Barcelona’s fall season brings mild temperatures, shorter days, and a noticeable shift from the heat of summer. Daytime highs gradually cool from the low 80s °F in September to the upper 50s °F by late November. Nights drop into the 40s and 50s.
Rain falls more often, and you’ll see more clouds, which gives the city a softer, quieter atmosphere compared to the bright, dry summer months.
You’ll probably notice the Mediterranean Sea cooling off pretty quickly during fall. Early in the season, the water feels great for swimming, but by late November, it’s much cooler.
Daylight shrinks by more than three hours between September and November. This change really affects how you plan your days and evenings in the city.
The weather shift changes what you pack and how you enjoy local events and festivals. With fewer crowds, cooler air, and a mix of sunny and overcast days, fall lets you explore comfortably and experience a different side of Barcelona.
Overview of Fall Weather in Barcelona
Fall in Barcelona brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and wetter, cloudier weather. Afternoons stay mild, evenings feel cooler, and daylight hours drop off as the season goes on.
Key Fall Weather Characteristics
During fall, daily high temperatures start in the low 80s °F (around 27°C) in early September and slide down to the upper 50s °F (around 15°C) by late November. Nights cool down more, with lows falling from the upper 60s °F (about 19°C) to the mid-40s °F (around 7°C).
Cloud cover builds up. You’ll see more clear skies in September, but by late October, overcast days become much more common. The chance of cloudy skies climbs from about 30% in early fall to more than 40% by November.
Daylight drops off quickly. Early September gives you over 13 hours of daylight. By late November, you get less than 9.5 hours. Evenings come earlier, so you really have to keep that in mind when planning things.
Temperature Ranges by Month
The season kicks off warm. In September, highs usually hit between 75–82°F (24–28°C) and lows stick around 65–68°F (18–20°C). The sea stays pleasant, often near 76°F (24°C).
By October, daytime highs average 68–73°F (20–23°C), and nights cool to 55–60°F (13–16°C). The sea cools too, dropping closer to 70°F (21°C).
In November, things get much cooler. Highs hover near 59–63°F (15–17°C), and lows often fall to 45–50°F (7–10°C). Water temperatures dip further, averaging near 61°F (16°C).
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Sea Temp °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 75–82 (24–28) | 65–68 (18–20) | ~76 (24) |
| October | 68–73 (20–23) | 55–60 (13–16) | ~70 (21) |
| November | 59–63 (15–17) | 45–50 (7–10) | ~61 (16) |
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rainfall in fall is moderate but steady. The chance of a rainy day stays close to 18% throughout the season, with October being a bit wetter. Average monthly rainfall is about 2 inches (50 mm), but totals swing from light showers to heavier storms.
Humidity drops as the season moves forward. Early September still feels muggy, with nearly half the days showing high humidity levels. By November, muggy days are rare, and the air feels much drier and cooler.
Winds shift too. Early fall often brings breezes from the south, but by late October and November, winds come more from the west. Average speeds stay light to moderate, between 7 and 8 mph, so walking and outdoor activities remain comfortable.
Month-by-Month Breakdown: September, October, November
Temperatures in Barcelona start off warm in September and slide into cooler, shorter days by November. Rain picks up in mid to late fall, while sea temperatures slowly drop, so you’ll probably skip the beach by the end of the season.
September Weather Details
September still feels like summer, though the heat isn’t as intense as August. Average daytime highs hit about 26°C (79°F), and nights cool to around 18°C (64°F). Humidity stays moderate, so evenings are pretty good for strolling the city.
Rainfall increases a bit, but it’s usually limited to short, scattered showers. Expect about 40–60 mm of rain for the month. Sunshine averages 7–8 hours a day, so you get plenty of daylight for outdoor plans.
The sea remains warm at about 25–26°C (77–79°F). It’s one of the best months for swimming, honestly. Beaches are less crowded than in peak summer, so you get more space to enjoy the coast. Light clothing works for the day, but a thin jacket helps at night.
October Weather Highlights
October brings a clear shift toward autumn. Daytime highs drop to about 22°C (72°F), while nighttime lows average 14°C (57°F). The air feels fresher, and sightseeing gets more comfortable without summer’s heat.
Rainfall peaks this month, with totals near 80–90 mm. October is the wettest month of the year. Showers can be heavy but usually move on fast. Carrying a small umbrella or light rain jacket is smart.
Sunshine drops to about 6 hours a day, but you’ll still catch plenty of bright days. The sea cools to around 22°C (72°F), which is still swimmable for some, though not as tempting as in September. Layers come in handy, as mornings and evenings can feel much cooler than midday.
