Climate and weather in Barcelona

Barcelona is the kind of city in which the tourist season lasts all year round. It does not matter when or how long you plan stay—there is always something special to see and do here. Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, which means that humidity prevails in autumn, spring, and winter, while the temperature drops are insignificant and rarely fall below 10-12 degrees Celsius in the daytime. Summers are usually hot and dry. The hottest months are July and August and the coldest are January and February.

Winter

Winters in Barcelona are very mild but not warm enough for prolonged holidays on the beach. Normally winter brings many cold, sunny days, and the humidity only increases the feeling of cold. Most buildings do not have central heating, so the temperature inside may differ only by a few degrees from the temperature outside.

Spring

The spring weather in Barcelona varies from rainy days to sunny weather throughout the season. An unpleasant feature is the cold, piercing wind coming from the slopes of the Pyrenees. May is the most pleasant month in Barcelona, with fresh, clean air and lots of warm, sunny days, especially toward the end of the month.

Summer

The summer in Barcelona sees the start of the beach season, when residents head to the sea and take in the sun. July and August traditionally are the hottest months, when the city turns into a veritable oven from about noon to five or six in the evening. Local residents work indoors during the peak heatwaves, and on vacation, they prefer to head to Spain’s coastal resorts.

Autumn

From September to November, the probability of rain is high; the greatest amount of precipitation falls during the autumn period. In September and October, the weather in Barcelona is still warm, but there are thunderstorms. The temperature decreases gradually over the autumn, and September is usually as warm as the beginning of summer. November is a forerunner for the colder winter months.

Average sea temperature in Barcelona

The actual temperature of the sea surface off the coast of Barcelona can differ by several degrees from the temperature on the open water. The difference is especially noticeable after heavy rainfall, near the mouths of rivers, and after enduring, strong sea winds. At such times, offshore winds move the colder, deep water to the surface of the sea, replacing the water warmed by sun. The air temperatures in both wind and sunlight should be considered when planning for marine sports, such as surfing and wakeboarding, or when planning holidays at the beach.