Barcelona in May: What's the weather like?

Visiting Barcelona in May means you can expect gloriously warm spring weather, with longer days, plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. At the same time, May sits at the end of a shoulder season for tourism, making it the ideal time to visit before the summer crowds descend. Sold on the idea of visiting the capital of Catalunya in May? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in May, along with tips on how to plan your perfect spring vacation.

Is May a good time to visit Barcelona?

May is a fantastic time to visit Barcelona. In fact, it’s arguably one of the best months to visit for a balance of pleasant weather and moderate crowds that invite vacationers to make the most of everything this arty city has to offer.

The weather is warm, but not too hot, making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing and exploring the city’s parks and architecture.

As a bonus, May is also loaded with a bounty of festivals and events — covered below — and conditions are shaping up nicely to spend time on the beach, and to take days trips to enjoy outdoor adventures within easy reach of the city. 

In summary, May is a marvellous month to visit Barcelona for a rounded experience that’ll keep all types of travelers happy, from tapas-loving foodies and art lovers, to beach bums and hikers.

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 May

With the city in full spring mode, the weather in Barcelona in May sees an average low temperature range of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C), rising to an average high range of 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).

Barcelona also enjoys a whole lot of sunshine in May, with 8-9 hours a day, and moderate rainfall.

While you should come prepared for occasional showers, May’s rain usually falls in short bursts and won’t significantly impact your travel plans, with an average of 1.6 to 2.0 inches (40 to 50 mm) falling through the month.

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

When it comes to rainfall comparisons, 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 May, 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 May.

What about the crowds and cost?

While May is part of the shoulder season — meaning crowds are moderate — tourist numbers are noticeable bigger in comparison with the quieter winter months, and in comparison with March and April’s visitor numbers.

That said, Barcelona in May still isn’t as crowded as it is during the peak summer season. 

A similar pattern is true of the costs, which are slightly higher in May than they are during winter and early spring, but still more affordable than summer, when demand is significantly higher.

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 May

Considering the wonderfully warm weather that invites outdoor activities, moderate pre-peak-season crowds, and a bounty of festivals and events, here’s a run-down of some of the best things to do in Barcelona in May.

These suggestions come in addition to spending time on the beach, and exploring the city’s iconic attractions — among them Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Montjuïc, and La Rambla — before the coming of peak-season crowds.

Uncover culture after hours at La Nit dels Museus

Held annually in mid-May, La Nit dels Museus (Night of the Museums) offers free entry to many of Barcelona’s top museums from 7pm to 1am. 

It’s a special way to see some of the city’s outstanding cultural institutions, with events, exhibitions and performances taking place throughout the evening.

Enjoy Festa Major de Nou Barris 

Held in the Nou Barris district in late-May, the Festa Major de Nou Barris celebrates Catalan culture through concerts, parades, and traditional cuisine.

Go to Girona Flower Festival

Just a short trip from Barcelona, the city of Girona hosts its annual Temps de Flors (Flower Festival) across a week in mid-May.

It sees the city’s historic center adorned with stunning floral displays, transforming the streets, plazas, and monuments into colorful works of art.

Meander the Montserrat Mountain region

If you’re looking to spice up your city vacation with outdoor activities, consider heading to the nearby Montserrat Mountains, which are just 40 km northwest of Barcelona.

Reached in around ninety minutes by train, and then cable car or rack railway for a thrilling ride up to the monastery, the views around these parts are breath-taking.

On arrival, visit the basilica and monastery, walk the woods and crags, and explore Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

Explore sunny Sitges

Another great day trip experience comes courtesy of Sitges, a charming former fishing town that’s known for its beaches, nightlife and exuberant spring carnival.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in May

Sold on vacationing in Barcelona in May? 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.