A year-round guide to the best time to visit Barcelona

A rich and vibrant city, Barcelona beckons visitors with its lively energy all year round. The world-renowned Sagrada Família is best visited in the quieter spring months, while Nova Icària and Playa de la Barceloneta beaches are ideal for families in summer.

Explore history and art at the city's many museums, tour the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, and join a local food tour to tuck into the best food in Barcelona when the cooler fall temperatures are more favorable. Discover the best time to visit Barcelona to fully experience its culture, cuisine, and activities right here.

Choosing the best time to go to Barcelona

The best time to visit Barcelona is May to August if you want to take advantage of the brilliant Spanish sunshine and warm weather. November to February is the best time to go to Barcelona if you’re visiting on a budget; the winter months are cooler, wetter, and less busy.

The shoulder season from March to May and September to November is the perfect time to visit Barcelona if sightseeing without the crowds is your goal — the weather will be pleasant, but there will be fewer tourists.

Best time for sun worshippers

June to August are some of the best months to go to Barcelona for outdoor activities — the hot Mediterranean sunshine combined with a packed program of festivals, events, and concerts makes for the perfect summer getaway.

Best time for budget travelers

Escape the crowds and see Barcelona on a shoestring budget by planning your trip during the winter months from November to February. The lack of warmth and sunshine discourages many people, so it’s an ideal time to see the sights without the crowds and save money on flights and accommodation.

Best time for sightseeing

March to May or September and October are the best months for visiting the city's busiest attractions. Barcelona's best museums will be open, the weather won’t be quite as intense as the summer months, and there are fewer tourists.

Barcelona through the seasons

Spring in Barcelona

March - May

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Barcelona. With mild temperatures rarely falling below 10°C (50°F), March to May is ideal for ambling along the tree-lined avenues of La Rambla and touring Barcelona’s museums without the substantial queues.

Summer in Barcelona

June - August

Highs of 30°C (86°F) are the norm in summer in Barcelona — perfect for those seeking leisurely days on the beach. The season of outdoor activities such as concerts, street parties, parades, and festivals makes Barcelona in summer a truly energetic and wonderful place to be. The Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, is also a must-do for motorsports fans in the summertime.

Fall in Barcelona

September - November

Temperatures still remain high at the start of September, but gradually cool off toward the end of November. The fall also brings the occasional rain shower, but this provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to take shelter in the many museums.

Winter in Barcelona

December - February

Barcelona is a great place to celebrate Christmas and New Year; temperatures rarely fall below 5°C (41°F), so you can still experience the chill of winter without extreme cold or snowfall.

January in Barcelona

A distinctive lack of tourists, low temperatures, and cheap accommodation make January one of the best months to visit Barcelona. The pedestrian streets of La Rambla and the popular neighborhood of the Gothic Quarter are almost eerily quiet in January, offering the perfect opportunity to peruse the street food vendors and artisan stalls at a leisurely pace.

Highlights

Watch the colorful Procession of the Kings, held annually on January 6, to celebrate Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). January is a great time to drink at cool bars and dine at authentic Catalan restaurants on a Barcelona food tour, as the medieval streets are much quieter.

Enjoy Antoni Gaudí’s best work without jostling for position too, including Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the Sagrada Família, or ride the Barcelona Cable Car (Telefèric de Montjuïc) for some of the best views of the city.

Temperature

Barcelona experiences lows of 5°C and highs of 13°C (41°F and 55°F) in January. It’s one of the coldest, but also one of the driest months in Barcelona, so as long as you wrap up, you can still enjoy the city’s best sights and attractions.

February in Barcelona

February sees Barcelona light up with festivals and carnivals, such as the Santa Eulàlia Festival (the winter festival of Barcelona), the Barcelona Carnival, and the Llum BCN festival of light. Make the most of the lack of tourists by heading to the usually popular Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), or spend an evening above the city at the top of Montjuïc hill at Poble Espanyol — the open-air museum that celebrates art, architecture, and traditional craftwork.

Highlights

Famed for being the largest unfinished church in the world, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família is one of Barcelona’s top attractions for good reason. Despite remaining unfinished for more than 140 years, the church is still a remarkable feat of architecture and a sight that cannot be missed in February when there are fewer crowds to contend with.

Take a day trip to the Benedictine Montserrat monastery while queues are less likely, or spend time dining, drinking, and dancing at the annual Barcelona Carnival.

Temperature

February in Barcelona sees highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F), so you’ll need to pack warm clothing, especially for the evenings, but there’s no need for waterproofs.

March in Barcelona

March marks the official start of spring in Barcelona and brings favorable weather conditions with it. It’s an ideal month to marvel at the city’s busiest wonders before they get busy including Park Güell.

