Barcelona is one of the top destination in Europe and can be visited all year long thanks to its pleasant weather. But when is actually the best time to visit? The answer is: it depends on what you are looking for.
In our opinion the best time to visit Barcelona is from April until the end June, when the temperatures are still not too hot and you will be able to enjoy many outdoor activities as well as the local festivals that trumpet the start of summer. We also really like the end of Summer / begininng of Autumn, from September till November when you still find pleasant warm days without too many tourists around.
Bear in mind that May to August mark the high season time and prices of flights and accomodations will be higher and you find queues at the most popular attraction like la Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. If you visit the city during this time we recommend buying your tickets in advance online.
If you plan to visit also other attractions, we recommend the Barcelona card that will give you access to over 25 of Barcelona’s best museums and attractions and free public transportation with a 3, 4, or 5-day card.
Barcelona Weather
Spring
The sun is hot, and the weather has cooled. Although it might still be too cold to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, it is the perfect time to walk around and explore the city. You will also be able to enjoy many of the local festivals such as the day of St. Jordi.
Summer
Despite summertime is hot and a little bit humid it can be a good time to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace, cooling down at one of the many local beaches in the afternoon. In this season there are also many events like outdoor concerts, parades and festivals. It is also the perfect time to enjoy one of the many terrazas of the city (outdoor restaurants and bars).
Autumn
Autumn is considered the shoulder season to visit Barcelona. Despite the occasional rainy days, you will still find enjoyable temperatures to walk around and explore the city without having to spend a fortune for your flight and accomodation.
Winter
Even though Barcelona is not a popular winter destination, the city is a great place to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve without freezing snow and dry weather like most of the other European cities. Enjoy also the beautiful Christmas markets and shopping areas decorated with beautiful lights.