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Weather Conditions in Barcelona
As the capital of Spain and a true melting pot of culture, cuisine and art, Barcelona is a city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Timing your trip based on your personal interests, travel budget and weather preferences is absolutely key to having a good time. So, when exactly is the best time to visit Barcelona?
Timing is the key to a good holiday and at SOTC, we want you to have the perfect Barcelona trip for you. Visit us at your local SOTC branch to know about wide range of Barcelona tour packages and Spain tour packages to start planning and get in on the fun!
Most people prefer to visit Europe during the summer, so Barcelona experiences the warmest weather and greatest influx of tourists from June to August. While it is certainly a wonderful experience to travel during this time due to the hot climate and buzzing energy, it is important to remember that prices for flights, accommodation and restaurants tend to be significantly higher during these months. In addition to that, many tourist attractions will have long lines and big crowds, so you should definitely book your tickets for key monuments like La Sagrada Familia in advance.
If you are a beach body, then peak season is the best time to visit Barcelona for you. The city’s beautiful beaches will be buzzing with action and you will have the chance to indulge in many water sports like jet skiing, wind surfing and more. In addition, the city hosts numerous free open-air concerts and events throughout the summer season, giving you a chance to immerse in the culture and mingle with the locals.
The summer sales in Barcelona are a shopaholic’s haven. They run through July and August, with many famous Spanish brands like Zara, Pull & Bear and Bershka hosting discounts as low as 75% off! If you’re up for the crowds that come with sale season, it’s an absolute must-do.
Spring and Autumn are known as the “shoulder” seasons, as they fall right before and right after the peak season. For budget-friendly travellers or crowd-averse adventurers, this is often the best time to travel, as you can enjoy pleasant weather without huge crowds of tourists or peak-season prices.
Many prominent festivals and events take place during these months as well. In Spring, you can enjoy the annual festival of Vila de Gracia which features a vibrant parade of horseback riders and animals, the Barcelona marathon which attracts runners and viewers from around the world, and the Formula 1 race which takes place at The Cucuit de Catalunya in May. If you are looking to travel during the autumnal months, make sure to check out the Barcelona BAM Music Festival for a good selection of independent rock and electronic artists, the Barcelona International Boat Show and of course, All Saint’s Day which is celebrated by eating chestnuts and other autumnal foods like sweet potatoes.
For football fans looking to see an FC Barcelona game at the team’s home stadium, this is the right time to go, as football season tends to kick off towards the end of August. The schedule is usually finalised a couple of months before and most games take place on the weekends, so ensure that you plan and book your tickets in advance to get the best seats at the best prices.
Remember, when travelling during the shoulder seasons, make sure that you carry the right attire and accessories for both cool and warm weather. Trust us, a light, rainproof jacket goes a long way!
While many people do not think of the cold winter months as the best time to visit Barcelona, the off season can actually give you a more authentic glimpse into local life and culture, while avoiding the tourist traps and crowds that are common during the busy summer months. Not only are the prices of hotels, accommodation and restaurants significantly lower; you can also visit all of the famous attractions and monuments without having to struggle for space or deal with large crowds.
While you won’t be able to spend much time at the beach, you do have the option to explore the mountainous terrain by hiking up to the peak of Montjuic for the ultimate bird’s eye view of the city. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Montjuic castle, the Joan Miró Foundation and the Grec Theather Gardens.
Most importantly, if you visit in December, you will have the opportunity to see the city come alive to celebrate one of its most important festivals: Christmas. Visit the massive open-air Christmas market that takes place from mid-December to early-January, enjoy the light and sound show that takes place at Placa de Catalunya and attend the midnight mass at the Santa Maria del Mar church – it’s an experience that you cannot enjoy at any other time of year! If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, Montjuic’s Magic Fountain is where all the action is happening. The free party features a sensorial show that combines sound, light and water, finishing up with a magnificent show of fireworks.
The colder weather also makes for the perfect time to try some scrumptious Spanish treats. Stop by a local café and treat yourself to a café con leche and churros with melted chocolate – the ultimate winter indulgence! While the winter season in Barcelona is not nearly as cold as it can be in Northern Europe, and it rarely snows in the heart of the city, make sure that you are well equipped with a cosy coat, thick scarf and comfortable gloves. Alternatively, you can stock up on cold weather clothes when you visit the city – the winter sales begin in January and run till the end of February. While they are not as aggressive as the summer ones, you can still score some great bargains on your favourite Spanish and international brands.
