Without a doubt, April is one of the best times of year to visit Barcelona. The famous Spanish sun is out in full force, and so are the locals as they flock to outdoor terraces all over the city in any free moment they have. Not only is there so much going on this month, but being the tail end of low season, it’s also a great time to practice responsible travel in Barcelona and beat the tourist crowds that tend to flock here in the later spring and summer months. Here’s what to expect on your trip to Barcelona in April as far as weather, as well as several events you won’t want to miss.
Weather in Barcelona in April
We’ve already mentioned that April is one of the best times of year to visit the Catalan capital, and one reason why is quite simple: the weather is fantastic this time of year. Although it can be unpredictable at times, here’s a quick look at what to expect in general from Barcelona weather in April.
- Pleasant daytime temperatures between 53 and 68° Fahrenheit (11–20° Celsius) for most of April
- Plenty of sunshine—perfect for spending your day exploring the city
- Occasional light rain, especially in the early part of the month
And while it’s still a bit too cool to head to the beach for a swim in Barcelona in April, we’re always in favor of a springtime afternoon walk along the shore.
Now that you know what to expect weather-wise, here are the top activities and events you’ll want to add to your itinerary this month.
Best Activities in Barcelona in April
Explore the city’s parks
Who doesn’t love spending a fabulous spring day at the park? Luckily, there are dozens of gorgeous green parks and gardens in Barcelona just waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to get off the beaten path and lost in the maze at the city’s oldest preserved garden, or you’re in the mood for a relaxing picnic lunch in central Parc de la Ciutadella (we love getting our picnic food from the nearby Santa Caterina Market), there’s always something to do in these tranquil green spaces. Get out and enjoy the sunshine!
Celebrate Sant Jordi with books and flowers
Everyone knows about Valentine’s Day, but here in Catalonia, Cupid takes a backseat to Sant Jordi, or St. George. Every year on his feast day—April 23—Catalans show their love by exchanging gifts, usually roses and books.
But wait—why books? The reason is actually pretty fascinating. Two of the greatest literary minds in history—William Shakespeare and Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes (of Don Quijote fame)—both died on this date in 1616.
Even if you’re traveling without a significant other in tow, you can still take part in the fun. Local bookstores set up sidewalk stands throughout the city offering special deals, and famous authors have even been known to show up for book signings on this day.
Visit the south of Spain without leaving Barcelona
Yes, you read that right. The iconic Seville fair is far and away one of the top springtime events taking place in Spain, drawing more than 1 million people over the course of the week. If you’d like to get in on the fun but your travel plans don’t coincide, no worries—Barcelona throws its very own Feria de Abril every year as well.
Given the Catalan people’s proud cultural heritage, it might come as a surprise that one of the top things to do in Barcelona in April is so deeply tied to a very Spanish celebration. It all started in the early 1970s, when a group of Andalusian transplants in the Catalan capital decided to revive their favorite springtime tradition in their new home, and the Feria de Abril de Catalunya was born.
The event takes place at Parc del Forum and features everything we know and love about the Seville fair: the typical tents, or casetas; plenty of amusement park rides; and even the traditional alumbrado, or “lighting up” of the main gate to mark the official start of the fair.
Give back to the earth—and the local community
Here at Devour Barcelona, we’re all about respecting communities—both locally and on a global level. April is Earth Month, and while millions of people acknowledge Earth Day itself on the 22nd, Barcelona gets things started a bit earlier. Two weeks before the big day, locals take to the streets in the Nou Barris neighborhood to celebrate Fira per la Terra.
The event—”Earth Fair” in English—is aptly named given the fascinating array of activities and events that take place. You’ll see bustling outdoor market stalls proudly manned by local artisans, all of whom place an emphasis on creating environmentally friendly products. Additionally, organizations with various environment-focused missions will be around to provide information and educational opportunities. Street performances and activities for guests of all ages will add an artistic flair to the event, but everything is focused around one core value: protecting the earth.
Discover your new favorite movie at the D’A Film Festival
Cinephiles, this one’s for you. Each spring, Barcelona plays host to dozens of directors from all over the world showcasing their talents at the D’A Film Festival. Specializing in contemporary auteur cinema, the event screens films you won’t see anywhere else, and participants range from up-and-coming new talents to internationally established household names.
Entering its tenth edition, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. The films already confirmed as of early March include poignant, influential selections from all over the world that deal with key themes affecting modern society. Additionally, several fascinating panels and workshops will help you get the most out of each film in the lineup.
This blog post was originally posted on February 27, 2015 and was updated on January 4, 2023.
