Barcelona in July: What's the weather like?

Visiting Barcelona in July means hot weather, long sunny days, balmy evenings, and stacks of summer festivals. At the same time, July sits in the peak tourist season, so crowds will be as big as temperatures are high. If you’re in the market for a sun-drenched summer vacation in the creative Catalunyan capital, read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in July, along with tips on how to plan your perfect vacation.

Is July a good time to visit Barcelona?

The answer to that question depends on your feelings about super-hot weather and intense crowds as July is part of Barcelona’s peak summer season.

While the heat is somewhat tempered slightly by the city’s coastal location, it’s one of the hottest months of the year, with long, dry sunny days, and a busy vibe.

So, if you enjoy hot weather and fancy a city-based break that also offers access to a bustling beach life, July is a great time to visit Barcelona.

While the city is crowded and costs are higher, the long sunny days and lively atmosphere make July a fun time to experience the city. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do. 

If you prefer it quieter and a little cooler, our advice is to consider visiting in May or June. 

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 July

July in Barcelona means peak summer heat, with an average low temperature range of 6065°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), rising to average highs of 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C).

Barcelona also sees stacks of sunshine in July, with 9-10 hours a day. For context, the low-season winter month of January sees around 4-5 hours of sunlight a day.

July is also one of the driest months in Barcelona, with rainfall amounting to a mere 0.6 to 1.0 inches (15 to 25 mm) across the month. 

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 July, 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 July.

What about the crowds and cost?

As mentioned above, July is part of Barcelona’s high tourist season, which means large crowds at beaches, and major attractions like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and La Rambla.

Travel costs are also at their peak in July, so expect hotels, flights, and attractions to be more expensive.

In addition, high demand means more limited availability, so you’d be wise to book well in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a particular hotel. Leaving it to the last minute runs the risk of missing out.

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 July

Considering the hot summer weather and fabulous festivals, here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in July.

Of course, you’ll also want to explore the city’s iconic attractions, among them Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Montjuïc, and La Rambla. Given the summer crowds, our advice is to visit such tourist hot spots earlier in the day.

July is also a top time to eat al fresco in the best tapas bars in Barcelona.

Hit the beach 

In hot and heady July, Barcelona’s beaches are the go-to destination to cool off.

For example, loaded with restaurants and beachside bars, Barceloneta Beach and nearby beaches like Bogatell and Nova Icaria offer ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing and socialising.

July is also perfect for enjoying boat tours along Barcelona’s coast, or trying water sports like paddle-boarding, windsurfing and jet skiing. 

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

Go to the Grec Festival

Running through July, Grec Festival is Barcelona’s largest summer arts festival.

Featuring theater, music, dance, and circus acts, many events take place outdoors in beautiful venues like Teatre Grec, an open-air theater on Montjuïc. 

Enjoy Cruïlla Festival 

Held at Parc del Fòrum, Cruïlla is one of Barcelona’s biggest summer music festivals.

It showcases a mix of international and local artists across all genres, including pop, rock, reggae and electro music.

Feast on local flavor at Festa Major del Raval

Held in mid-July, this neighborhood festival takes place in the Raval district, with street performances, live music and food stalls.

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy authentic local food and culture in one of Barcelona’s most diverse districts.

Take out-of-town day trips 

Escape the city by taking a trip to Montserrat Mountains, just 40 km northwest of Barcelona.

Boasting scenic hiking trails and the famous Montserrat Monastery, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, with the cooler mountain air offering respite from the intense city heat.

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

Plan your trip to Barcelona in July

Decided to vacation in Barcelona in July? 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.