Barcelona in October: What's the weather like?

Barcelona's weather in shoulder-season October sees the city in the full swing of fall, which means comfortable mild-to-warm temperatures. While this is one of the rainiest months of the year, October is a top time to explore the city’s arty outdoor spaces and top attractions free from the intense sizzling heat — and intense crowds — of summer. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in October, along with tips on what to see and do, and how to plan your perfect trip.

Is October a good time to visit Barcelona?

Given that the weather in Barcelona in October is still warm — but a far cry from peak summer temperatures — October is a fantastic time to visit if you want a more comfortable culture-oriented vacation.

October is also more comfortable when it comes to crowds. This is a shoulder-season month, which means there’ll be fewer tourists cramping your style and creating long lines to enter top attractions. 

And, while the sea will be too cold to swim in for all but the hardiest of vacationers, October in Barcelona presents wonderful opportunities to enjoy leisurely strolls on beach.

If that wasn’t enough, October also sees the city host several fabulous festivals that are sure to give your vacation a more authentic flavour — whether you’re passionate about Spanish cuisine, or want to discover Catalan culture and history.

Still making up your mind? While there’s no shortage of 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, you could book our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip. Talk to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in October

Sitting in fall, the weather in Barcelona in October sees an average low temperature range of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C), and an average high range of 68°F to 73°F (20°C to 23°C).

Barcelona also still enjoys a good amount of sunshine in October. By which we mean around 6 to 7 hours per day, though this declines as the month wears on. 

For comparison, July sees the city enjoy 9-10 hours of sunshine per day, while December offers just 4-5 hours.

When it comes to rain, note that October is one of the wettest months in Barcelona, with rainfall amounting to an average of 3.2 inches (80 mm).

For comparison, November typically experiences around 2.3 to 3.0 inches (60 to 75 mm), while July — the driest month — sees around 0.6 inches (15 mm).

That said, though October has more rain than other months, it usually comes in short bursts, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the city between showers. So, while it’s wise to pack an umbrella and light raincoat, rain will rarely disrupt your travel plans.

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in October , and the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

October is part of Barcelona’s shoulder season so, while it’s still a popular time to visit, the city is less crowded than during the peak summer months. 

As a result, you’ll be greeted by shorter lines at major attractions like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, making it easier to explore at a more leisurely pace.

Hand in hand with this being a less crowded month, October can be a more affordable time to visit as demand for flights and accommodation drops off from the summer high season. 

In summary, while prices are typically higher than they are during the winter low season, October offers the best of both worlds — mild-to-warm weather, and prices that might just put a smile on the faces of budget-conscious travellers.

Traveling on a budget? Read up on the best things to do for FREE in Barcelona.

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 October

Considering the mild-to-warm weather — coupled with smaller shoulder-season crowds and several notable festivals and events — here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in October.

See the city’s top attractions

Kicking off with the obvious, but it’s worth pointing out that visiting Barcelona’s top attractions in October — among them Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Picasso Museum, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and La Rambla — is likely to be far more pleasurable than it is during the heady heights of summer.

With cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, you’ll be able to get up close to said attractions without having to queue for hours.

Open House Barcelona

Held over a weekend at the end of October, Open House Barcelona offers access to some of the city's most important and unique architectural sites that are usually closed to the public. 

Given that many of the buildings are historic landmarks or modernist masterpieces, this annual event offers special insights into the city’s remarkable architectural heritage.

Festa del Roser 

Celebrated on La Rambla in honor of the patron saint of the famous boulevard, this traditional festival sees the street festooned with floral decorations, with street performances and local food markets adding to the festive vibe.

Sitges Film Festival

Held in the first weeks of October, the Sitges Film Festival is one of the world’s leading festivals for fantasy and horror films. 

It takes place in the charming coastal town of Sitges — a scenic spot that’s well worth making the easy 40km trip to.

Hit the beach

Last but not least, although it may be a bit too cool for swimming, October is a great month for enjoying long walks along Barceloneta and other nearby beaches, not least because the summer crowds have well and truly thinned out.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in October

Decided to visit Barcelona in October? Keep reading for tips that’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not keen on the process of planning, you might want to browse 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, we recommend reading 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.