The Catalan capital is an excellent destination during any season, be it the more than mild winter or the scorching hot summer. No matter the weather, there are always things to do in the city. Barcelona typically gets busy from May to September, many still consider the city a beach destination, autumn, and winter in Barcelona is a little quieter.
Spring
The weather begins to get warmer in the city; life moves from the inside to the outside. Many hotel rooftop terraces start to become popular among those craving cocktails and al fresco celebrations.
On the 23rd of April, the city celebrates Sant Jordi, or St George’s Day. Books and roses exchanged between lovers and Barcelona is covered in crimson flowers. In the nearby town of Girona, the annual Temps de Flors flower festival starts, beautiful blossom arranged across the city in sensational displays.
Easter in Barcelona is a week-long celebration involving religious processions and ceremonies, regional treats and delicacies, and the much anticipated Calçotada, a Catalan BBQ where calçots (similar to spring onions) grilled on an open flame in the nearby countryside.
Museum Night returns to Barcelona mid-May with over 100 museums in the city opening their doors from 7 pm to 1 am on a Saturday. DOCS Barcelona also comes back to the Catalan Capital, premiering the very best new documentaries, welcoming professional directors, and budding film students.
Summer
During the summer, the city plays host to a multitude of critically acclaimed music festivals and neighborhoods put on annual street fiestas, partying well into the next morning. Look out for these Festes Majores, especially the one in the Grácia neighborhood in August.
The beaches in Barcelona are at their busiest this season, great for those that want to do outdoor sport in the form of volleyball, early morning yoga, running, or even cycling along the coastline.
For those that want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Barcelona’s sands, the city is also home to many open-air swimming pools, including the Banys del Fòrum, a seawater pool. Many also head to nearby beach towns, including the beautiful Sitges, Cadaqués, and the Costa Brava.
Autumn
With the arrival of autumn, the temperature becomes milder in the city, but Barcelona’s life continues outdoors. In September, one of the city’s most famous celebrations, La Mercé, marks the end of summer with a four-day party complete with traditional processions, temporary exhibitions, and live music. Don’t miss out on the chance to see Catalan traditions such as Castellers (human towers) and Corre Foc (a traditional fire run).
The nearby town of Sitges hosts its annual Film Festival, showcasing the very best new movies in the horror and fantasy genre. At the same time, Barcelona welcomes Salón Náutico to the city, its famous sailing festival.
The milder weather also makes autumn the best time to go hiking in Barcelona. Explore Mount Tibidabo by walking through the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, finishing with the final ascent up the mountain to the sensational Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor Basilica at the top.
The season finishes with La Castanyada in October, Catalonia’s answer to Halloween. Expect to find the city filled with warm chestnut sellers and other regional delicacies.
Winter
Winter in Barcelona is calmer, the city celebrating many seasonal festivities like The Three Kings in January, as well as New Year’s Eve. Sitges Carnival also returns to this nearby coastal town in February, hosting a colorful party even Brazil would be envious of.
Christmas in Barcelona is different from the other regions in Spain, as Catalan traditions such as the Caga Tió (a magical pooping log) and Caganers (nativity figurines defecating with their trousers down) take center stage. Barcelona also welcomes an abundance of Christmas markets where intrigued visitors can buy these unique holiday souvenirs.
Many choose to make the most of the nearby mountain ranges and head North during winter, bringing in the New Year high up on the Pyrenees slopes. Others stay in the city, enjoying this quieter period in Barcelona with freshly cooked warm churros and piping hot chocolate.
By Sandra Roig