Barcelona in July: Weather, Things to Do, Where to Go
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Barcelona in July is everything you’ve been dreaming of: high temperatures, perfect beach weather, rooftop hangouts, and unforgettable parties with friends.
As a local of Barcelona, spending summers in the city, especially during July and August, is my absolute favorite. I’m not alone! Just ask the 800,000 visitors that came last July.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to experience Barcelona at its peak, you’re in the right place.
And before we get started, the one thing you should know is: yes, Barcelona gets so stinkin’ hot in July! But that’s one of the reasons people love it here.
Below, we’ll talk about things to do, where to go, and how to spend your time best. Let’s dive into what my city has to offer during its most popular month.
Is July a good time to visit Barcelona?
Absolutely! July is a great time to visit Barcelona. It’s also one of the most popular. This is peak visitor season. Tourists and locals flock to the beaches, clubs, and bars in July more than any other time of year. You’ll pay more and you’ll have more crowds to deal with, but it’ll be worth it.
Weather in Barcelona in July
July in Barcelona attracts visitors from around the world. The temperatures frequently reach the mid 80s (29°C), so it’s a local and visitor favorite beach month.
The temperature stays warm throughout the night so you can be out as late as you’d like. And best of all, with less than 2 inches of rainfall on average, you don’t have to worry about the scattered storms that come in the winter.
Average Temperatures in July
- Average high in Barcelona in July is 84°F / 29°C
- Average low in Barcelona in July is 73°F / 23°C
- How hot is it in Barcelona in July? Barcelona reaches a high of 84°F (29°C) in July
- What month is the warmest in Barcelona? July and August are the warmest months in Barcelona reaching highs of 85 degrees F (29°C).
FAQ: How warm is Barcelona in July?
Barcelona is very warm in Barcelona – most would consider it to be incredibly hot. Average humidity reaches about 70% in the summer months. If you’re visiting in July, you’ll want to pack light and cool clothes and make plans to spend plenty of time by the water!
Average Rainfall for July in Barcelona
- Average rainfall in July in Barcelona:
- What are the rainy months in Barcelona? March with 3 inches and September-November with 3-4 inches on average are the rainiest months in Barcelona
- What is the rainiest month in Barcelona? October is the rainiest month in Barcelona with an average rainfall of 3.5 inches (90 mm). July has the second-highest rainfall at 3 inches (76 mm)
Barcelona Holidays and Festivals in July
1. Festa Major del Raval
One of my favorite parts about Barcelona in the summer is all of the neighborhood festivals. Each neighborhood celebrates their barrio in a weeklong celebration that includes friendly competitions, live music, food, and plenty of booze.
Raval tends to hold their festival in mid-July. If your visit overlaps, make sure to take advantage of this local event.
The street parties often go into the wee hours of the morning. Raval is not only an edgy area, it also has incredible nightlife.
2. Reggaeton Beach Festival
If you love music and the beach, Reggaeton Beach Festival is for you. Generally scheduled around the third weekend in July this festival is a highlight of Barcelona and cherished by visitors and locals alike.
Reggaeton Beach Fest is more than just concerts and includes a jam packed schedule of activities. Plus, it’s at an epic beach venue.
3. Barcelona Pride Festival
Barcelona Pride Festival is a guaranteed fun time and the largest Pride event on the Mediterranean. Barcelona will be filled with colorful events across the city come mid-July, when the event takes place.
Some of the best parties of the summer coincide with Pride and I 10/10 recommend checking out the festival.Â
10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona in July
1. Explore the beaches in and around Barcelona
Barcelona has no shortage of beaches in the city and in the surrounding areas. Barceloneta, one of the most well known beaches, offers easy access to the city. It’s convenient to get to and has plenty of great restaurants and tapas bars in Gothic Quarter nearby.
If you’re here to party, I recommend going to Barceloneta. You’ll find parties on the beach, parties in the barrio, parties everywhere you look.