November Weather Patterns
By November, Barcelona feels noticeably cooler. Average highs reach only 17°C (63°F), and lows dip to about 9–10°C (48–50°F). Days are shorter, and evenings often feel chilly, especially near the water.
Rainfall drops compared to October, averaging 50–60 mm, but showers still happen often. Sunshine averages 5 hours a day, so outdoor activities might be limited by earlier sunsets.
The sea temperature falls to around 18–19°C (64–66°F), which is too cold for most swimmers. You’ll want warmer clothing, like sweaters and a jacket, especially if you’re outside at night. November is better for exploring museums, neighborhoods, and indoor dining than for beach outings.
Daylight Hours, Sunshine, and Sea Temperature
During the fall months, daylight shortens quickly, sunshine hours decrease, and the Mediterranean Sea cools down. All this affects how much time you get for outdoor activities and whether swimming still sounds like a good idea.
Average Daily Sunshine in Fall
You’ll notice sunshine fading as autumn rolls on. Early September still brings long, bright days with plenty of clear or partly cloudy skies. By late November, clouds show up more, and direct sun hours drop.
On average, Barcelona gets about 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day in fall. September is the sunniest month, while November feels a bit gloomier. Late October brings more cloud cover, with roughly 40–45% of days being overcast or mostly cloudy.
Even with less sun, you still get enough daylight for outdoor sightseeing. Parks, beaches, and terraces stay pleasant early in the season, though evenings cool down faster.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight hours shrink quickly through the fall. In early September, the sun rises around 7:15 AM and sets close to 8:20 PM, giving you more than 13 hours of light.
By late November, sunrise shifts to about 7:50 AM and sunset happens near 5:20 PM, so you get less than 9.5 hours of daylight.
You’ll notice shorter afternoons and earlier evenings every week. Daylight shortens by about 17 minutes per week during fall.
The end of October brings the switch from daylight saving time to standard time, moving sunrise and sunset an hour earlier. If you want to make the most of the daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier as autumn moves along.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The Mediterranean Sea around Barcelona stays warm enough for swimming in early fall. In September, the average water temperature is about 76°F (24–25°C), which feels great for most swimmers.
By October, the sea cools to around 70°F (21°C). By November, it drops to about 61°F (16°C). At that point, swimming isn’t so appealing unless you love cold water.
If you want to hit the beach, September gives you the best mix of warm air, long daylight, and pleasant water. By mid to late fall, the sea is more for walking along the shore than swimming.
How Fall Weather Impacts Travel in Barcelona
Mild temperatures, shorter days, and occasional rain showers shape how you plan your time in Barcelona during fall. The season creates comfortable conditions for outdoor exploring, but you’ll want to stay flexible when rain or cooler evenings show up.
Best Activities for Mild Fall Days
When daytime highs reach the upper 60s to mid-70s °F (around 20–24°C), you can spend hours outside without sweating through your shirt. Walking tours through the Gothic Quarter or along Passeig de Grà cia get easier in cooler air.
Parks like Parc de la Ciutadella and Park Güell show off some colorful foliage. They’re great for picnics or snapping photos. Beaches stay accessible, though by late October, most folks skip swimming as the water cools.
Fall is grape harvest season in Catalonia. Wine tours to Penedès or Priorat let you taste local wines and enjoy countryside views. Cultural sites like the Sagrada FamÃlia and Casa Batlló are less crowded, so you can actually take your time exploring.
Evenings are perfect for dining outdoors. Many restaurants serve seasonal Catalan dishes like escudella (meat stew), or you might spot roasted chestnuts from street vendors. That crisp fall air makes these flavors even better.
Travel Tips for Rainy Days
Rain becomes more common in October and November, though showers are usually light or brief. Carry a compact umbrella or light waterproof jacket to stay comfortable. Streets can get slippery, so shoes with good grip help if you’re walking a lot.
Indoor attractions are a safe bet when the weather turns. The Picasso Museum, Moco Museum, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya let you explore art and history without worrying about the rain.
Shopping centers like L’Illa Diagonal or El Corte Inglés offer shelter and a chance to browse local and international brands. Cafés in neighborhoods like El Born or Grà cia are cozy spots to wait out showers with a coffee or hot chocolate.
Even if rain interrupts your plans, public transport keeps running smoothly. Metro and bus routes cover most of the city, so you can adjust your plans without losing much time.
Crowds and Tourism Trends
Tourist numbers drop off after the summer rush, so fall feels a lot calmer. You’ll notice shorter lines at big landmarks like Sagrada FamÃlia and Park Güell, but you still need to book ahead to get in.
