Barcelona in winter is the perfect place for a fun-filled getaway. The temperature is mild, the rainy days of autumn are over and the summer crowds are gone.
Yet there is still lots to both see and experience, including everything from shopping in the Christmas markets to visiting the city’s many beautiful monuments.
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I’ve also taken a month-by-month look at the sorts of temperatures you can expect, which will make it easier to plan your visit.
Tips For Visiting Barcelona In Winter
Visiting Barcelona in the winter is a great idea, but there are some things you should be prepared for.
Here are tips for visiting in December, January, February, and March!
Psst. Before we start, keep in mind that you could get a public transportation card to visit the city. It will help you make the most of your travels in Barcelona.
Barcelona In December
The temperatures in December are very mild – on average, 15 degrees Celsius during the day and around 9 degrees at night.
This makes it a lovely time to visit, where you can still enjoy being outdoors but won’t need to compete with the crowds!
It usually only rains a few times throughout December and rarely (if ever) snows.
If you are looking for somewhere to spend a white Christmas, you won’t find it in Barcelona – but it is ideal if you are searching for a winter destination with a pleasant, comfortable climate.
Barcelona In January
The weather in January is very similar to that of December, with daily averages of around 15 degrees Celsius.
So whilst you won’t be sunbathing on the beach or taking a dip in the sea, the weather is still ideal for sightseeing and being out and about.
Another good point to bear in mind for a January visit is that this is the time when most shops hold their post-Christmas sales!
Barcelona In February
A visit to Barcelona in February has its pros and cons! It is the quietest month of the year in terms of tourism, but it is also the coldest.
There is a daily average of around 14 degrees Celsius and a nighttime low of 8 degrees Celsius. It can also be quite rainy, so be sure to pack your umbrella!
Barcelona In March
At the end of winter, things start warming up a little and the daily average temperature rises to 17 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius at night.
It can still be somewhat rainy, but sunny days are more likely as the month draws to a close.
This can be one of the best times of the year to visit, as spring is in the air but the crowds associated with the warmer months haven’t yet arrived.
The daylight hours are longer, too, giving you more time to explore all the sights the city has to offer.
Staying In Barcelona?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Barcelona.
Best hostel: Yeah Barcelona Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Casa Camper
Best luxury hotel: Hotel El Palace Barcelona
Things To Do In Barcelona In Winter
Whether you’re staying 2 days in Barcelona or even a week, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. After all, Barcelona is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Spain.
Visiting Barcelona in winter offers a lot of fun things to do like enjoying the Christmas markets or winter festivals.
Visit The City’s Famous Attractions
Barcelona is famous for the beautiful Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia, both designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi.
Covering more than 17 hectares, Parc Guell is one of the city’s largest green spaces and a fascinating place to visit, with tree-shaped columns, broken tile mosaics, and some of the best views of Barcelona you will find anywhere.
The architectural marvel that is the Sagrada Familia is a huge, unfinished Roman Catholic church with an incredible avant-garde design that has to be seen to be believed.
If you are visiting at Christmas time, then head to the Placa de Catalunya Square.
This area is turned into an open-air rink every year, which gives you the magical opportunity to twirl on the ice beneath twinkling Christmas lights.
Enjoy The Charming Christmas Markets
Barcelona has four annual Christmas markets, each of which is well worth a visit during your stay!
The newest of the markets is the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell, which is near the Columbus Monument in La Plaça del Portal de la Pau.
Starting on the first weekend in December and running to early January, it is open in the evenings on weekdays and from 10 am at weekends.
In addition to the typical Christmas fare, the market also has an old-fashioned carousel, a huge tree lit with LED lights and a big wheel.
The Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família takes place in the park right next to the basilica, giving you the chance to shop the market and visit the Sagrada Família all in one go!
Starting in late November and finishing just before Christmas Day, it is the ideal place to find Barcelona’s traditional winter snacks, including churros, baked sweet potatoes, and roasted chestnuts.