Families are more likely to enjoy beaches near Castelldefels. Don’t be afraid of taking the regional trains outside the city for a day or weekend trip; the best gems are often outside city limits but still accessible by public transportation.
2. Morning and Sunset Hikes
There’s a reason Spain is famous for siestas! The afternoons in the summer can be absolutely brutal. Most shops shut down for a few hours and streets become quiet as locals try to find a reprieve from the hottest hours of the day.
Surely you won’t want to hike then, but outdoor lovers can still enjoy nature in Barcelona in the morning and evening. Montjuic is a great option near the city to take in some views without losing your cool, literally!
3. Rooftop Dinners
What’s better than a dinner of Spanish tapas on a gorgeous rooftop with the cool Mediterranean breeze in the background? I’m willing to bet not much. Barcelona is full of welcoming rooftops. Plenty offer live music and organized events.
Others offer drink specials and make for great happy hour spots. I love taking visitors on tours through my favorite rooftop bars in the city. Whatever you’re feeling, don’t miss out on exploring Barcelona from above.
4. Attend an Outdoor Event at Sala Montjuic
Sala Montjuic is the place to be from late June through early August. You will find an open air cinema located at the famous Montjuic with featured film showings, live music, and everything in between.
This makes for the perfect date night or casual meet up with friends all while offering some pretty spectacular views. Tickets can sell out so check the schedule and book in advance!
5. Have a Picnic with Friends at Park Ciutadella
Next to the grand arches of Arc de Triomf sits Park Ciutadella, our sprawling piece of green in the city. When the sun is out, the park is filled with visitors and locals alike, soaking up the sun and enjoying the green surroundings.
Music and laughter fill the air. Very few things outrank a picnic in the park with your friends. Solo traveling? No problem! It’s easy to meet others here and just as easy to curl up with a good book.
6. Escape the Heat in Museums
Barcelona is full of excellent museums that offer reprieves from the heat during the hottest days. Enjoy staples like the National Art Museum of Catalonia, The Joan Miro Foundation, or the Picasso Museum. The Moco Museum is another fun one that can easily be enjoyed in an hour or two.
Museum of Contemporary Art and The Paradox Museum are two of my personal favorites!
7. Hit up an Outdoor Flea Market
El Flea is a massive outdoor vintage and second hand market that takes place every Sunday of July. Every time I go, I return home with a good find.
If your trip doesn’t coincide with a Sunday, no worries! Take a stroll through Eixample, Gracia, or Gotico, and I guarantee you will find similar pop up shops!
8. Enjoy Yoga on a Paddleboard!
Yoga and paddleboarding are two fantastic activities on their own, but combined, even better!
During the long summer months, plenty of meetup type events are scheduled at the beach. You’ll find everything from sunrise yoga on the beach to yoga on paddleboards.
Depending on your preference, and probably your level of patience, paddleboard yoga is a unique experience and guaranteed to be a good story!
9. Attend an Event at Casa Mila or Casa Batllo
Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, two of Gaudi’s most famous masterpieces, are home to some of the best summer events in the city. Local artists transform the rooftops into concerts with beautiful Barcelona as the backdrop.
Tickets often offer admission to the event, tours, and a free glass of cava. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss Magical Nights at La Pedrera!
10. Sunset Cruise on the Mediterranean
During the summer months, the port of Barcelona is booming! Take advantage of the endless list of offerings that involve cruising along the Mediterranean. You’ll find everything from sunset cruises to jazz cruises and everything in between.
Last summer I went on a full moon cruise, and even in the dark, the Barcelona coast line is just as incredible.
No matter what you fancy, make sure to fancy it on the water!
What to Wear in Barcelona in July
While you're packing for Barcelona in those scorching summer months of July and August, think light and airy - you'll thank me later. Toss in dresses, light shorts, and short sleeves for the day's heat. Of course, don't forget your beach gear. Bring plenty of swimsuits! If you have room, throw in a Sandcloud towel (my favorite).
