Barcelona in September: Weather, Things to do, Where to go in 2024

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Planning a trip to Barcelona in September, or just trying to decide whether it’s the right time to go? You’re in the right place. I live in Barcelona and September is truly a beautiful time of year. Temperatures are cooling down from the summer heat making the weather much more bearable.

There are still some hot days if you want to visit the beach or take advantage of some hikes in Barcelona. Overall, September is a great time to visit Barcelona, and here’s why!

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Barcelona in September. Average temperature, weather, rainfall, and some of the amazing things to do and places to visit while you’re here. Let’s get started!

🌎View the best of Barcelona with a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo ↗

Is September the best time to visit Spain?

According to many, September is the best month to visit Barcelona. The weather is still very warm but the peak humidity and heat of July and August has gone down. September also follows peak tourist season, so you won’t find the crowds that the mid-summers bring.

There’s a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in September in Barcelona. But, if you’re looking to beat the heat a little, there are also plenty of indoor museums, food tours, bike tours, and sightseeing to take advantage of. 

If you’re looking for warm beach weather that’s not too humid and not too crowded, you’ll find that September is the best time to visit Spain!

Weather in Barcelona in September

Average Temperatures in September

What is the weather like in Barcelona in September? 

On average, Barcelona weather in September reaches up to 80°F (26°C) and usually doesn’t drop below 69°F (20°C). I find September to be an incredibly warm and comfortable month. I’m always relieved when the cooler days come after an extremely hot July and August.  

• Average high in Barcelona in September is 80°F / 26°C
• Average low in Barcelona in September is 69°F / 20°C
• What month is the warmest in Barcelona? July and August are the warmest months in Barcelona reaching highs of 85 degrees F (29°C).

Average Rainfall in Barcelona in September

Is Barcelona rainy in September? An important question anyone asks before visiting a city, especially a city on a beach! The climate in Barcelona September is still humid, and rainy season is just beginning. 

The good news is that the rainy season in Barcelona is very mild. Average rainfall in September rarely exceeds 3 inches (76 mm). And even so, the rain is usually a welcome relief to some hot days. 

• Average rainfall in September in Barcelona: 2.8 in (70 mm) 
• 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). March has the second highest rainfall at 3 inches (76 mm)

September can be humid, so rain can cold down even the hottest of days. However, don’t let the higher than average rainfall deter you from visiting Barcelona in September. 

The weather is spectacular regardless and you will find no shortage of indoor or outdoor activities to take advantage of in September. 

How warm is it in Barcelona in September?

The average high in Barcelona in September is 80°F / 26°C. It’s very warm, but not as warm as July and August. Most visitors and locals don’t think it’s too warm. It’s still enjoyable to go outside in a light dress and enjoy the weather.  

You’ll be comfortable in light outfits. You’ll see a variety loose shorts, flow shirts, and casual dresses. But, if you’re used to warm weather, you may want to bring a sweater for breezy days and chiller nights!

Is Barcelona still hot in September?

Yes, Barcelona is still hot in September, but not too hot. The beginning of September is still hot enough to go to the beach, and the end of September is hot enough that you won’t need a jacket most days. 

The weather from summer goes through most of September. So, it does stay hot throughout the month. 

While this comes down to personal preference and option, most people don’t think that the Barcelona September temperatures aren’t too hot.

Free Guide: 8 Tips for Staying Safe in Barcelona

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Can you swim in Barcelona in September?

You can swim in Barcelona in September, especially the first two weeks of the month. After the hot summer months, the water temperature in September can reach up to 80°F (27°C). The average water temperature in September however, is 76°F (24°C). 

Even on chillier days, you can enjoy a warm swim in the ocean waters in Barcelona in September. 

Additionally, the Barcelona beaches in September are usually not too crowded and you can enjoy the beach with fewer tourists. 

Festivals in Barcelona in September

The Barcelona festival September scene is quiet, but there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for.

1. Festival La Mercè 

This festival honors a patron saint of Barcelona. It’s the city's largest street party and can last for days. The Feast of Sant Joan occurs in Barcelona in June to celebrate the summer solstice. The Festival La Merce does the opposite, celebrating the end of summer and welcoming cooler fall months. And if you're a holiday person like me, one step close to Christmas in Barcelona!

2. Football Season

Although this isn’t exactly a festival, it is treated as such! Football season starts mid August and runs to June. If you’re visiting Barcelona in September, catch a game at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium to watch FC Barcelona! 

Unique Things to do and Best Places to Visit Barcelona in September

There are tons of unique things to do in Barcelona in September. And, the weather is great for walking, biking, and sightseeing everything this incredible city has to offer.