The Fira de Reis – located between Plaça de la Universitat and Carrer Comte Borell on Gran Via – is devoted mainly to selling gifts and children’s toys, although you can also get delicious hot chocolate here and fresh churros.
It starts on December 21st and finishes early in January.
The oldest market of them all is La Fira de Santa Llucia, which you can find in front of Barcelona Cathedral and which dates back to the 18th century.
Open from late November until just before Christmas Day, it is the perfect place to pick up handcrafted goods like jewelry, plus traditional Christmas decorations.
Visit Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló, located in the heart of Barcelona, is a true architectural gem that stands as a testament to the brilliance of Antoni Gaudí.
This iconic building is a masterpiece of Modernisme, characterized by its organic shapes, vibrant colors, and intricate details.
The undulating facade of Casa Batlló, adorned with colorful ceramic tiles and wrought-iron balconies, immediately captures the attention of anyone passing by.
Once inside, visitors are transported to a surreal world of imagination, as every room is meticulously designed with Gaudí’s unique style.
From the flowing lines of the staircase to the whimsical skylights that fill the interior with natural light, every element of Casa Batlló is a work of art.
A visit to this architectural marvel is not only a chance to admire Gaudí’s genius, but also an opportunity to delve into the history and culture of Barcelona, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
Indulge Yourself In The Thermal Baths
The hot baths and mineral waters in this region have been revered since Roman times for their medicinal qualities and there are plenty of places for the modern visitor to take advantage of them!
One of the most popular is the AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona – a restored Roman bathhouse with multiple baths, each with different temperatures.
Visit Europe’s Largest Football Stadium
The home of world-famous FC Barcelona, the Camp Nou stadium hosts the ‘Camp Nou Experience’, which gives you a behind-the-scenes tour of this legendary location.
You get to walk through the famous tunnel for yourself, plus see five European Cups and an area devoted to Leo Messi.
The sheer size of the stadium – capable of seating 100,000 fans – is staggering and the museum is filled with fascinating exhibits celebrating the club’s history over the last 100 years.
There are options to take a self-guided tour or go with a guide.
Attend A Winter Festival
Which festival you can visit will depend on your travel dates, but there are a few to choose from!
In January you have the Festa Major de Sant Antoni, which falls in the middle of the month.
This is a cultural festival dedicated to Sant Antoni, the Patron Saint of Animals, so you’ll find that lots of people bring along their pets to be blessed.
There are also processions, fireworks, bonfires, and a beer festival to enjoy, plus the Correfoc (Fire Run), with its huge papier-mâché beasts.
If your visit is in February, then check out Les Festes de Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona’s largest annual festival for children.
It is also known as the ‘La Laia’ festival, and a giantess called Laia is the highlight of the event!
There is also a fire run, a human tower, processions, concerts, and open-house events, largely designed for children. Les Festes de Santa Eulàlia is celebrated right across the city.
Other winter highlights include the visit from the Three Kings for Epiphany Day (January 6th) and the nearby Sitges carnival, which is usually held in February.
A huge and colorful event, this carnival can only be compared to Mardi Gras and is often described as the wildest winter fiesta in Spain!
Visit The Beaches
You may not be able to sunbathe on them, but this doesn’t mean that Barcelona’s beaches are not worth a visit in the winter months!
Whether you want to relax, or are looking for something a little more strenuous, you will find it at the beach, with activities like surfing, sailing, and paddle surfing on offer.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Barcelona During Winter
I hope that this guide has answered all your questions about what to do in Barcelona in winter and has shown you that this city has far more than lazy days on the beach to offer its visitors.
Whether you are seeking culture, festive celebrations, or incredible architecture, you will find it in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. You can read in more detail here about if we think Barcelona is worth visiting if you’re hesitating about booking that flight.
If you’re visiting on a budget, make sure to check out this guide to backpacking in Spain!
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