Barcelona in August: What's the weather like?

Visiting Barcelona in August will see travelers experience super-hot temperatures, long sunny days, and minimal rainfall during a busy peak-season month that’s not short of lively events. If you’re in the market for a sizzling summer vacation in the creative capital of Catalunya, read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in August, along with tips on how to plan your perfect vacation.

Is August a good time to visit Barcelona?

Yes and no. If you love hot weather, busy beaches and lively summer festivals, August is a great time to visit Barcelona. 

This is the busiest month of the year, and also the hottest, so come prepared for big crowds, intense heat, and higher prices. If that doesn’t float your boat, August obviously isn’t a good time for you to visit!

If you prefer quieter, cooler — and less costly — conditions for your summer vacation, but still want some of that glorious Spanish sunshine, consider Barcelona visiting in May or June.

But back to the pros of visiting in August. Offering long, sunny days and vibrant atmosphere from beach, to bar, to cultural attractions, it’s an exciting, memorable month to experience the city, and explore the wider region, whether you fancy hiking in the cooler mountains, or seeing some of the coast beyond Barca.

Still undecided? 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 August

August is the peak of summer in Barcelona. During the month, the average low temperature range usually sits around 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), rising to typical highs of 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C), with long days serving around 9-10 hours of sunshine, 

For comparison, the low-season winter month of January sees just 4-5 hours of sunlight a day.

August in Barcelona is also very dry. A mere 1.0 to 1.5 inches (25 to 40 mm) of rainfall is experienced across the month, with occasional thunderstorms breaking the heat.

For context, October — Barcelona’s wettest month — typically experiences around 2.8 to 3.2 inches (70 to 80 mm) of rain.

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

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in August.

What about the crowds and cost?

August is part of Barcelona’s high season, which means beaches, major attractions, and popular areas like La Rambla will be packed with tourists.

Additionally, many locals leave the city for summer vacations, which can result in some restaurants and shops closing for part of the month.

At the same time, travel costs are at their peak in August, with high demand causing a spike in the cost of flights, hotels, and attractions. As always, book accommodation and tickets well in advance. 

While you might not save much cash — given that high demand — booking early means you'll stand a better chance of securing your preferred place to stay, and you might get to skip the (long) lines at popular attractions.

Traveling on a budget? You probably won’t want to visit in August, and you’d be wise to read up on Barca’s best things to do for FREE around the year.

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 August

Alongside eating al fresco in the best tapas bars in Barcelona, and visiting iconic attractions like Sagrada Família, Park Güell and La Rambla — preferably early in the day — here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in August.

Experience local festivals

Held across a week in mid-August, the free Festa Major de Gràcia sees Barcelona’s Gràcia neighbourhood come alive with decorations, parades, live music and street performances.

Meanwhile, the late-August Festa Major de Sants is pretty similar to the Gràcia festival, but a little less touristy.

See cinema under the stars

The Sala Montjuïc open-air cinema festival continues through August with classic films screened under the stars at Montjuïc Castle.

Enjoy beats at Brunch in the Park 

Held on Sundays in Barcelona’s parks, the Brunch in the Park festival showcases electronic music in lively open-air settings.

Bliss out on beaches

Boasting a bounty of bars, Barceloneta Beach, and nearby hot spots like Bogatell and Nova Icaria, offer ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing and socialising.

Beyond stretching on the sand and soaking up the busy beach bar vibe, be sure to take a boat trip along the coast, or try your hand at paddle-boarding, windsurfing and jet skiing. 

Editor's tip: searching for your ideal European beach vacation? Read up on the best beaches in Spain.

Take out-of-town day trips 

Escape the heat of the city — and soak up spectacular scenery — by taking a trip to the Montserrat Mountains.

Just 40 km northwest of Barcelona, the area boasts scenic hiking trails, with Montserrat Monastery on hand to keep culture vultures happy.

Another great day trip comes courtesy of charming Sitges, a former fishing town that’s known for its beaches and restaurants.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in August

If you’re heading to Barcelona in August, the following tips might just come in handy as 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.