1. Sagrada Familia

This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Take a tour inside and out of this incredible structure. It’s just one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s famous Barcelona creations. 

Skip the line with a fast track guided tour of Sagrada Familia ↗

2. Take a tour of Park Guell

Whether you choose to take a guided tour or walk or bike through Park Guell on your own, you can’t miss visiting during your trip. The park is not only a favorite among visitors, but locals also flock to this park, with it's easy access from most neighborhoods, to bike, picnic, relax, and exercise. Or, hire a photographer to capture memories during your stroll!

Take a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo ↗

3. Visit Casa Batllo “Gaudi’s Magical House” and Casa Mila

Located right outside of the Passeig de Gràcia transit station is another Antoni Gaudi creation. You’ll see visitors lined up in the street to take a photo with the 20th century architectural wonder. 

The immersive experience is open all year. The self-guided tour is available in 15 languages. You can also visit the iconic rooftop that overlooks Barcelona. This colorful roof is a picture-perfect spot that you’ve likely seen tons of photos of over the years. 

Casa Mila (La Pedrera) is another popular creation by Gaudi built in the early 1900s. You can take tours of both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. 

Take a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo ↗

4. Shopping at Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is a strip of high end luxury stores, boutique shops, and restaurants. Grab some classic Spanish tapas or take advantage of the growing vegan restaurant scene. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and check out all of the sites the Barcelona city has to offer.

Tourists line up early at high end shops like Gucci and Prada to go home with some famous luxury items.

One of my favorite places to search for trinkets and budget worthy things to do on lazy days is the Flying Tiger. It’s full of crafts and tiny games - easy to fit in a suitcase or do in your hotel on a rainy day. 

5. Poble Espanyol

Experience the arts, crafts, and architecture of Poble Espanyol (Catalan to English translation: “Spanish Village”). This cultural museum has something for everyone. It’s home to art by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and more.

Along with the museum, they offer art classes and a variety of restaurants to enjoy during your visit. To top it off, tickets to this museum are inexpensive, making it a great place to visit in Barcelona for families. 

6. Go to the beach!

While September isn’t the most popular time to visit the beach, it’s still enjoyable to spend some time by the water! Last time I visited in September, it was HOT the first two weeks, so I was happy to jump in the water for most of the month. 

But other years, the water may be less comfortable. That’s okay! September is still a great time to kick back with your feet in the sand. Or, take a day trip to Sitges, Costa Brava, or one of the other nearby coastal towns like Cadaques.

Most likely, these beach towns won’t be too crowded in September. The heavy crowds clear out towards the end of August.

Is Barcelona a walkable city?

Absolutely! Barcelona is walkable and accessible for just about anyone. The public transportation system is easy to use, whether you’re navigating throughout Barcelona or taking the train to another area of Spain. 

OR... skip the walking and book a hop on hop off tour to see the whole city fast.

Tour the whole city with a hop on hop off tour ↗

Is Barcelona safe?

Barcelona is a safe destination. The most prevalent safety problem in Barcelona is pick pocketers. There are a few things I would advise you to avoid.

Always keep your belongings safety zipped up. I wouldn't carry around many euros or valuable jewelry either.

Pickpockets are a problem in El Born and Gothic Quarter, and sometimes Gracia. Really, anywhere there are crowds you're more at risk.

Unless I'm with a large group, I tend to avoid walking around alone at night. During the day, I've never felt unsafe in Barcelona!

Day trips from Barcelona in September

There are endless possibilities for day trips from Barcelona, especially in the summer! The Barcelona in September weather is great for traveling up and down Spain. Head to one of the many beach towns nearby or explore historic towns in the area.

Public transit and the train system are fairly easy to use. And, there's very affordable. So, if you're visiting on a budget, you can still take advantage of many of these day trips without breaking the bank.

• Visit Costa Brava
• Beach trip or hiking trip to Sitges
• Day trip to the midieval town of Girona
• Spend the day in Tarragona Spain
• Take the train from Barcelona to Madrid

Best places to stay 

There are many different areas and towns that make up Barcelona. But, Gothic Quarter is centrally located near the beach, transit, and nightlife. It's a great place to stay if you're visiting for the first time.

For beach lovers, visit Barceloneta and stay in a hotel or rental right on the beach. Gracia, El Born, and El Poblenou are all popular places to stay as well. It really depends what kind of Barcelona vacation you want.

Gothic Quarter: For central location

Gothic is a beautiful town in Central Barcelona. From Gothic Quarter, you can walk to El Born, Gracia, and the beach in minutes.

It's a great place to stay for your first time. From here, you can explore the whole city. There are tons of cafes, tapas restaurants, food tours, and bars in the area. You might even be able to catch a flamenco show!

