Average Low: 10°C (50°F)
• Rainfall: Around 7 days of rain
• Weather: Cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall. The weather is still comfortable for walking and exploring, but you will need a jacket.

December:

• Average High: 15°C (59°F)
• Average Low: 8°C (46°F)
• Rainfall: Around 4 days of rain
• Weather: Mild, with cooler evenings. Rain is infrequent but possible, and daytime temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Barcelona's Mediterranean climate is mild and pleasant for much of the year, with a bit more rain in the fall and winter months. The summer months are hot and dry, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers, while spring and autumn provide great conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.