One of the reasons why Barcelona is highly rated by tourists and expats is its mild climate, with often beautiful weather, mild winters, and warm summers. Barcelona enjoys as much as 1,000 more hours of sunshine per year than the Netherlands! Although the chances of bad weather are fairly small, when you’re on a city trip to Barcelona, you should still consider the weather and the forecast.
The Weather Forecast in Barcelona
If you’re coming to Barcelona soon and want to know what the weather will be like, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast. Below you can see the current weather and forecast for Barcelona.
To find an up-to-date and accurate weather report for Barcelona, I always use the Meteocat website, which provides the weather report from the Catalan weather service, or I check their daily weather forecast on YouTube.
Another reliable source for the weather forecast that Barcelonans follow is the weather report from the Catalan television station TV3.
For the Spanish weather report, you can consult the El Tiempo website or check the weather report on Spanish RTVE.
Barcelona’s Climate
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. This makes Barcelona’s climate very pleasant all year round. It is one of the reasons why so many foreigners love to live in Barcelona and why so many tourists visit the city every year.
The weather and climate of Barcelona are influenced by several factors, such as its location by the Mediterranean Sea, the two rivers to the east and west of the city (Riu Llobregat and Riu Besòs), the mountains inland (Serra de Collserola), and the proximity to the Pyrenees.
As a result, Barcelona has hot and humid summers, while spring and fall are the rainiest, and winters are cooler and dry (with little to no snow).
Here are some features of the climate in Barcelona:
- Summers (June to September): Summers are hot and dry, with average daily temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. July and August are usually the hottest months. The sun shines abundantly, and rainfall is rare.
- Fall (October to November): Fall brings mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. October is generally still quite warm, while November cools down. Rainfall is also quite frequent during fall.
- Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, with average daily temperatures between 9°C and 15°C. It can get a little cooler at night, but extreme cold is rare. The sun shines regularly, with occasional gray days and showers.
- Spring (March to May): Spring brings pleasant temperatures, ranging from 12°C to 20°C in March, to 15°C to 25°C in May. The city blooms with colorful flowers, there’s more sunshine, but also rainfall.
Average Temperature in Barcelona
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 9 | 15 | 36 | 148 |
| February | 13 | 9 | 15 | 29 | 155 |
| March | 14 | 10 | 17 | 31 | 179 |
| April | 15 | 11 | 18 | 43 | 191 |
| May | 18 | 14 | 22 | 47 | 221 |
| June | 22 | 18 | 26 | 20 | 234 |
| July | 25 | 21 | 29 | 10 | 305 |
| August | 25 | 22 | 29 | 42 | 273 |
| September | 23 | 20 | 27 | 81 | 211 |
| October | 19 | 16 | 23 | 91 | 180 |
| November | 15 | 12 | 18 | 51 | 134 |
| December | 13 | 9 | 15 | 38 | 142 |
Average Water Temperature in Barcelona
| Month | Min Water Temp (°C) | Avg Water Temp (°C) | Max Water Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| February | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| March | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| April | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| May | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| June | 18 | 20 | 21 |
| July | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| August | 23 | 25 | 26 |
| September | 21 | 23 | 24 |
| October | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| November | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| December | 13 | 14 | 15 |
🔎 Click on the month to see the weather in Barcelona during your visit.
The Weather by Season in Barcelona
Barcelona has something different to offer each season. The Mediterranean climate ensures warm and early summer starts, as well as mild winters.
Rain is most common in the autumn, followed by spring and winter. At the end of August, there are usually summer showers with quite a bit of rain.
Snow in Barcelona is hardly ever seen, occurring only once every ten years, as temperatures rarely (if ever) drop below freezing.
Due to this mild climate, people enjoy being outdoors in Barcelona.
Curious about the seasonal differences and my seasonal tips for Barcelona? Read on.
The Weather in Barcelona during Spring
One of my favorite seasons to be in Barcelona. The city is in full bloom, warmer days (occasionally interspersed with rain showers) start to resemble summer more and more, inviting people to be outside and sit on terraces.
