When to go to Barcelona

Barcelona is usually agreeable year-round, though the humidity in summer can be debilitating, particularly when it's overcast. Many shops, bars and restaurants close (especially during August). Public transport and cinemas can overcompensate for the summer heat with bracing air-conditioning.

Climate

Spring is unpredictable: warm, sunny days can alternate with winds and showers.

Temperatures in May and June are pretty much perfect; the city is especially lively around 23 June, when locals celebrate the beginning of summer with all kinds of fireworks and fiestas.

July and August can be decidedly unpleasant, as the summer heat and humidity kick in and make many locals leave town.

Autumn weather is generally warm and fresh, with heavy downpours common around October. Crisp, cool sunshine is normal from December to February. Snow is very rare.

Festivals & events

Barcelona has more city festivals than there are weeks of the year, but the key events are September’s Festes de la Mercè, the main city celebrations that offer a diverse plethora of entertainment.

The city's array of religious events and old-fashioned pageants, all of which spotlight what makes Catalonia unique, are supplemented by a wide variety of more modern celebrations. You’re just as likely to stumble across a festival of rock documentaries, graffiti art, hip hop or cyber sculpture as you are to see a traditional parade.

See all festivals & events in Barcelona

Public holidays

Most shops, banks and offices, and many bars and restaurants, close on public holidays (festius/festivos), and public transport is limited. Many take long weekends whenever a major holiday comes along. If the holiday coincides with, say, a Tuesday or a Thursday, many people will take the Monday or Friday off: this is what is known as a pont/puente.

New Year's Day (Any Nou) 1 Jan

Three Kings (Reis Mags) 6 Jan

Good Friday (Divendres Sant)

Easter Monday (Dilluns de Pasqua)

Labour Day (Festa del Treball) 1 May

Mon after Whitsun (Segona Pascua) 1 June

Sant Joan 24 June

Verge de l'Assumpció 15 Aug

Diada de Catalunya 11 Sept

La Mercè 24 Sept

Dia de la Hispanitat 12 Oct

All Saints' Day (Tots Sants) 1 Nov

Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) 6 Dec

La Immaculada 8 Dec

Christmas Day (Nadal) 25 Dec

Boxing Day (Sant Esteve) 26 Dec

Our listings

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. Before you go out of your way, we strongly advise you to phone ahead and check the particulars.

More travel information

Getting to Barcelona
Getting around Barcelona
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