Visiting Barcelona in August
It’s hot in the city…
By Duncan Rhodes 
Many residents flee Barcelona in August due to the sweltering temperatures and high influx of tourists… but those that stay – or arrive – will find plenty of things to do this summer, such as attending the epic Festa Major de Gracia!
You could accuse Barcelona of losing its local life in August, and converting itself into a full-scale tourist museum… but those accusations would be far wide of the mark. Sure, residents lucky enough to own a second home will no doubt decamp to the coast, or cooler territories inland, for much of summer, while some more staid shops and restaurants close their doors in August, but the vast majority of locals will be ‘stuck’ in the city – and there will be plenty going on to keep them occupied. The same of course goes for visitors, who will have a fantastic opportunity to attend some local fiestas, and can also enjoy some maritime tours and activities to help them keep cool (this isn’t the month to cram in 8 hours of city sightseeing a day!).
Cooling off in style!
Nightlife lovers are particularly well catered for in August, as the city’s street terraces will be alive with well-dressed drinkers and diners, Monday to Sunday, many of whom will make their way to the Port Olimpic later at night, where clubs like Pacha and Opium throw open their doors. Be warned though, if you want to party at sea you’ll have to move quickly to board one of the city’s legendary boat parties!
Before we get into specifics, let’s check the weather and answer some other frequently asked questions about visiting Barcelona in August.
What’s the Weather Like in August?
Before we continue, we answer all your weather-related questions…
Is it hot in Barcelona in August?
The average daily high during August is 29 degrees Celsius, but don’t be surprised if the mercury soars into the 30s. Given that Barcelona is a humid city, things do get a bit sticky around here this time of year. At night the daily low is 23 degrees, and short pants are the order of the evening.
What are the chances of rain?
Most sources agree that August has 5 rainy days, although bear in mind that means 5 days featuring precipitation… not five days where is rains non-stop. For the most part expect sunshine, squared.
What should I pack for August?
You will mostly want to wear short pants and t-shirts day and night, although gentlemen hoping to go clubbing might want to pack a light pair of chinos or light cotton trousers (long jeans are almost unwearable in August in Barcelona, and bouncers do relax the dress code for the most part). Sunscreen and aftersun are no brainers obviously, although you can pick them up at the supermarket or many corner stores, so no need for them to take up too much space in your luggage.
Festivals & Things To Do
Not sure what to do in Barcelona this August? Keep reading…
1. Attend the Festa Major de Gracia
Party like the locals during this free-to-attend street festival that is beloved by toddlers and teens, and parents and pensioners alike. Different streets compete to win the prize of the best-dressed pavements, following a mix of local and pop culture themes… so expect to find anything from grand nautical set pieces to bizarre homages to popular kids programmes, like Paw Patrol. Decorations aside, entertainment comes in the form of live music, DJs and pop-up bars, while you can also find parades, workshops and demonstrations of health-and-safety-defying Catalan traditions like castellers (human castles) and correfoc (fire runs). Just wander into the Gracia district between 15th and 21st August inclusive, and follow your nose to find the action.
2. Party on a Boat!
A great way to stay fresh in August is to sign up for a boat party, where cool sea breezes help keep the body temperature low. The BBQ parties that take place during the day all feature a swim stop, where you can cool off by jumping into the sea, while the evening parties focus on keeping punters cool by serving them plenty of beer and sangria. You can read about the various options on this page. If they sound like fun to you, best to grab your tickets ASAP because they tend to sell out a couple of weeks in advance.
3. Sea Kayaking on the Costa Brava
Arguably the very best way to stay fresh in August is to sign up for one of two kayaking day trips that leave Barcelona every day during summer. Your destination is the Costa Brava, or ‘Wild Coast’, a land of breathtakingly beautiful bays, craggy cliffs, sweet-scented pine forests and clear turquoise and emerald waters. You will take to the latter on a lightweight kayak, which is the perfect way to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast. The ocean spray and breeze will keep you fresh, not to mention the chance to slip out of your kayak and go for a swim – including in some of the sea caves you will encounter en route. There’s a 6 hour and 8 hour day trip. The latter offers you a bit more time in the water.
4. Visit Montserrat (+ Wine Tasting!)
Montserrat means ‘jagged mountain’ in Catalan, and the name of this stunning mountain range, some 40 miles north west of Barcelona is well-earned. It appears like a sleeping dragon in the distance, with a crest of spikes. Aside from being an area of stunning natural beauty, Montserrat is also home to a sacred abbey of Benedictine monks that dates back to medieval times and pilgrims from around the world make the journey to see the Black Madonna statuette kept there. Such is its allure, that Montserrat counts as Barcelona’s number 1 day trip, and a host of tour companies will take travellers there in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Arguably the best is this half-day tour (5 hours), which can be extended into a 7 hour tour with organic wine tasting and tapas lunch (just select the correct option on Get Your Guide). There are several great wine regions in the area of Montserrat, so this a good opportunity to combine two activities in one day!
