If there’s one season when Barcelona shows its best version, it’s spring. After winter, the city fills with colour, the days grow longer, and the terraces are once again full of people. It’s the perfect time to stroll about, discover all the corners of the city, and enjoy the great number of cultural events that flourish in Barcelona during this time.
If you want to know when this season begins, how the weather changes, and which plans you shouldn’t miss, keep reading because we’ll tell you everything!
When spring begins in Barcelona and what the weather is like
When is it spring in Barcelona? Officially, it begins between the 19th and 21st of March—depending on the year—and you can enjoy it until the 21st of June. It’s a season when temperatures begin to rise progressively, leaving behind the cold of winter and preparing the city for the arrival of summer.
In March, the days can be cool, with minimum temperatures of 10°C and maximums of 18°C, but April already brings warmer afternoons and spectacular light for walking. May establishes itself as the ideal month for spring weather in Barcelona, with temperatures around 22°C, while in June the heat becomes noticeable, with maximums of 25°C. That said, bear in mind that the nights remain cool.
What about rainfall? In spring, it’s occasional, and although you might be surprised by a shower, they’re usually brief and quickly give way to sunshine.
With this climate, spring is the best time to explore Barcelona without encountering any extremes, neither cold nor hot. And the best thing is that loads of events take place during this season. Take a look!
Events and festivals that define spring in Barcelona
We’re not going to lie, Barcelona is a city that hosts events and festivals throughout the year, but in spring its cultural agenda explodes with the most outstanding festivals and celebrations that you simply cannot miss.
Sant Jordi
On 23rd April, Barcelona transforms into a gigantic showcase of books and roses to celebrate Sant Jordi, one of the most beloved festivities by Barcelona locals. On this day, the city fills with open-air bookshops and florists, and authors sign copies in the streets and squares.
Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia turn into a bustling literary market where thousands of people wander in search of that perfect book to give as a gift or to take home. And if you want to pick up a souvenir beyond the book or the rose, pop by Casa Batlló. Each year, they adorn it with loads of red roses, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Primavera Sound
At the end of May, Parc del Fòrum becomes the home of music with the arrival of Primavera Sound, one of the most important festivals in Europe. For several days, world-class artists offer concerts spanning genres such as indie, alternative rock, pop, and electronic music. Its lineup is always a combination of big stars and new talents.
Feria de Abril
At the end of April, the city hosts its own version of the Feria de Abril (April Fair), bringing the Andalusian spirit to Parc del Fòrum. For several days, the marquees fill with flamenco music, sevillanas (traditional flamenco-inspired Spanish folk dance that originates in Seville), and a good atmosphere. Here you can enjoy dance shows, traditional costumes, Andalusian tapas, and, of course, the traditional rebujito (a sherry-based cocktail).
La noche de Sant Joan
The night of Sant Joan in Barcelona is celebrated from the 23rd to 24th of June, the date when spring is bid farewell and summer is welcomed. It’s a night that you should experience at least once in your life in Barcelona, as the city lights up with bonfires, fireworks, and street parties on the beaches. And during these festivities, the traditional coca de Sant Joan, a typical sweet pastry accompanied with cava, is a must.
Sónar Festival
In June, Barcelona hosts Sónar, the electronic music and digital art festival that sets trends internationally. Divided into Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, this event brings together the best DJs and producers in the world along with visual artists who, with digital innovation and creativity, give the festival a different touch. It also usually hosts conferences, exhibitions, and shows that make the experience unique.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most important religious festivities in Spain, and in Barcelona, it’s experienced with solemnity and great emotion. During these days, the city hosts various processions, but the most renowned is the Palm Sunday procession in the centre of Barcelona—La Burreta—in which the faithful walk through the streets with palm leaves in a recreation of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem.
Día de Montserrat
On 27th April, it’s time to commemorate the Virgin of Montserrat—patron saint of Catalonia—high up on the mountain of the same name. There you’ll find the Monastery of Montserrat, a sanctuary nestled in a natural park famous for its hiking routes. Each year, thousands of faithful visit this sanctuary to make wishes and meet the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as “La Moreneta” because of the dark colour of her complexion.
La Nit dels Museus
La Nit dels Museus (The Night of Museums) is an open house day for all museums in Barcelona, both public and private. It’s celebrated on the Saturday night closest to 18th May to commemorate International Museum Day.
During this special night, museums open for free from 7:00 pm until 1:00 am, allowing you to enjoy all their exhibitions.
Best places to enjoy nature in Barcelona in spring
Spring in Barcelona completely transforms the green spaces of the city. Ciutadella Park becomes an ideal place for walking, having a picnic, or renting a boat; the spaces of Montjuïc, such as the Jardines de Joan Brossa or the Jardines de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, fill with colour; the Laberint d’Horta—with its famous cypress maze—is in full bloom; and Collserola once again becomes the attraction for hiking and lovers of viewpoints.
And why not, spring is also the ideal time to explore the Gracia district, El Born, or the Gothic Quarter and visit iconic city sites such as Casa Batlló, Park Güell, or La Pedrera.
Barcelona in spring: a destination that has it all
Barcelona in spring is a city at its best. The weather is ideal, the cultural and festive offerings are unbeatable, and the streets fill with life in the form of events for all tastes. From walks through the blooming city to world-renowned festivals, each day offers a new reason to fall in love with Barcelona.
And if you want to enjoy all this without worrying about how to get around, schedules, or where to park, the best thing is to stay very close to the heart of it all.
At Key Barcelona, we have flats and accommodations in the best areas of the city, so you can wake up right in the centre and make the most of your trip or weekend getaway to Barcelona.
Book your accommodation with us now and come discover why Barcelona in spring is a destination that captivates.