Highlights

An eccentric park designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is even more vibrant and colorful on a sunny spring day. Here you’ll find panoramic viewpoints of Barcelona, standout mosaic sculptures, and quirky architecture. Continue the fun at Spain’s longest-running amusement park Tibidabo, where you can ride roller coasters, enjoy the spectacular laser shows, and relish some of the best views in Barcelona from the top of the Sky Walk.

Temperature

Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 17°C (59°F to 63°F), while jackets will be required on an evening when temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F). There’s an increased chance of rain throughout March, but you can still expect plenty of sunshine.

April in Barcelona

April is the perfect time to roam the streets of Barri Gòtic and La Rambla on a walking tour of Barcelona before the tourist season gets into full swing at the start of May, sampling dishes from local Catalonian cafes and restaurants along the way.

Highlights

Embark on a culinary exploration and discover local delicacies at Barcelona’s markets. At Mercat de la Boqueria, Mercat de Sant Antoni, and Mercat de la Llibertat you’ll find some of the best tapas dishes in the region, made with the freshest ingredients of the season.

Uncover secrets from the past, present, and future of one of the greatest football clubs in the world on a tour of FC Barcelona Museum at the Camp Nou Stadium as the football season reaches its final weeks.

Temperature

April temperatures remain around 18°C (34°F) and rarely drop below 10°C (50°F) at night. Rain is still fairly unlikely in April in Barcelona, so it’s a great time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions.

May in Barcelona

With rising temperatures, and up to 15 hours of daylight toward the end of the month, May lends itself to Barcelona’s top outdoor attractions. Food tours, cable cars, and enchanting parks such as Park Güell all await tourists heading to Barcelona in May.

Highlights

Tantalize your taste buds and discover the traditional culinary delights of paella, churros, calçots (Catalonia’s celebrated green onions), and potato bombas on a walking food tour of Barcelona.

The Night of the Museums, an annual event held in May, allows visitors to enjoy free entry to many of Barcelona’s best art museums, such as the CaixaForum Barcelona, the Picasso Museum, and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Temperature

Pack your summer clothes as temperatures finally soar into the 20s (70s F) in May in Barcelona, giving way to longer daylight hours and an increased chance of sunshine. While there is a chance of rain, the warmer temperatures mean that any rainfall won’t stick around for too long.

June in Barcelona

June is the best month to go to Barcelona as the city really starts to come alive, with beach trips, festivals, and live music events paving the way for the start of the summer season. Pack your swimwear, don your largest summer hat, and lather yourself with sunscreen.

Highlights

Held on June 23, the Feast of Sant Joan (San Juan Festival) marks the summer solstice and the official start of summer in Barcelona. The distinguished festival is commemorated with fireworks displays, huge bonfires, and plenty of festivities throughout the entire city. There’s always a stellar line-up at Primavera Sound and Sónar music festivals, too.

Temperature

Daytime temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 79°F) in June, with evening temperatures rarely falling below 16°C (61°F). The chance of rain decreases significantly throughout the month.

July in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great place to visit in July if you want to enjoy warm temperatures, long days, and plenty of sunshine, as long as you don’t mind the hordes of tourists that come with it. Sights such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell will be heaving with visitors in July, so opt for the lesser-frequented museums of Fundació Joan Miró and Moco Museum, or a day trip along the coast.

Highlights

The Pride Barcelona Parade is held in July and it’s one of the largest LGBTQIA+ festivals in the world.

Wondering what to do in Barcelona in July when the crowds get too much? Leave everyone behind on an exciting day trip from Barcelona. Visit the Montserrat Monastery, go kayaking in Costa Brava, or see where “Game of Thrones” was filmed at various locations on a Girona day tour.

Temperature

Temperatures range from 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F) and rarely fall below 20°C (68°F), even on an evening, so the weather in July is ideal for beach trips. July is also one of the driest months of the year in Barcelona, but you can still expect the occasional shower.

August in Barcelona

Sand, sunsets, snorkeling, and sundowners are what spring to mind when you think of August in Barcelona, and the Catalonian capital certainly delivers when it comes to beach fun and an exciting nightlife scene.

Highlights

Festa Major de Gràcia, the biggest, brightest, and boldest neighborhood festival in Barcelona, is held annually in August. Expect a celebration filled with music, street food, live performances, and Catalonian traditions such as dancing, fire runs, and human towers. The Mas i Mas music festival showcases artists from a multitude of genres, including jazz, blues, soul, funk, and Flamenco.

A Costa Brava day trip is a great way to see more of the Spanish coastline, or opt for one of the nearby beaches, such as Nova Icària, San Sebastian or Bogatell beach if you’d prefer to stay closer to the city.

Temperature

August is yet another hot month in Barcelona, with temperatures sitting around 28°C (82°F) consistently throughout the month, and rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F). There is an increased chance of rain in August, but the hot weather soon clears up any rainfall.

