2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Barcelona — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Barcelona. Warm weather with highs of 22°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. At 18°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.4
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

22°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

8days

Daylight

14.5h

Rainfall

46mm

Sunshine

12.5h/day

Humidity

76%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.2

Very High
Wind

16 km/h (gusts 31)

Sea Temp

18°C ❄️ Cold

Is May a good time to visit Barcelona?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:34

Sunset

21:03

14.5h daylight

Visiting Barcelona in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎵
Primavera Sound
Late May–June Music

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Barcelona Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 14°C 7°C 5d (44mm) 7.4h
76% Humid
3.2 Moderate
Good
Feb 16°C 8°C 6d (29mm) 8.4h
78% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 10°C 10d (60mm) 9.1h
77% Humid
5.7 High
Good
Apr 18°C 11°C 8d (68mm) 10.7h
75% Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
May Current 22°C 15°C 8d (46mm) 12.5h
76% Humid
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Jun 26°C 20°C 7d (28mm) 13h
74% Humid
9.7 Very High
Excellent
Jul 29°C 22°C 5d (30mm) 13.2h
73% Muggy
9.6 Very High
Good
Aug 30°C 23°C 6d (49mm) 11.9h
73% Muggy
8.4 Very High
Good
Sep 26°C 20°C 11d (75mm) 10.3h
76% Humid
6.3 High
Excellent
Oct 23°C 16°C 9d (75mm) 8.8h
78% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 18°C 12°C 9d (54mm) 7.5h
77% Humid
3.2 Moderate
Good
Dec 15°C 9°C 6d (36mm) 7.1h
78% Humid
2.7 Moderate
Good

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthJulScore: 7.4
1.Jul
7.42.Aug
7.43.Jan
6.54.Feb
6.55.Dec
6.16.Nov
67.Mar
5.68.May
5.69.Jun
5.610.Oct
5.611.Sep
5.212.Apr
4.7

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Barcelona – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Open map in new tab

Barcelona

Barcelona's Gaudí architectural wonderland meets Mediterranean beaches and vibrant Catalan culture, home to the ever-evolving Sagrada Família.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Barcelona?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Barcelona?
May is typically excellent for visiting Barcelona, with average highs of 22°C and around 8 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Barcelona in May?
Evenings in Barcelona during May are mild at 15°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Barcelona in May?
With highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Barcelona in May?
Barcelona typically sees around 8 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Barcelona in May?
May is suitable for swimming in Barcelona, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 22°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Barcelona in May?
In May, Barcelona gets approximately 14.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Barcelona?
Yes, May is peak season in Barcelona. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Madrid)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Barcelona Guides

Best Time to Visit

Coming soon

Things to Do

Coming soon

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

Find Hotels →

Cost & Budget

Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown

Read Guide →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Barcelona: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →