April is truly a transitional month in Barcelona: the highs range from 17.8°C at the beginning of the month to 19.3°C by the end. The average reaches 18.7°C, with 226 hours of sunshine, and the warming remains more moderate compared to the rest of the year relative to the 1991-2020 norm.
Temperatures, rain and sunshine: AEMET station 0076 (Barcelona Aeropuerto), 2016-2025 averages against the 1991-2020 normal. Sea: NOAA OISST, same period. Daylight runs from 12 hr 44 min to 14 hr 00 min across the month.
Early, Mid, or Late April?
The weather changes throughout the month. If you're deciding between several dates, here's what sets each period apart. Averages by decade over ten years, AEMET station 0076.
April 1st → 10th
17.8°C / 10°C, 10 mm of rain.
This is the coolest and driest period of the month, with 17.8°C during the day and ten millimeters of rain. The temperatures are reminiscent of March, but the days already exceed twelve and three-quarter hours.
April 11 to 20
19.1°C / 11.6°C, 22 mm of rain.
Temperatures quickly rise by one and a half degrees, but rain also becomes more frequent. This is the most unpredictable time of the month, where a lovely day on the terrace can easily be followed by a shower.
April 21 to 30
19.3°C / 12.4°C, 31 mm of rain.
This is the mildest period, with 19.3°C, but also the wettest: thirty-one millimeters, which is three times more than at the beginning of the month. Daylight lasts until 2:00 PM, and the evenings start to take on a true spring feel.
What to Pack in Your Suitcase
Essential
- A light jacket for the mornings, still around 11.4°C
- A compact umbrella: April has six rainy days and the end of the month is wetter
- Comfortable shoes to fully enjoy outdoor visits
- Sunglasses: April totals 226 hours of sunshine
What to Pack Anyway
- A sweater for the evenings, as the temperature difference between day and night is about seven degrees
- Something to cover your shoulders for the Sagrada Família and the cathedral
- No need to plan for swimming: the sea is at 15°C and remains cool
- A slightly dressier outfit if you're there on the 23rd, when Sant Jordi brings the streets to life
Between Showers
Three Great Ideas When the Sky Clouds Over
April sees 63 mm of rain over six days, with the end of the month being wetter than the beginning. It's a good idea to have some indoor activities planned to enjoy the city no matter the weather.
Under the Roofs
La Pedrera (Casa Milà)
Sheltered
CaixaForum Barcelona
Short
El Born CCM
On the Agenda
What to Do in Barcelona in April?
April is one of the most pleasant months to enjoy the streets of Barcelona. On April 23rd, Sant Jordi transforms the city with book and rose stalls: one of the most lively and endearing days of the year.
April or May?
May gains +3.5°C on the maximum temperatures, offers forty-five extra hours of sunshine, and receives half as much rain: 30 mm compared to 63. Weather-wise, May is more favorable, while April holds the advantage of generally lighter crowds.
| March | April | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 16.9°C | 18.7°C | 22.2°C |
| Minimum | 9.1°C | 11.4°C | 14.9°C |
| Sea | 13.7°C | 15°C | 17.8°C |
| Rain | 46 mm | 63 mm | 30 mm |
| Sunshine | 198 h | 226 h | 271 h |
| Rainy days | 5 | 6 | 5 |
April in the Year
With an average high of 18.7°C, April is right in the midst of spring's rise: four degrees warmer than January and still eleven degrees cooler than August.
Frequently Asked Questions About April in Barcelona
The weather is spring-like and quite variable: 18.7°C average high, 11.4°C at night, and 226 hours of sunshine. April also has six rainy days, with the end of the month generally being wetter.
Yes, a compact model is useful. April receives 63 mm of rain, and the last decade alone accounts for about half of the month's precipitation.
The sea is still cool, around 15°C. The beaches are perfect for a stroll or soaking up the sun, but swimming is best left to the more adventurous.
No, and that's precisely one of April's unique features: the highs range from 17.8°C in the first ten days to 19.3°C in the last, while the rainfall increases significantly. A visit at the beginning or end of the month can therefore offer a different atmosphere.
Yes, it's a great time to explore the city. The temperatures are mild enough to spend the day outside without the summer heat, although you should expect a few showers.