April in Barcelona: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The northeastern Spanish city of Barcelona is a popular tourist destination year-round, and visitors traveling to the Catalan capital in April can expect pleasant spring temperatures and some early rainfall. With the start of spring, the city comes to life with festivals and events. Even though it's not warm enough to take a dip in the Mediterranean, the weather will still be sunny and warm enough to enjoy an alfresco meal or coffee on one of the beautiful plazas. Barcelona draws tourists year-round, crowds in the springtime tend to be much thinner compared to the summer months, so it's really a great time of year to visit.

Barcelona Weather in April

For most of April, temperatures in Barcelona average between 53 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 20 degrees Celsius). Early April can be quite chilly, so you likely won't be able to visit the beach until the end of the month—although a relaxing walk along the shore is always a good idea. Average highs in the early part of the month range between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (50 to 18 degrees Celsius), while the lows can get down to anywhere from 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 7 degrees Celsius).

Rain is common early in the month, and in total, Barcelona usually sees an average of about five rainy days and 2.5 inches of rainfall throughout April. However, April rain showers are usually short-lived, and you can generally expect the sky to clear afterward so you can continue enjoying your day.

Although these temperatures and rainfall expectations remain consistent throughout most of the month, by the end of April, temperatures begin to take a sharp turn toward the warm side, and rain is less likely. Warm spells aren't uncommon, so if you're lucky enough to catch one, you may be able to get away with an early-season beach day.

What to Pack

With warming temperatures and spring in full effect, you won't be needing your winter jacket in April. Still, nights and mornings can be chilly—especially when the wind picks up—so you'll want to pack some layers that are easy to remove. Sweaters and a light jacket will be necessary, plus jeans or some other types of long pants. You should also pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella, just in case you get caught in a spring storm. Sunshine is still more likely than rain though, so you will want to make sure you have a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Spaniards typically dress for the season, not the temperature, so you won't see many locals wearing shorts and T-shirts even if the weather does heat up.

April Events in Barcelona

As the weather warms up, the city of Barcelona comes alive with bright spring flowers and a variety of seasonal events. Keep these local festivities on your radar if you'll be visiting Barcelona in April.

• Semana Santa: In Barcelona, Holy Week—which is always the week before Easter—is a much more somber affair than the colorful processions common in the south of Spain, but it's still worth checking out if you'd like to experience an authentic local event.
• Sant Jordi Festival: Catalonia's answer to Valentine's Day, this romantic holiday falls every year on April 23 and is traditionally celebrated by lovers exchanging books and flowers.
• D'A Film Festival: This annual event showcases the best independent works in contemporary cinema from around Europe and the world, featuring a mix of up-and-coming filmmakers and internationally renowned directors.
• Barcelona Earth Day Fair: Celebrate Earth Day and the environment at the Fira de la Terra festival with educational events about protecting the planet and an outdoor market featuring local and sustainably-made products.

April Travel Tips

• April is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Whether you're planning on visiting one of Barcelona's beaches or taking a tour of the Palau Nacional (National Palace) in Montjuïc, you're sure to find a way to enjoy the mild weather and sunny skies. Alternatively, you could visit the Barcelona Zoo or the Ciutat Vella district, which is home to great tapas bars, restaurants, shops, and historical architecture.
• April is the tail end of the low season in Barcelona, so you can still usually find fair prices on accommodation, and there won't be nearly as many tourist crowds as in the later spring and summer months.
• Take advantage of the mild weather and make a point of walking around the city as much as you can. There are many nooks and crannies worth discovering and small cafes to rest in.