Hotels usually have more availability, and prices tend to be lower than in July or August. This gives you more flexibility when picking a place to stay near the action.
Events like La Castanyada in late October and the Barcelona Jazz Festival in November attract both locals and visitors, but they don’t overwhelm the city. These gatherings add cultural flavor without causing big crowds.
Public spaces like Las Ramblas stay lively but feel less packed, so strolling is more relaxed. Overall, fall travel in Barcelona balances cultural activity with manageable visitor numbers, giving you room to enjoy the city at a slower, easier pace.
What to Pack and Wear for Barcelona’s Fall
Barcelona’s fall afternoons feel mild, but the evenings cool down quickly. You’ll want clothes you can layer without much fuss.
Expect to walk on old cobblestone streets, relax in sunny plazas, and maybe get caught by a chilly breeze near the sea.
Essential Clothing for Changing Temperatures
Daytime highs usually hit the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C). Nights dip into the 50s °F (10–15 °C).
Pack lightweight tops—think cotton t-shirts, tank tops, or blouses—for those warm afternoons. Pair them with jeans, shorts, or linen pants so you stay comfortable under the sun.
Toss in a couple of sweaters or cardigans for layering, especially if you’re coming in October or November. Evenings get chilly, and you’ll notice it.
A light jacket or windbreaker comes in handy for breezy nights. If you like sitting outside at cafés, you’ll appreciate having one.
A sundress or casual dress works well for daytime exploring. A scarf adds a bit of warmth at night and barely takes up space in your bag.
If you’re planning to visit churches or religious sites, bring something modest—covered shoulders go a long way.
Early fall still offers beach days, so pack a swimsuit. Heavy coats probably aren’t necessary, but a warm sweater can be a lifesaver once the sun drops.
Footwear and Accessories Advice
You’ll walk a ton in Barcelona. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are non-negotiable.
The Gothic Quarter’s uneven stones can be tough on your feet, so sturdy soles make a difference.
In early fall, sandals or flip flops still work for the beach or casual strolls.
A crossbody bag is a smart pick, since pickpockets target crowded spots. Go for one with a zipper and keep it close.
Barcelona stays sunny even in autumn, so don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for daytime.
A lightweight umbrella or compact rain jacket could help if you hit a rare shower, though rain doesn’t show up all that often.
Remember to pack socks for cooler nights and long walks.
Small touches like gold jewelry or a simple watch help you blend in with the local style, without drawing too much attention.
Local Fall Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Experiences
Barcelona’s fall brings out festivals, seasonal foods, and a mix of outdoor and indoor traditions. You’ll get a real taste of Catalan life, from lively street parties to quieter customs.
Major Autumn Festivals
Some of the city’s biggest celebrations happen in fall. La Mercè Festival lights up late September, honoring Barcelona’s patron saint.
You’ll catch parades, fireworks, live music, and those wild castellers—the human towers. Most events are free and spread across different neighborhoods.
October brings Oktoberfest Barcelona, where you can grab German beer, food, and enjoy live bands inside a massive tent.
If you’re up for a quick train ride, the Sitges Film Festival is a big deal for fans of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi films from all over the world.
By late October, the mood shifts with La Castanyada. Families eat roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets—tiny almond cakes.
This holiday lines up with All Saints’ Day on November 1, when locals visit cemeteries to remember loved ones.
Traditional Foods and Culinary Highlights
Autumn in Barcelona brings its own flavors. Chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets fill street stalls during La Castanyada.
Vendors roast chestnuts and serve them in paper cones, so you can snack while you wander.
Wine is a big part of the season too. The Penedès region nearby is famous for cava, and fall is harvest time. You can join a tasting tour or visit a vineyard.
Local restaurants highlight mushroom dishes in October and November, especially wild ones like rovellons.
If seafood is your thing, fall’s cooler weather is perfect for suquet de peix, a Catalan fish stew. Pair it with local red or sparkling wine and you’ve got a meal that feels both hearty and very Catalan.
Outdoor and Indoor Activities
Cooler fall temperatures make sightseeing so much more comfortable. You can wander through Park Güell or hike up to Montjuïc without sweating through your shirt.
The city beaches still feel nice for a stroll, even if nobody’s really swimming by November.
Sports fans get to watch FC Barcelona play at Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys while Camp Nou gets a makeover. The atmosphere feels electric, and fall matches always seem to pull in the crowds.
If you’d rather stay indoors, museums like the Picasso Museum or the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya usually have fewer visitors in the fall. Architecture lovers can join 48H Open House Barcelona, an event that lets the public explore buildings that are usually off-limits.