Barcelona in April: What's the weather like?

Barcelona's weather in April sees the city in the full swing of spring, offering warm temperatures, more sunshine, and occasional showers that are quick to come — and go. As a result, it’s a top time to take advantage of all the unusual shoulder-season benefits — lower costs, smaller crowds  — in a month that’s blessed with spring sunshine. Interest piqued? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in April, along with tips on how to plan your perfect spring vacation in the capital of Catalunya.

Is April a good time to visit Barcelona?

In a word, yes! April in Barcelona is characterised by warm spring weather during a month that still sits within a quieter, less-crowded shoulder season for tourism.

As a result, sightseeing outdoors in the likes of Park Güell and Montjuïc will have you soaking up blooming landscapes and architectural icons without have to vie for space.

Add to that a number of notable festivals and events — covered below — and April amounts to an all-round winner of a month, with the warmer days also being ideal for chilling out on Barcelona’s beaches. Note, though, that the sea will still be pretty cool.

Still making up your mind? While there are plenty of tempting reasons to visit Barcelona, you might want to weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in April

As the city switches to spring, the weather in Barcelona in April sees an average low temperature range of 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C), rising to an average high range of 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C).

Barcelona also sees more sunshine in April, with 6-7 hours of sunshine a day — a significant increase from the winter months as the warming spring days become brighter and longer.

For context, low-season January sees around 4-5 hours of sunlight a day, with peak-season July racking up 9-10 hours.

Visiting Barcelona in April also means you’ll experience moderate rainfall. While occasional showers are likely, they’re usually brief, leaving plenty of time to explore the city’s great outdoors.

In terms of the numbers, rainfall in Barcelona in April averages 1.6 to 2.0 inches (40 to 50 mm) across the month.

For comparison, October — Barcelona’s wettest month — typically experiences around 2.8 to 3.2 inches (70 to 80 mm) of rain, while July (the driest month) sees in the region of 0.6 inches (15 mm).

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in April, and the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

While tourist numbers start to increase as the month wears on and the weather further warms up, April is a shoulder season for tourism in Barcelona. That is to say, it's nowhere as busy as it is during the peak-season summer months. 

This means you can expect shorter lines at major attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, though there will still be a steady flow of visitors.

At the same time, travel costs in April are lower than in the upcoming high season, with flights and accommodation generally more affordable than they are in June through to August.

That said, in conjunction with the increasing volume of tourists, prices tend to rise toward the end of the month.

Traveling on a budget? Read up on Barca’s best things to do for FREE! 

If you’re traveling beyond Barcelona, find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Barcelona in April

Considering the inviting spring weather, manageable shoulder-season crowds, and a few fabulous festivals and events, here’s a run-down of some of the best things to do in Barcelona in April.

These suggestions come in addition to exploring the city’s ionic attractions — among them Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, Montjuïc, and La Rambla — in pleasant crowd-free conditions.

Celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day

Celebrated on April 23rd, Sant Jordi’s Day (St. George’s Day) is one of Barcelona’s most beloved festivals. 

Often compared to Valentine’s Day, it sees locals exchange books and roses with their loved ones. Head to La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia to see streets lined with bookstalls and flower vendors.

Enjoy Feria de Abril

Held in late April, and inspired by the Feria de Abril in Seville, Barcelona’s April Fair celebrates Andalusian culture.

It’s held at the Parc del Fòrum and features traditional Andalusian music, dancing, food and flamenco performances

Take a day trip to Sitges International Vintage Car Rally

Come April, the nearby coastal town of Sitges hosts an annual vintage car rally that showcases beautifully restored classic cars. 

It’s a great day trip from Barcelona, and attracts vintage car enthusiasts from around the world.

Savour seasonal Catalan cuisine

While it goes without saying that you should enjoy the best tapas bars in Barcelona during your trip, April is a great month to do a deep dive into La Boqueria market to try local dishes, and stock up on fresh seasonal produce.

We suggested looking out for dishes like calçots (grilled green onions) and esqueixada, a traditional Catalan salad made with salt cod.

Editors tip: if you love fine Spanish food and wine, our culinary experience in Seville is designed to satisfy devoted foodies.

Enjoy Barca’s beautiful beaches

While the water may still be too cold for swimming, April is a great time for relaxing walks along Barceloneta Beach, and other nearby beaches. 

The crowds are smaller, and the warm weather is perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying a beachside meal.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in April 

If you’re thinking of traveling Barcelona in April, read on for a few tips that’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, why not check out our customisable Spain itineraries?

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

Secondly, dive into our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Poble Sec), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Barcelona.

Lastly, for in-depth expert advice on what to see and do in Barcelona — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Rough Guide to Barcelona, with a handy pocket guide available for shorter trips.