‌

Explore Barcelona in Summer | Weather, Things to do, Packing Checklist, Travel tips & More

Overlooking the Balearic sea in North- west Spain- Barcelona is home to 1.6 million people and is the largest city in the Catalonia autonomous region. From pretty Chiringuitos to food markets, art museums to bohemian style shops, the city has it all. With about 5 districts in the city, each district boasts of a unique culture and character. If you’re planning to experience the Mediterranean summer, here’s what you should know.

Barcelona in Summer: At a Glance

Mid-June to late-August

  • Average temperatures: 21℃ to 25℃
  • Average Rainfall: 35mm in June to 65mm in August
  • Sunshine hours: 8.5 hours in June; 10 hours in July; 9 hours in August

Why Visit Barcelona in Summer?

1. Great Weather

Summers are hot and sunny and extend from mid- June to late August. The moderating effect of the sea- breeze keeps the day temperatures at only 25℃ on most days. The ample breathing spaces in the city temper its climate  and protects it from heat-waves that affect other parts of the country.

2. Best Time for a Beach Holiday

The relatively rain-free summers, makes Barcelona an ideal destination for a beach holiday. The city has close to 3 miles of accessible city beaches and a great coastline that can be explored just within just a few hours of drive. The coast is also lined up with beautiful sea- facing hotels and Chiringuitos.

3. Rich Culture

With many parts of the city, being pedestrian- friendly, the Mediterranean summer allows you to walk your way to local favorites. Dozens of Bohemian style shops, Art Museums, restaurants, food markets and the vibrant night-clubs are best explored during your summer break. The 5 districts making up the city offer a unique character to the city.

4. Festivals and Music

Barcelonians celebrate the Festa major in different quarters of the city. The locals decorate their streets and party for days with live music. Gracia’s Festa Major celebrated from the 15th to the 21st of August is the most picturesque among the Festa majors. A large number of music festivals like Cruella Barcelona and festival de Pedralbes happen during the summer

What to Look Out For in Barcelona in Summer?

1. Hot and Humid

On hot days summer temperatures may cross 30℃. At night, the weather is muggy and uncomfortable. You’d see many local catalans moving out of the city during the summers to escape the heat.

2. Crowds

June to August is summer break for most countries in the northern hemisphere. Barcelona being an attractive destination can make it crowded. The large number of festivals and music events during the season adds to the crowd.

3. Expensive

Everything from airline tickets to hotel bookings is expensive due to high demand. Moreover, tickets are usually sold out in advance.

What to Wear in Barcelona in Summer?

Light cotton and rayon clothes to beat the heat of Barcelona summer is a non- negotiable. Exploring the city in your comfortable shorts and skirts paired with a Bohemian style top is ideal to up your style and comfort quotient.

What to Wear in Paris in Summer?

  • Since Paris has warm summers, you should wear light cotton clothes that are best suited for such weather.
  • Wearing cotton t-shirts with shorts or light pants is a good choice. 
  • You can also wear skirts, dresses, and gowns while exploring Paris.
  • If you are worried about tanning, then wear long-sleeve clothes or carry a light jacket to wear during the daytime.
  • Tank tops and bralettes are quite the norm in Paris except when you are visiting a church.

What to Pack for Barcelona in Summer

  • To protect your skin, carrying sunscreen can be a good idea. Sunshades for your eyes. 
  • Carry a few long sleeves to avoid those tan lines. 
  • A sun hat is a good idea to protect yourself from the scorching sun.
  • Make sure to carry a European/ Universal adaptor for your devices. 
  • A power bank and waterproof phone cases can also come handy.

Top Things to do in Barcelona in Summer

1. Take a Trip to the Beach

Sightseeing

Beaches are anywhere between 15 minutes and 1 hour from the city center. Head to the Catelldefels in the south of the city for some sandy beaches. The high waves of Playa de la Barceloneta, the main beach of Barcelona are ideal for surfing. The sea- facing restaurants offer lunch with a view. At night the lit up Chiringuitos make a walk along the beaches worthwhile. Moreover, they usually have live- music to enjoy.

