The climate of Barcelona
Characterized by the Köppen climate classification as a Csa climate, or Mediterranean hot summer,
Barcelona's weather provides a harmonious blend of warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. The city's geographical position on
Spain's northeastern coast, along the Mediterranean Sea, significantly influences its climate. Temperatures throughout the year are relatively mild, with the warmest weather present from
June through
August and the coldest from
December through
February.
Precipitation levels vary, reaching their peak in
October at 73mm (2.87"), while February experiences the least amount of rainfall at 16mm (0.63"). The average number of rainy days per month ranges from a low 7.5 days in February to a high of 13.8 days in
September. Despite Barcelona's coastal location, snowfall is very rare, with only shallow levels of approximately 1mm (0.04") in
January and October. Sunshine hours per day are most abundant in summer at close to 12 hours, tapering to almost 7 hours during the darker winter months.
The relative humidity remains fairly constant ranging from 68% to 72% throughout the year. The ever-present sea breeze keeps the city's air fresh, with visibility remaining at a constant 10 km all year round. This coastal city also experiences moderate wind speeds averaging 10km/h (6.2mph), with gustier conditions under 18km/h (11.2mph) observed infrequently.
The best time to visit Barcelona
The optimal visiting period for
Barcelona is between
May and
June when the weather is pleasantly warm, and rain is less frequent. During this period, one can expect temperature highs from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F) and lows between 14.6°C (58.3°F) and 18.3°C (64.9°F). An average daylight duration of up to 15 hours provides plenty of time to explore the city. Sea temperatures also start to climb in these months, reaching 18.1°C (64.6°F) and 21.9°C (71.4°F) respectively, a suitable environment for sea swimming. UV index in these months is 5 to 6, which is lower than in mid-summer, making outdoor explorations more comfortable.
The worst time to visit Barcelona
The least favorable period to visit
Barcelona falls between
November and
December with the highest precipitation levels at 45mm (1.77") and 28mm (1.1"). Daylight also reaches its shortest duration during these months with averages of 9.9 and 9.2 hours per day, respectively. However, even in these less desirable months, Barcelona's climate remains relatively mild compared to many other European destinations, with temperature lows dropping to approximately 11.3°C (52.3°F) and 8.5°C (47.3°F).
Spring weather in Barcelona
From
March to
May,
Barcelona experiences a gentle transition from winter coolness to summer warmth. March temperatures are still relatively chilly ranging from 8.9°C (48°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F), but by May, the city sees daily high temperatures around 20.5°C (68.9°F) and lows around 14.6°C (58.3°F). Spring months also see moderate levels of rainfall, from 33mm (1.3") in March peaking to 50mm (1.97") in
April before falling to 27mm (1.06") in May.
Summer weather in Barcelona
Summers in
Barcelona are warm and welcoming. From
June to
August, the city is bathed in sunlight for an average of 15 hours per day and is kept comfortably warm with high temperatures peaking at 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows gently remaining around 22.1°C (71.8°F) in August. The rainfall during these months is the least throughout the year, with an average of 25mm (0.98"), making the summer season ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Barcelona
Autumn in
Barcelona is characterized by milder weather with temperatures in
September ranging from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F) and dropping to between 11.3°C (52.3°F) and 16.3°C (61.3°F) by
November. Rainfall makes a significant appearance in
October, topping the charts at 73mm (2.87"), and September seeing an average of 13.8 rainy days, the highest in the year.
Winter weather in Barcelona
Winters in
Barcelona are mild by European standards.
December through
February sees daily highs between 13.4°C (56.1°F) and 12.4°C (54.3°F) and lows down to 7.1°C (44.8°F) for February, the coldest month. Winter also sees the shortest daylight hours with an average of around 9 hours per day. Despite being the coldest period, snowfall is a rare occurrence in winter, with
January recording a shallow 1mm (0.04") of snow.
Weather in January
January in
Barcelona,
Spain, exhibits fairly mild winters with an average high temperature of 12.4°C (54.3°F) and an average low of 7.4°C (45.3°F). The start of the year in this Mediterranean city is characterized by relatively low rainfall of 40mm (1.57") across 8.5 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The last month of the winter,
February, is a moderate month in
Barcelona,
Spain, with an average temperature ranging between min 7.1°C (44.8°F) and max 13.1°C (55.6°F). Transitioning from
January to February, Barcelona observes an average high-temperature of a refreshing 13.1°C (55.6°F), differing subtly from the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is still a refreshing month in
Barcelona,
Spain, with an average temperature ranging between max 15.2°C (59.4°F) and min 8.9°C (48°F). The arrival of March is marked by an average high-temperature of a still mild 15.2°C (59.4°F), bearing a close resemblance to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather in
Barcelona, a bit warmer compared to
March, boasts an average high of 17.3°C (63.1°F) and an average low of 11.3°C (52.3°F). The climate undergoes a significant transformation with a spurt in rainfall, reaching 50mm (1.97") across 12.8 days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in warmer temperatures, averaging between 20.5°C (68.9°F) and 14.6°C (58.3°F). There's a respite from
April's rains with a decrease in rainfall to 27mm (1.06") across 9.7 days. As the flowers continue to bloom in
Barcelona, the city witnesses the advent of the summer season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Barcelona's typical Mediterranean summer starts in
June, and the city's average temperature rises to a high of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and a low of 18.3°C (64.9°F). The rainfall observes a decrease from
May, amounting to 28mm (1.1") spread across 7.9 days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month for
Barcelona,
Spain, with temperatures reaching a high of 27.3°C (81.1°F) and a low of 21.5°C (70.7°F). The city receives the least amount of rainfall with a recorded low of 20mm (0.79") across 7.9 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Barcelona is almost identical to
July, with high temperatures reaching 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows at 22.1°C (71.8°F). The city witnesses a slight increase in rainfall, marking about 27mm (1.06") dispersed over 10.3 days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Barcelona experiences a dip in temperature to an average high of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and a low of 19.2°C (66.6°F). The month is notable for the rise in rainfall from
August, skyrocketing to 48mm (1.89") over 13.8 rainy days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Barcelona sees a remarkable transition in weather patterns as autumn sets in. The month records an average high temperature of 21.5°C (70.7°F) and a low of 16°C (60.8°F). The most noticeable transformation is the leap in rainfall to 73mm (2.87") across 13.3 days, making October the wettest month in the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather in
Barcelona continues to cool with temperatures dropping to an average high of 16.3°C (61.3°F) and a low of 11.3°C (52.3°F). Rainfall sees a decrease from the previous month, quantifying 45mm (1.77") across 9.1 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year, weather in
December in
Barcelona is marked by mild winters with an average high of 13.4°C (56.1°F) and a low of 8.5°C (47.3°F). There's a significant drop in rainfall to 28mm (1.1") over 6.4 days from
November.
Weather in December »