If you enjoy the nightlife, remember some clubs have dress codes. Do a little homework on where you want to go so you can pack what you need – think: proper shoes and maybe something a bit fancy for the ladies (nicer dresses or skirts) and button-ups for the guys.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good hat and sunglasses during the day - they're lifesavers. Lastly, pack or plan to buy plenty of sunscreen when you arrive. Your skin will thank you for the extra care in the Barcelona sun.
Getting Around Barcelona
When maneuvering through Barcelona, your options are as diverse as the city itself.
If you prefer exploring on your own, stick to walking or public transit. Car rentals are not the way to go within city limits.
Don't overlook Barcelona's high-speed train network; it's a game-changer for quick trips to other Spanish cities like Valencia or Madrid.
Not sure how to get to the city after touching down at the Barcelona airport? The Aerobus is your best bet for a straightforward, cost-effective ride into the city center, with services running from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
However, I tend to opt for taxis. You'll find them lined up outside of the airport; plan for a 35-40 euro ride into the city center.
If you're looking for fewer logistics, don't forget tours, which are almost always led by a long-time local. They aren't just for first-timers; they're a fantastic way to see the city's highlights with a local expert. Choose from e-bikes, walking, or even segway tours.
I have an entire post to help you get around Barcelona like a local.
Is Barcelona safe?
Yes - Barcelona is an incredibly safe city. It’s full of expats, tourists, and locals looking to make friends and share memories.
A great part about visiting in the summer months, particularly, is that it’s one of the busiest times of year. You’ll seldom find yourself on a street alone. There’s certainly safety in numbers.
On the other hand, Barcelona’s busiest time for tourists is the busiest time for pickpockets!
Pickpockets tend to be the largest safety problem in Barcelona. It’s one you should prepare for and try to avoid if at all possible. Keep your belongings in a cross body bag, securely zipped or closed, in front of you anytime you’re out and about, especially on busy streets.
Aside from pickpockets, you’ll also want to use common sense. Don’t stray from your group, don’t find yourself alone in quiet or unlit streets, and don’t fall for common tourist scams. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.Â
FAQs
How hot is Barcelona July?
Barcelona’s July gets very hot. Average temperatures reach 84°F / 29°C; the humidity can get quite uncomfortable as well. If you’re planning to visit in the summer, wear light clothing, stay hydrated, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Is Barcelona worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely - Barcelona is more than worth visiting in the summer. In fact, July starts one of the most popular times of the year!
You’ll see visitors from all over the world flock to Barcelona for its beaches, sightseeing, hikes, and more in July. This is also peak season, so keep in mind prices will be higher than other months.Â
What is the best months to travel to Barcelona?
If you want peak season and beach weather, July and August are the best months to travel. But if you’re searching for the best deals and lowest prices, you might want to consider visiting from November to March instead.Â
Is Barcelona crowded in July?
Yes, Barcelona is exceptionally crowded in July with a significant influx of tourists. According to the Barcelona tourism board, the city welcomed nearly 800,000 visitors in July 2023, making it the busiest month of the year.Â
This large number of tourists can lead to crowds and congestion in popular areas of the city.
Barcelona in July Isn’t for You If…
If you don’t like scorching hot temperatures, heavy crowds, and beaches, summer in Barcelona probably isn’t for you.
It’s also one of the most expensive times of year in the city. This includes flights, accommodations, and tours.
There are ways to travel on a budget in July, but even hostel prices tend to spike this time of year.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Barcelona in July
To sum it up, Barcelona in July is a fantastic time to experience everything the city has to offer. It's the perfect time for beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and culture seekers to explore.
Just remember to pack light, stay hydrated, and be mindful of your belongings, because the pickpockets never sleep.
Whether you're soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, enjoying a meal with a sunset view, or my favorite historic streets, Barcelona in July promises a unique adventure.
I can't leave without reminding you, however, that if sweltering heat and crowds aren't your cup of tea, you might want to consider visiting another time of year. After all, beach days aren't for everyone!
