Weather in Barcelona is mediterranean and have four very distinct seasons. The city is located on the north-east coast of Spain, and so its proximity to the sea is the reason why the weather is relatively mild all year round.
With around 90 days of rainfall per year, it is not surprising that Barcelona often suffers from drought. However, when it rains, it is usually sporadic – rainfall does not last long and it is followed by clear blue skies and sun. At the same time the summer thunderstorms can be intense. Snow is not normal during the winter months.
The winter in Barcelona is short and sweet. The weather starts to get cooler mid-October or the start of November. You can expect to experience rain during these months. The temperatures tend to decrease further from November to February which is the coldest period of the year with temperatures averaging around 12C or 53F and rarely gets below 0C during the dawn.
Why visit Barcelona during the winter? Barcelona is not all about sun, sea and sand. This city is also renowned for its fabulous architecture, great restaurants, designer shops and famous buildings. Perhaps one of the best places to stay during your winter break in Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter.
Book a nice hotel, such as the Hotel Colon, and experience the charm of the Gothic Quarter during the festive season. Take a wander through the Christmas markets held outside one of Barcelona’s most famous Cathedrals, La Seu which is beside this hotel. Why not check out the Nativity Display at Plaza de Sant Jaume. Barcelona is a great place to visit during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Spring is the perfect time to sightsee in Barcelona as the temperatures are pleasant. Spring usually lasts from early March until the end of April or start of May, and temperatures can range between 12C and 21C. The odd shower of rain can be expected during these months. One of the most popular Spring events in Barcelona is Sant Jordi, which is held on 23rd April every year. Surprise your loved one by booking a romantic hotel in Barcelona to celebrate Sant Jordi – the Catalan version of Saint Valentine’s Day. Sant Jordi is known as the Day of the book and the rose, and it celebrates Catalonia’s patron saint Jordi.
The story goes that Sant Jordi killed a dragon in his town and the dragon’s blood became a rose which he gave to a princess. On the 23rd April every year, the Rambla is lined with stands selling books and roses as the tradition states that men should give a rose and women should give a book to their loved one on Sant Jordi’s day. The Rambla is one of the most important areas on any day in Barcelona, but even more so on Sant Jordi. Experience Sant Jordi from the balcony of your hotel room. One of the most popular hotels on the Rambla is the Hotel Montecarlo.
Summer is the peak holiday season in Barcelona, as this is when you can take advantage of Barcelona’s long sandy beaches. Summer usually begins mid-May and lasts right though to the beginning of September. The weather in Barcelona during the summer months is hot and humid. The average summer temperature in Barcelona is 29C which makes it perfect for a relaxing beach holiday and getting that all important tan.
If you want to mix sightseeing and shopping with relaxing on the beach, you should check out one of the city beaches such as Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella. Perhaps you want to make a day of it at the beach….. then why not day trip and try out one of the beaches in Sitges, Tarragona, or Salou. If you fancy avoiding the crowds you should check out these beaches….Ocata, Premià de Mar, Vilassar de Mar and Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar, which are a short train ride from Plaza Catalunya train station.
Autumn, like spring, is one of the best times to visit the city. This season usually lasts from September until October and the temperatures usually range between 15C -21C. If you don’t like the intense heat of summer in Barcelona, autumn is the perfect time to visit the city. Likewise, September is also when Catalans celebrate one of the most anticipated festivals on the calendar – Las Fiestas de la Mercè.
La Mercè is a festival which takes place on 24th September. It is a Roman Catholic feast day which celebrates The Merciful Mother of God – in Spanish, La Virgen de la Merced. During this event there are various open-air concerts which are held over the four days leading up to the festival date. There are more than 300 national and international performances which are held in various locations such as Eixample, the seafront, Plaza Reial and Plaza Catalunya. Some of the typical things you will see during La Mercè are firework displays, correfocs (fire races), parades of giants and cabezudos (big heads) and traditional Catalan dance such as la Sardana.