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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?

Paris in Summer- Why visit Paris During 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.

Paris in Summer- Why visit Paris During Summers

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.

Paris in Summer- Why visit Paris During Summers

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.

Paris in Summer- Why visit Paris During Summers

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?

Paris in Summer- What to Look Out for

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.

Paris in Summer- What to Look Out for

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.

Paris in Summer- What to Look Out for

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.

Paris in Summer - What to wear

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.
Paris in Summer - What to pack

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

Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris

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.

Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris

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.

Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer- Top Things to do in Paris
Paris in Summer - Louvre Museum

Events and Festivals in Barcelona in summer

Paris in Summer- Events in Paris
Paris in Summer- Events in Paris
Paris in Summer- Events in Paris
Paris in Summer - Events

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.

Paris in Summer - Events
Paris in Summer - Events

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.

Know Before you visit Barcelona in Summer

Transport
Stay
Food
Paris in Summer- Getting around

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.
Paris in Summer- Getting around

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
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  • €100 to €150 per night
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  • 5-star hotels
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  • Boutique hotels
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Paris in Summer- food

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

Is Summer a good time to visit Barcelona?

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.

How Hot is Summer in Barcelona?

Average temperatures on summer days reach 25℃, with daylight time ranging between 9 to 10 hours.

What is the average temperature in Barcelona in Summer?

The average temperature in Barcelona in summer is 25- 30℃.

Is it sunny in Barcelona during Summer?

Yes, daylight time ranges from 9 to 10 hours during summer.

Is it windy in Barcelona during Summer?

Barcelona, located on the seaside, is constantly cooled by sea-breeze during the day.

Does it rain in Barcelona during Summer?

Barcelona experiences the typical Mediterranean weather with dry summers and rainy winters. If you decide to come during late September to skip the summer crowd, you might have to face the drizzles.

What clothes to wear in Barcelona in summer?

Bohemian style top adds to the holiday vibe, apart from being comfortable. To roam around the city, shorts and skirts will help to beat the summer heat.

Is Barcelona cheaper in summer?

Like any other destination, Barcelona is certainly not cheap during the summers. To get the best deals, it's always a good idea to book your tickets well in advance.

Is Barcelona expensive to visit?

Like any other major city, Barcelona is a mix of both thrift and luxury. While transport here is on the cheaper side with a well-connected metro, hotels, and restaurants may be expensive.

What are some things to do in Barcelona in summer?

A visit to the Barcelona Cathedral and Placa de Catalunya is worthwhile. Exploring the numerous Michelin star restaurants that serve the local Tapas food and appreciating the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi is a must.

How safe is Barcelona?

Like any other tourist attraction, you should be careful about the various scams. You may encounter mime artists in the city squares, posing for a photo with you, who end up following you until you pay them money. You should also be careful in the busy areas, because this is where most of the pickpockets happen.

What can I see in Barcelona in summer?

From beach side chiringuitos to churches, modernist architecture of medieval Gothic styles, the city has a lot for you. 

What are the free things to do in Barcelona?

Taking a stroll down the beach, walking around the city center and numerous pedestrian-friendly blocks cost only your energy.