A light jacket, light clothing, and sunglasses are essential here. Just like an umbrella in case of rain.
👉 Read more about spring in Barcelona here.
The Weather in Barcelona during Summer
Summers in Barcelona are hot and often muggy, which is why locals prefer to seek out the shade and protect themselves from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and good sunscreen.
It’s only in the evening that the city comes alive with people, and numerous outdoor activities are organized.
Especially at the end of August, heavy summer showers can occur.
Wear summer clothes, but don’t walk the streets in just your swimsuit and flip-flops, as that’s forbidden. An abanico (fan) is also a great luxury on a hot summer day.
👉 Read more about summer in Barcelona here.
The Weather in Barcelona during Autumn
Autumn is often a bit rainier, but especially in September and October, people still enjoy fairly summer-like temperatures with plenty of sunny beach days.
A waterproof jacket and an umbrella are recommended.
👉 Read more about autumn in Barcelona here.
The Weather in Barcelona during Winter
The winter months are the coldest and quietest time for tourists in the city, but still great for a city trip. You can enjoy the beauty of Barcelona in peace, often under pleasant temperatures and a beautiful winter sun.
Bring your winter coat, gloves, and scarf, but don’t expect temperatures below freezing.
👉 Read more about winter in Barcelona here.
The Best Time to Visit Barcelona
What is the best time of year for a city trip to Barcelona is a common question among tourists, and it makes sense, as you don’t visit Barcelona for the cold or rain.
Since Barcelona’s climate is very pleasant year-round, it’s always a great destination.
However, I should warn you that during the summer, it can get way too hot on the streets, and at night it can become quite muggy from the heat. Fortunately, hotels, shops, restaurants, and all public buildings and transport are equipped with air conditioning. Additionally, the city tends to be busier with tourists in the summer, leading to longer queues.
May, June, and September are especially great months to visit. Late spring and early autumn offer the chance to combine many wonderful experiences: a city walk in pleasant temperatures, the vibrant everyday life (which slows down a bit in July and especially in August due to many vacation closures), mild evenings on the terrace, and swimming fun in the sea.
In winter, you’ll typically encounter clear blue skies, milder temperatures, and fewer tourists on the streets.
If you’re looking for the cheapest time to travel to Barcelona, it would be in the winter, outside of the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Weather and Climate in Barcelona
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, meaning it generally experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
The coldest month in Barcelona is January. During this month, temperatures can drop to around 8°C, especially at night. During the day, average temperatures are usually between 10 and 15°C. Although January is considered the coldest month, the temperatures are still relatively mild compared to many other European cities.
Generally, Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, resulting in warm to hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, from June to September, temperatures are often high, ranging from around 25 to 30°C, and sometimes even warmer. This gives Barcelona a reputation as a warm destination. However, it is important to note that “always warm” is relative. While Barcelona is known for its mild and warm climate, it does experience seasonal variations. The winter months, especially January, can be cooler, with average temperatures between 8 and 15°C. So, while Barcelona is generally considered a warm destination, there are seasonal differences in temperatures, and it can feel relatively cooler in the winter.
The number of rainy days in Barcelona varies by month and season. Generally, Barcelona receives the most rainfall during the spring, followed by the autumn and winter months.
👉 Check out my tips for things to do on a rainy day here.
Snowfall in Barcelona is rare due to the city’s Mediterranean climate. Generally, winters are mild, and snow does not occur often. When it does snow, it typically happens in the surrounding hills and mountains, such as the Montserrat mountains located to the west of Barcelona. In the city itself, seeing snow is a rare phenomenon, but it can occasionally happen, especially during exceptional weather conditions. However, most winters in Barcelona are characterized by mild temperatures and little to no snowfall.
In summer, temperatures in Barcelona are warm to hot, typically ranging between 25 and 30°C. These temperatures can rise further during a heatwave. It is advisable to wear light clothing, sunscreen, and other protective measures during the summer months due to the intense sun and high temperatures.