2. Experience Central Barcelona at Placa de Catalunya

City landmark | Historic attraction

The large city square in the center of the city is a meeting point of the old Gothic city and the 19th century Eixample. The area, with its rich political history, played a significant role in the events of the May day and the Spanish civil war. The square is a melting pot of cultures with cafes and restaurants representing all parts of the city. If you’re an art lover, you will enjoy the works of renowned artists like Joseph Clara at the plaza.

From €30.

3. Visit Casa Batllo

Architecture | City landmark

Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, this modernist piece of architecture called Trencadis was designed by Antoni Gaudi. The best time to visit the building is around dusk to experience the effects created when sunrays hit the building. The place offers an immersive augmented reality tour to enhance your experience.

From €35.

4. Go to the Best Tapas Bars in Town

Culture | Food

Think Barcelona, think Tapas. Many Michelin star restaurants shine throughout the city offering you authentic Catalonian dishes. Head to Bar Canete, Jai-Ca, Bar Del Pla and Cal Pep for some amazing Tapas. While you're at these bars, soak in the local Catalan dialect and try to learn the names of the dishes.

5. Attend a Flamenco Show

Performance | Indoor Venue

Taste some delicious local delicacies and wait until the show unpacks with some great music and dance performances. The show is the best place to catch the country’s best performers in action. The show gives you an opportunity to experience Barcelona at night as the show takes place in the evening.

Know more

6. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

Church | Historic attraction

The Cathedral is constructed in the Gothic style dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The magnificent structure is where His Holiness the Archbishop of Barcelona sits. Apart from enjoying the serenity and peace of the cathedral, make sure to appreciate the pinnacles and canopies from the inside. Take special notice of the Virgin Mary and child depiction on the wooden pulpit. In the Cloister, see the well of Geese which commemorates the death of Saint Eulalia. From the terrace, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Gothic quarters.

From €9.

7. Enjoy a Day at Port Aventura Park

Theme park | Kid-friendly

From land rides to water rides, Port Aventura has a lot to offer. Put yourself in a catapult and swing at speeds over 135kmph in just 3 seconds. With its designated zones, the park takes you through Mexico, China, and Polynesia. Combined tickets to both PortAventura and Ferrari land offer you the experience of the luxuries of Ferrari.

From €20.

8. Visit the Sagrada Familia

Historic attraction | Architecture

Designed by the modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882. It remains unfinished to date. The intricate fruit and sea shells motifs on the facade and the angled pillars on the inside give the experience of the forest canopy. With about 4.5 million visitors/ year, it is the most visited monument in Spain.

From €34.

9. Head to Camp Nou

Sport | Sightseeing

If you’re a Cules, you’d definitely want to visit Camp Nou. Even if you find yourself on the other side as a ‘Vikingo’, a visit to Camp Nou is worthwhile. Home to Barcelona FC since 1957, the stadium is the largest in Spain and the 3rd largest in the world. The massive arena can accommodate over 99,000 people at a time. When you’re at Camp Nou, be sure to visit the FC Barcelona museum.

From €20.

Events and Festivals in Barcelona in summer

Festa Majors de Garcia

Date: Mid August

Festa Major are days of district street festivals in Barcelona. City blocks turn into concert venues, bars, and pubs overflow with alcohol and every building is decked up with flowers, woodwork ornaments, decorative lanterns, and papier-mache statues.

Know More

Cruilla Barcelona

Date: July

Venue: Parc del Forum

The music festival hosts artists from every nation and region without prejudice. A summer filled with music is typical for Barcelona. The venue is easy to reach from the city center, and you may not have many struggles finding it.

Know more

Grec Festival

Dates: Mid-July to early August

The festival hosts theater, dance performances, music, and more. The festival is held in magnificent venues across the city like the Grec theater. The Grec theater- built in 1929 is modeled like an ancient Greek amphitheater.

Know more

Sant Joan

Dates: 23rd and 24th of June

The eve of Sant Joan/ St. John is a night of extravaganza. It has endless fireworks, beer and food till morning. You’ll find Catalans and tourists of all ages here. Beach is the best place to enjoy these celebrations.