Best hotels in Gothic Quarter:

• Catalonia Catedral ⭐9.0/10 | Wonderful
• Duquesa Suites Barcelona ⭐8.7/10 | Excellent!
• Elegant Apartment in Gothic ⭐5/5 | Exceptional!

El Born: Best place to stay in Barcelona for nightlife

Born is one of the most lively areas in Barcelona and known for its exciting nightlife! It's also my personal favorite for going out. It's lined with bars and late-night food - most of which are open all night!

El Born is home to some famous museums and bars such as Moco Museum and Dr. Stravinsky. Moco is a modern art museum filled with trendy and virtual art creations.

Dr. Stravinsky is one of the best bars in Barcelona and a top 50 bar in the world. Visit the Dr. Stravinsky bartenders for an incredibly unique cocktail experience

Best hotels in El Born

• Mercer Hotel Barcelona 9.3/10 | Wonderful
• Apartment in City Center⭐5/5 | Exceptional

Barceloneta: Stay near the beach

The weather in Barcelona Spain in September is ideal for a beach vacation! Barceloneta is the popular beach town. It's near Gothic Quarter. Staying here gives you easy access to the beach and also easy access to shops, restaurants, and bars.

Best hotels in Barceloneta near the beach

• Hotel Arts Barcelona⭐8.4/10 | Very good (beachfront, Michelin-starred chef)
• House near City Center on the Beach ⭐4.7/10 | Excellent!

How to get to Barcelona in September

Getting to Barcelona in September is easy! Many direct flights from the United States are still running in September. In fact, they can run all the way to November. After that, airlines seem to limit the number of flights going direct to Barcelona. 

From the East coast, you can take a direct flight from Dulles or Newark. You can also find flights from New York and Miami to Madrid. From Madrid, you can take a quick, 3 hour train ride to Barcelona. 

If you’re coming from Europe, you can get to Europe via British Airways. Budget airlines like RyanAir and Vueling run regular flights to and from Barcelona. These flights are usually very cheap, even at the last minute! 

The airport is about 30 minutes from the heart of Barcelona. Taking a taxi will cost about $35 (32 euros), depending where you’re going in the city. 

I prefer to take taxis to and from the city. Ubers aren’t used in the city, but taxis are extremely easy to grab from the airport. Or, you can order a cab through the FreeNow app. 

There are also some buses that leave from the airport that will drop you off in some locations throughout the city. The city pass can come in handy when taking busses and transit. Buses are the cheapest option. 

Book a private airport transfer from BCN airport ↗

Barcelona Travel Guide tips

• Wear light, airy clothes and bring a sweater for chillier evenings
  
• Learn how to say hello, please, and thank you Spanish or Catalan. Don’t forget that locals in Barcelona will speak Spanish and Catalan.
  
  This is a travel tip that I follow in every country I visit. If you’re not good at remembering, just write it down in your phone! But, don't forget that they speak a few different dialects in the area, so don't be thrown off if you get confused.

• If you’re visiting for longer than a few days, visit a Vodafone or Orange to purchase a SIM card. They only accept prepaid Euros, so bring some cash along.
  
• Visit as many tapas bars as you can!
  
• Visit Sitges or another town for the best paella (like Valencia!)
  
• Tour the famous museums like La Sagrada Familia
  
• Don’t be afraid to take a Hop On Hop Off Tour if you’re short on time! It’s a great way to see your way around the entire city. You can always hop off or go back to your favorite spots.
  
• Don’t forget to drink lots of wine (if you drink). It’s delicious! You can find wine tours all around.
  
• Even though the worst heat in Barcelona usually cools in September, I’d still advise carrying around a water bottle. 

Packing Tips: How should I dress in Barcelona in September?

👗 Light dresses are a staple in Barcelona. They’re easy to throw on, dress up, and dress down.

👖 While jeans aren't super popular, you can still wear nice pants or shorts. Baggy and loose is most popular. Jeans can be constricting, especially when it's hot outside. I'd recommend leaving the jeans at home and bringing some cuter pants and shorts.

👟Pair your dresses with a cute pair of white sneakers. Everyone walks everywhere in Barcelona, so locals and tourists alike will be seen pairing cute outfits with comfortable shoes.

👜 Shops in Barcelona charge if you need a bag to carry your purchase. I don’t go anywhere without my tote bag. It wraps up easily into a little ball, so I can grab it whenever I need to. You’ll notice quickly that everyone else in Barcelona does the same. 

👙 Don’t forget your bathing suits! Spend lots of time at the beaches soaking up the Barcelona sun. 

👝 Bring your belt bag/fanny pack/bum bag! This is the easiest way to keep track of all your important documents while walking around town. Also, pickpocketing is prevalent in some areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born. A fanny pack/bum bag is the best way to keep your items safe and within reach at all times. 

