Airline tickets bought, hotel booked, itinerary in the works, and the next big task on your to-do list is what to pack for your trip to Barcelona. Do you know what to wear in Barcelona for each month? Even if you’re an experienced traveller, packing the essentials into a small carry-on can be a daunting task.
If you’ve bought flights to Barcelona, we’re here to lend you a helping hand. Our suggestions are bundled together with the average temperature so just look up which month you’ll be going and see if you should pack a scarf or sandals.
Barcelona weather in Late Autumn & Winter
November – December – January – February
Barcelona starts to experience cool weather in November. This is the time when locals finally take their winter coats, scarves, and gloves out of their closets. Though images of Barcelona bring palm trees and beaches to the mind, November-February temperatures average at 14°C. This may not seem too exaggerated on the “cold” scale, but the higher levels of humidity make 14°C seem a lot colder.
Though the sun is out most days during these months, having an umbrella on hand is always a good idea. The occasional dark rain cloud does make its way over the “City of Counts”. On average, there are 31 days of rain over these 4 months. The month of November has the most rain. Shorts and sandals will warrant some very weird looks from locals during these months. Unless you don’t mind wearing the word guiri (foreigner in Spanish) stamped across your forehead, leave them at home!
- Barcelona average temperature in November: 16°C (60.8°F)
- Barcelona average temperature in December: 14°C (57.2°F)
- Barcelona average temperature in January: 11°C (51.8°F)
- Barcelona average temperature in February: 14°C (57.2°F)
Barcelona weather in Spring
What to wear in Barcelona in March and April
March and April are quite similar when it comes to the average temperature, at only 2°C degrees apart. Nevertheless, March is still considered by locals as part of the Barcelona winter. In recent years Barcelona has seen snow (that actually sticks) in March. These two months also stay true to spring with the occasional rainfall and a chilling wind.
During the month of March, the winter attire of boots, large overcoats, and scarves is still the norm. Once April rolls around the scarves are slowly put away and the emblematic terraces pop up around the city. The sun is out most days and every chance to sit out on a terrace sipping on a cafe con leche (coffee with milk) is taken advantage of. As well as the opportunity to shed a few layers and get the daily dose of Vitamin D.
Warning: sandals and shorts still warrant glances from the locals. Stick to close-toed shoes and pack layers to take advantage of the moments when a jacket isn’t necessary.
- March average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- April average temperature: 16°C (60.8°F)
Barcelona weather in Late Spring & Early Summer
What to wear in Barcelona in May and June
May and June mark the increase in temperatures across the Mediterranean City. Even though May is technically still spring, there is still a chance of rain. On average during May, there are 12 total days of rainfall and during June, 7 days. Because of this, it is important to still keep your umbrella on hand, even if you have the image of sunny Barcelona firmly plastered in your mind.
As the weather is creeping into the 20s (°C) during the day, it’s important to bring layers to peel back as mornings and evenings are cooler. The terraces are in full swing starting in May and cruise ships start filling up the ports more and more as summer nears. Locals dress on a day to day basis, if it’s raining then closed toed shoes and light jackets are a must. If the sun is shining then short sleeves and sandals (not flip flops) are okay.
- May average temperature: 19°C (66.2°F)
- June average temperature: 23°C (73.4°F)
Barcelona Weather in Summer
What to wear in Barcelona in July and August
Summer is in full swing in Barcelona during July and August. The parks, beaches, terraces, and swimming pools fill up with locals and tourists alike. July is the month with the least chance of rain so it’s okay to leave your umbrella behind, even if it’s raining where you’re from, chances are Barcelona will be basking in the Spanish sun. Temperatures hit the 30s (°C) and above, meaning it is HOT. The humidity in Barcelona makes the heat a sticky one, so the typical Spanish fan will start popping out of purses, especially on public transport, where too many bodies in one place, make the heat even more noticeable.
July and August are the months when shorts, tank tops, and sandals are definitely OKAY, and quite frankly a must! The sun rises around 6:00am and sets around 9:30pm (21:30hrs), giving Barcelona 15 full hours of sun. Sunscreen is a must if you don’t want to plaster the word guiri (foreigner) on your forehead again, but this time a very sunburnt one.
Warning: Even if the weather is scorching, walking around in a swimsuit or without a top on will warrant the same looks, or even worse, than wearing sandals in December.
- July average temperature: 27°C (80.6°F)
- August average temperature: 27°C (80.6°F)
Barcelona weather in Late Summer & Early Fall
What to wear in Barcelona in September and October
Compared to the peak summer months, July and August, during September and October the temperatures drop a bit, but still stay in the 20s (°C) on average. These two months can be a bit more unpredictable than previous months as, especially in September, you enjoy the beautiful beach weather one weekend and the next it could be cloudy or rainy. Since September is technically still summer until the 21st of the month, the locals treat it as such and many are still enjoying their vacation until mid-month. In September, you can get away with dressing for summer weather, as long as you have a couple of layers when it cools off in the evening.
As of October, weather can be surprisingly summer-like on some days. However, Barcelona starts to feel the beginning of fall and locals begin to pack away summer attire and exchange it for jeans and jackets. The average amount of precipitation is at its highest during September and October so your trusty umbrella is once again a good choice to find a space for in your suitcase.
- September average temperature: 24°C (75.2°F)
- October average temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
So there you have it, whether you’re heading to the city by the sea during the winter, spring, summer, or fall you now know what to wear in Barcelona!
And if you want a little more advice on making your visit to Barcelona the best, check out how to do Barcelona low cost and things to do in Barcelona.
Average temperatures and rainfall in Barcelona source.
Already know what to wear in Barcelona? Which is your favorite season in Barcelona?