Sala Montjuic

Date: July to early August

Venue: Montjuic Fortress

This festival runs all summer. It has everything from jazz nights to cinema nights. At 10 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, movies are shown at the venue. To grab a great spot before the screening begins, you should be there well in advance. The bar and food stalls at the venue will treat you to your favorites.

Know more

Sonar Festival

Date: 15th, 16th, and 17th of June

Venue: La Fira Montjuic

The Sonar festival is an electronic music festival that attracts artists and fans from all over the world. The 3-day event has been gaining popularity since its inception in 1994. While the festival hosts bigwigs of the music world, it is also open to new talent.

Know more

Tips and hacks to visit Barcelona in Summer

  • Summers can be crowded and expensive. So, make sure to book your tickets well in advance to beat the price.
  • Carry adequate sunscreen to protect yourself during peak summers. 
  • Light clothes are preferred and a few pairs of Bohemian-style tops give you the holiday feel. 
  • Be sure to try out the local Catalan food and go pub hopping when you find the time. Through bars and cafes, you can experience Barcelona through a local’s lens.
  • A Barcelona Hop‑on Hop‑off bus tour is an ideal choice, you can easily hop off to explore festive lights, markets, and iconic Bārça landmarks.
  • The Barcelona City Card grants you free or discounted access to top attractions, perfect for experiences.

Know Before you visit Barcelona in Summer

Getting Around Barcelona in Summer

5 districts make Barcelona. Each district is big and has its own character. Moving between the districts and inside the districts requires transport. In Barcelona, public transport is efficient with a well-connected metro system, bus system, and tram service.

  • Metro: Investing in a metro card is a smart investment. It can come in handy in any part of the city. All parts of the city are connected to a metro line and have an accessible metro station. On Saturdays, the metro runs all night. 
  • Bus: With about 230 different bus lines, the transit through the bus can be quite confusing. Buses are available even at night.
  • Taxis: Uber does not have operations here. However, the local taxis work similarly to Uber and other online aggregators.
  • Trams: There are 2 tram lines in Barcelona. They run from Placa Francesc Macia to Sant Feliu de Llobregat, and from Olympic village to Badalona. 
  • Walk: Many parts of Barcelona are made free of traffic to ease pedestrian movement.

Where to Stay in Barcelona in Summer

From boutique hotels to luxury 5-star hotels, Barcelona has everything for you.

  • €50 to €100 per night
    undefined
  • €100 to €150 per night
    undefined
  • 5-star hotels
    undefined
  • Boutique hotels
    undefined

What to Eat in Barcelona in Summer?

  • The street food in the Gothic quarters dates back centuries. The Churro con chocolate here cannot be missed. 
  • La Bombas: It is potato meatball, deep fried, and served with a spicy sauce. The idea for the dish originated in the old town of Barcelonetta and became popular among the working class population during the industrial revolution
  • Manchego cheese: The cheese derives its name from the La Mancha plateau of Spain, where it originated. It is a product of the milk of sheep found in the region. Cheese is a staple in Spanish cuisine and gets better with age. 
  • Pa amb tomaquet: Pa amb tomaquet or Catalan tomato bread is a local favorite. The food is a staple and is synonymous with Catalan identity. It is popularly consumed as a Tapa with any meal.
  • Jamon Iberico Ham: The ham is sourced from the local black Iberico pig. These are indigenous pigs of Spain and are an important ingredient in much of Spain's exotic food. 
  • Churros: It is a deep-fried dough originating from the Iberian peninsula. It is also found in Latin America and the Philippines. The origin of the dish is however not clear.
  • Paella: Paella is a traditional Spanish dish. Pop culture and the aesthetics of the dish make people from other places feel that it is a quintessential Spanish dish. The dish originates from Valencia in Catalonia. 

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Barcelona in the summer

Yes, summer is an ideal time to experience the beaches and the Bohemian vibe of the city. To escape the summer crowd, visiting during late August to late September is a good idea. Post October, the Mediterranean rains make the city less attractive.