5. Hit the Sands…
If you’re visiting in August, chances are you’re a beach person, and in Barcelona you’ve got plenty of patches of sand to choose from. From the legendary Barceloneta beach, which stretches from the W-Hotel down the Port Olimpic, to the slew of beaches on the northern side of the Port Olimpic, such as Nova Icaria, Bogatell and Marbella beach (which has a small nudist section), you won’t run out of space to put down a towel. After soaking up some rays, be sure to retire to one of the city’s relaxed chiringuitos for a smoothie or chilled cerveza. More beach options here.
6. Do Gaudi… But in the Evening!
If you don’t fancy hitting the city streets when the sun is hottest, then fret not… you can visit two of Gaudi’s most magnificent mansions by night instead! La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila) is famous for being constructed without a single straight line, and its undulating façade is one of the most sought-after sights in the city. During La Pedrera Night Experience you not only get a guided tour of the apartments, patios and attics, but you finish on the rooftop with a spectacular display of sound and light projected on the building’s iconic curves. The nearby Casa Batllo has it’s own nocturnal option: their Magic Nights tickets include both an evening tour of the edifice followed by a jazz or blues concert on the rooftop.
7. Visit An Art Museum
Get out of the sun and into a nice air-conditioned building this summer, by visiting one of Barcelona’s top-notch art museums. Pablo Picasso, Antoni Tapies and Joan Miro all have their own dedicated vaults in the Catalan capital, while you can enjoy medieval and 20th century art at the National Museum of Catalan Art, or more modern offerings at MACBA or the newly-opened Moco Museum. If you fancy a day trip you can even take the train to Figueres and visit the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum. Before you make your decision check out our guide to the best museums in town, and also which tourist cards can save you money.
8. Go Sailing…
Diving off starboard is definitely the best way to refresh yourself this time of year, and Barcelona Life work with the a fantastic sailing partner who offer really affordable private charters, with qualified captain. The price for a sporty 8-metre yacht is just €250, while its €350 for a 10-metre yacht and for €450 you can hire a premium 12-metre yacht! Not bad! Don’t have the money for a private trip, you can check our full range of sailing tours available in Barcelona here.
Luxury Motor Boat
If you can’t be fussed with the tugging of ropes and hoisting of jibs, you can book this gorgeous motor yacht via Fareharbor.com. The boat features sun deck, lounge and stocked mini-bar and you can bring your own additional drinks and music.
9. Pay Homage to August’s Namesake!
What could be more fitting that visiting Barcelona’s Temple of August (or what remains of it), during the month named after the Roman Emperor? Only four columns remain of what would have been a sizeable 37-metre-long place of worship, but given that they are close to 2,000 years old these remnants are still impressive – and free to visit. If you’re interested in Roman history, I’d highly suggest you visit the main branch of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), where you can see almost the entire layout of the ancient Roman town Barcino, which came to be today’s Barcelona. You can also read more on our full page article on the best museums in town.
10. Visit the Ice Bar
Ok, time to trump all my previous heat-beating suggestions…. Barcelona’s Ice Bar is conveniently situated on the beach and a drink in their subzero chamber will definitely stave off the heat stroke. They maintain a temperature of between -5 and -10 degrees Celsius in there! Tickets for the experience cost €19 and include a free drink (from a glass made of ice!), and protective clothes. Afterwards you can relax on their beachside terrace. Website here.
11. Make Your Own Espadrilles!
With summer in full swing you’re going to need some specialised footwear for the beach! The espadrille is Spain’s iconic sandal, first popularised by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso and still warn today by models and royalty alike. During this fun-lovin’ workshop in the Gothic Quarter you will fashion your own personalised pair of the sandals, in a style that suits you. The English-speaking artisans are very friendly, and will give you all the materials, advice and refreshments (including sparkling Cava!) you require. The class takes place daily at 10am, and costs €89 – not bad considering a pair of espadrilles usually costs more than that! Email us on info@barcelona-life.com to book.
12. Attend the Festa Major de Sants
Second only to the Festa Major de Gracia in terms of summer revelry, the Festa Major de Sants is another chance to attend one of Barcelona’s district parties. Expect decorated streets, DJs, workshops, live concerts, castellers and no shortage of boozing and carousing. Most of the action takes place in the streets just behind (west of) Sants Train Station, although there are also some stages in and around the Industrial Park.
13. Attend La Tomatina from Barcelona
One of Spain’s most legendary festivals, and surely the world’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina takes place at the end of August each year. You’ve no doubt seen the photos of folks dressed all in white, going at it with big juicy Spanish tomatoes, which are unloaded from the backs of lorries especially for the occasion. The action takes place in Buñol, a small town near Valencia, but you can attend easily enough by signing up for one of Stoke Travel’s trips from Barcelona. Choose between three days camping trip with open bar, brunch and everything else you need to enjoy the festival for just €210 in 2023… or do it as a day trip: in which case you jump on board their coach, party hard at the festival, and then sleep it off on the coach ride back. Price €95. Click on the link for full details.
Keep Reading…
This list you’ve found is but a small sample of epic things to do in the city, so check our full list to ensure you make the most of your stay in the sensational Catalan capital.
About the Author
Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.