🧥Do you need a jacket in September in Barcelona? It depends! But, I always have one or two on me for chillier evenings. Jackets are also a great way to dress up those casual dresses that you’ll wear around for most of the day. 

What to Pack for Barcelona

Here are my favorite things to pack when it comes to traveling around Barcelona (or anywhere, really!) I travel a ton, so I've got this down to a science now!

BEST BELT BAG FOR BARCELONA

I'm all about style, practicality, and affordability. Pickpockets can be a real problem in Barcelona, so keeping your belongings secured in front of you is super important.

Don't just take it from me - this belt back has high ratings and comes in EVERY color. Grab a few to match every outfit, if you want!

BEST LUGGAGE SET FOR BARCELONA

Coolife not only has some of the best-rated luggage on Amazon, but also the most variety in colors, pieces, and sets.

You'll likely want to check a bag going to Barcelona, but if you're traveling around Europe, you'll need small carry ons. Budget airlines like Ryan Air and Vuelling have smaller overhead space than you might be used to on airlines in America.

BACKPACKING IN BARCELONA

There's no question that Osprey has made a name for itself when it comes to backpacking - I recently got one myself! I had a hard time finding which one was right for me.

Lucky for you, they have a nifty "Who is This Pack For" quiz on there Amazon Storefront to help you find the perfect pack. Osprey's are expensive, but they'll last you a lifetime!

LIGHTWEIGHT SUNSCREEN

Because just like the Caribbean, the sun hits different in Barcelona! Protect your skin. And if you're traveling through London remember, they have pesky liquid requirements to keep in mind.

PACKING CUBES

As an avid traveler, I need to squeeze A LOT into a little. Packing cubes are surprisingly space saving - and a great way to organize. I have these packing cubes - they've lasted a long time and are versatile enough to get me through every trip.

SAND PROOF/QUICK DRY TOWEL

Going to the beach? Don't forget your towel! And definitely don't get stuck waiting for it to dry. These quick dry towels keep away the worst part of the beach (sand) and make it easy to store them when you're back in your hotel. Plus, they're super compact and light weight.

WHITE SNEAKERS

Do yourself a favor - don't show up to Barcelona without some cute white sneakers. Leave the heels at home. Walking around Barcelona isn't for the faint of heart. Keep your feet happy and go for stylish comfort.

EUROPEAN PLUG ADAPTER

These are lifesavers when traveling in Europe - 2 ports on each + 2 USB ports. They're hefty and they've lasted me a few years already, so I know they're good quality. Plus, they've got almost 10,000 great ratings on Amazon, so I'm not alone.

PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY WITH THE BEST VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your internet connection and privacy while hiding your online identity...and gives you access to your favorite streaming services on the road...

Unsecured connections to public WiFi can result in loss of personal data and even credit card information.

NordVPN is fast, secure, and affordable. Really, you should use it everywhere, not just when you're traveling!

E-SIM CARD

SIM cards can be a nightmare, I get it. Airalo makes it easy to add a SIM card right to your phone - one less thing you have to worry about when you get to Europe. You can purchase a card for Spain, Europe, or Global.

Just make sure your phone is compatible before you buy! You can check in the settings of your phone.

FAQs

Barcelona in September Isn’t for You If…

Even though I love Barcelona in September and it's a favorite time for many visitors, Barcelona in September may not be for everyone!

September can still be very humid, especially if you're used to cold weather. The temperature during this period can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unbearable for those who don't enjoy hot weather.

If you're not a fan of humidity or warm weather then visiting Barcelona in September might not be your best option.

Additionally, it's a popular time for beach trips, hiking, and outdoor excursions. If those activities aren't for you, you're better off going closer to the winter months.

Conclusion/Final Thoughts: Visiting Barcelona in September

So, will you be visiting Barcelona in September?

Visiting Barcelona in September is an ideal time for anyone looking to experience the city with enough warmth to enjoy the outdoor activities and the beach without too much heat.

With the incredible weather, there are tons of activities and sights to see that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether it be walking around the city, sightseeing around miles of city or eating tapas outside at some of Barcelona's most popular restaurants, one can guarantee a great time!

If this sounds like something up your alley then plan a trip to Barcelona right away - you will not regret it!

Read More

• How to Get Around Barcelona
• Barcelona in August
• Barcelona in June
• Barcelona in April
• Barcelona in March
• Barcelona in February
• Unique Barcelona Souvenirs
• Barcelona Cooking Classes
• Packing List
• Weekend Trips from Barcelona
• Best Sunset Cruises from Barcelona
• Best Places to Live in Barcelona