September in Barcelona

September is the best month to go to Barcelona to watch FC Barcelona in action at the Camp Nou Stadium, as it marks the beginning of the football season in Spain.

Take part in more neighborhood festival celebrations at Festa Major del Poblenou and La Mercè — a festival held in honor of the patron saint of Barcelona to commemorate the end of summer and the beginning of fall — before hitting the city's museums while they’re quieter.

Highlights

Discover more about the world of Gaudí, the enigmatic modernist architect, at the Gaudí Experiència in September when queues are less likely. The museum is located adjacent to Park Güell, so you can learn about the fascinating artist and then head over to the park to see some of his most celebrated work.

The Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata) is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids in September, as it offers a welcome respite from the last of the summer heat as well as some tasty treats.

Temperature

Temperatures remain in the high 20s (80s F) at the start of September and gradually cool off to the low 20s (70s F). There’s an increased chance of rain in September, so pack your waterproofs.

October in Barcelona

October marks the start of the annual Barcelona Jazz Festival, which runs through to the end of December. If jazz doesn’t take your fancy, you can get your culture fix elsewhere as many of Barcelona’s most impressive buildings open their doors in October.

Highlights

Tour Sant Pau, a restored former hospital and popular UNESCO World Heritage Site with Art Nouveau fans, complete with immaculate gardens.

The 48h Open House in October presents visitors with the unique opportunity to explore sights, landmarks, and spaces that are usually off limits. Don’t miss the chance to visit rare old houses and museums.

Temperature

October’s temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) at the start of the month to 19°C (66°F) toward the end of the month. It’s also one of the wettest months of the year, so it’s a good time to prioritize indoor attractions such as museums.

November in Barcelona

The crowds really start to dwindle in November due to the cooler weather, so it’s the perfect time to tick off those top attractions like the FC Barcelona Museum and Sagrada Família, or take the Telefèric de Montjuïc without spending hours in a queue.

Cooking classes and flamenco shows are great ways to immerse yourself in Catalan culture while keeping warm, too.

Highlights

It’s hard to feel the cold when you’re standing over a paella pan. Learn how to get your rice right as well as how to make classic tapas dishes and sangria at a traditional Catalonian cooking class in Barcelona. Immerse yourself further in the local culture and traditions and watch a Barcelona Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, Los Tarantos in Plaça Reial, or at the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Temperature

November's temperatures range from highs of 19°C (66°F) at the beginning of the month to nighttime lows of around 9°C (48°F) at the end of the month. There’s less chance of rain in November though, making it ideal for exploring the most popular attractions without the swarms of tourists.

December in Barcelona

December welcomes Barcelona’s Christmas markets, such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia and the Christmas fair at Sagrada Família, where you can eat local, festive delicacies and drink warming mulled wine as you peruse the stalls and nativity scenes.

Highlights

The Montjuïc Cable Car is open all year round and December is an ideal time to head to the top of the hill to take in the vistas of the city when it is at its most festive (and quietest). Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, and the prestigious Sagrada Família are also worth visiting during the quieter month of December.

There’s no better way to spend a chilly December afternoon than watching a live concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Temperature

An average daily temperature of around 14°C (57°F) can be expected in December in Barcelona. It also only usually rains on three days of the month, so you can take advantage of the fewer crowds as you scout the Christmas markets and attractions.

FAQs

What’s the best month to go to Barcelona?

The best month to visit Barcelona is June as the weather is usually very warm, dry, and bright; making it perfect for the beach, wandering the streets of the city, and taking refuge from the heat inside the city’s museums.

What’s the cheapest month to go to Barcelona?

What’s the cheapest month to visit in our month-by-month guide to Barcelona? November or January, when the weather isn’t quite as enjoyable, so there are fewer people, making flights and accommodation more affordable.

What’s the best time to visit Barcelona with kids?

The best time to visit Barcelona with kids is May or September. The weather isn’t quite as intense as the summer months, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy the nearby beaches, as well as the city’s many outdoor attractions, such as Ciutadella Park and Park Güell.

When should I avoid Barcelona?

August is perhaps the least desirable time to visit Barcelona as it’s one of the hottest months of the year, with daily temperatures consistently in the high 20s (80s F). August is also one of the busiest months to visit Barcelona, so it’s one of the most expensive too.

What is the peak tourist season in Barcelona?

May to September is the peak tourist season in Barcelona, and July and August see tourists flock to the city to take advantage of its excellent weather.

When can I beat the crowds in Barcelona?

November, January, and February are the best months to visit Barcelona if you want to avoid the crowds almost completely. These months see cold and wet weather; something that most tourists typically want to avoid when planning a trip to Barcelona.