Avg highs of 22 °C / 72 °F; light jacket and umbrella season.
Autumn in Barcelona means mellow temperatures, fewer tour groups, and a slate of cultural happenings. As summer tourists thin out, locals reclaim the streets, from hilltop parks to jazz venues. Expect crisp evenings ideal for tapas-hopping, art house cinema, or watching human towers in a city square. Many museums extend hours, and the beaches stay walkable. Tip: For architectural icons like Sagrada Família, lines ease up by mid-month—aim for weekday mornings.
Category
September
October
November
Weather
Warm (26 °C), some rain
Cooler (22 °C), autumn showers
Chilly (18 °C), fewer dry days
Crowds & vibe
Post-summer bustle, La Mercè swell
Mellow, locals return to routines
Quiet, cultural events pick up
Key events
La Mercè festival, Nat'l Day (Sep 11)
Sitges Film Fest, Castanyada, Jazz Fest
All Saints Day, MIRA digital fest
Best for
Late beach days, urban hikes
Architecture fans, jazz lovers
Foodies, art & museum goers
Book early?
Yes for Mercè & hotels
Only for big expos or Sitges Fest
Usually no; last-minute deals common
Transport notes
Full service, busy metro evenings
Regular hours, possible rain delays
Same; bring umbrella, check closures
Budget
Still peak-ish prices early
Moderate hotel rates
Low season rates from mid-month
Festivals
Date
Even type
Location
What to expect?
Sitges Film Festival
3–13 Oct 2025
Cultural Festival
Sitges (Renfe R2 line, ~30 min)
Europe’s top horror and sci-fi film fest brings premieres, stars, and wild costumes. Reserve single-day passes early; evening trains get crowded.
48H Open House Barcelona
25–26 Oct 2025
Cultural Festival
Various buildings citywide
Get behind normally locked doors—from Gaudí-era homes to green rooftops. Some slots book fast; full schedule released mid-month.
Voll-Damm Barcelona Jazz Festival
Begins 28 Oct 2025
Concert Series
Citywide (Liceu, Harlem Jazz Club etc.)
International jazz stars and Catalan talent take over intimate clubs and concert halls. Tickets vary—smaller gigs may sell out early.
La Castanyada
31 Oct 2025
Cultural Festival
Citywide
Catalonia’s All Saints Eve swaps Halloween for roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets. Family-friendly and fragrant. Markets sell traditional foods all week.
Halloween Parties
31 Oct 2025
Nightlife / Cultural Crossover
Clubs & bars across town
While not native, Halloween parties have grown—expect costumed bar crawls, themed DJ sets, and late-night chaos in the Gothic Quarter.
Sweet marzipan balls with pine nuts signal the Castanyada. Each bite is tender almond wrapped with a nutty exterior.
Where to eat: Forn Mistral, Ronda Sant Antoni.
Sold from mobile carts, these warm, smoky nuts are perfect street snacks on cool days. Grab a cone and stroll La Rambla.
Where to eat: Rambla de Catalunya, near Diagonal.
A noodle-based twist on paella, cooked in seafood broth with squid and prawns. October’s catch adds extra briny flavor.
Where to eat: La Mar Salada, Passeig Joan de Borbó, 65.
Seasonal mushrooms sautéed with garlic and parsley atop crusty bread—a delicious forager’s treat.
Where to eat: Bar Cañete, Carrer de la Unió, 17.
1.Weekday museum mornings: Many major sights offer quieter early slots Mon–Fri. Aim to enter Sagrada Família or Picasso Museum by 10 am.
2.Pack a foldable umbrella: Autumn showers are brief but sudden; a small umbrella fits in any daypack without weighing you down.
3.Download TMB App: Check live metro elevator statuses—handy if you stumble into one of the dozen stations lacking lifts.
4.Wednesday vermut specials: Many bars in Gràcia discount vermouth by €1 on midweek evenings—blend in with locals from 6–8 pm.
5.Check trade fair dates: Business expos in early October can fill hotels; skip the first two weeks if you want best rates.
6.Carry small change: Street vendors selling chestnuts or 48H Open House tickets prefer coins over cards.
7.Sunrise at Bunkers del Carmel: For a mostly local crowd and cooler ascent, start before 7 am—bus V17 service begins around that time.
Expect mild days (up to 22 °C / 72 °F) and cooler nights (14 °C / 57 °F). Brief afternoon showers are possible—pack a lightweight rain jacket.
Sea temps drop to ~20 °C / 68 °F—fine for a quick dip if you don’t mind cooler water. More popular for strolls and sunset pics.
For Sitges Fest and 48H Open House sites, yes—book by mid-month. Major attractions like Sagrada Família can often be same-day midweek.
Metro and buses run full schedules in October, with occasional rain delays on trams. Weekend night service on Metro L3 & L4 continues.
After early trade fairs, crowds drop to shoulder-season levels—expect fewer tourists but busy weekends if festivals coincide.
