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 this seaside city in April can expect pleasant spring temperatures and some early rainfall. Additionally, the city comes alive with the start of spring, and there are plenty of fun festivals and events taking place so you can make the most of your time in the Catalan capital.

Spring may not be hot enough to go for a swim in the Mediterranean, but it should be sufficiently sunny and warm to enjoy a comfortable trip. And while Barcelona is a city that is full of tourists year-round, you'll be missing out on the heaviest crowds that flock to the city in the summer months.

Barcelona Weather in April

For most of April, Barcelona remains between 53 degrees F and 68 degrees F, with spring showers likely, especially in the early parts of the month.

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 F while the lows can get down to anywhere from 40 to 45 degrees F. 

Rain is also something to be wary of early on in the month, which is not only true of Barcelona but also most other northern Spanish cities. In total, Barcelona usually sees an average of about five rainy days throughout April, and an average monthly rainfall of about 2.5 inches. However, these 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 rainfall tends to happen less frequently. Warm spells aren't uncommon, so if you're lucky enough to catch one you may be able to spend some time laying out on the beach.

What to Pack

With warming temperatures and spring in full effect, you won't be needing heavy winter jackets while visiting in April. However, 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 are 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. Since sunshine is more likely than rain, don't forget a quality pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Spaniards typically dress for the season, not the temperature, so you won't see 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 (Holy Week) takes place from April 5–12, 2020. In Barcelona, it's 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.
• The Sant Jordi festival, Catalonia's answer to Valentine's Day that beautifully bridges love and literature, takes place every year on April 23.
• The D'A Film Festival showcases the best independent works in contemporary cinema and begins on April 30, 2020.
• Fira de la Terra commemorates Earth Day in the form of bustling outdoor markets, street performances, and activities for all ages, all aimed at promoting a better understanding of the environment. Celebrate our planet on April 18–19, 2020.

April Travel Tips

• April is a great time to get outside and enjoy the great (for the most part) 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 mid-60s weather and sunny skies. Alternatively, you could visit the Barcelona Zoo or the Ciutat Vella district, which is home to a number of great tapas bars, restaurants, shops, and historical architecture.
• April is the tail end of 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. However, always remember to travel responsibly and respect the locals and their community, no matter when you go.