Barcelona in May: Music Festivals, Soccer Games, & Beach Trips

This blog post was originally posted on April 15, 2015 and was updated on January 4, 2023.

If you’re still not sure when is the best time of year to visit Barcelona, let us tell you a little bit about why we love May. First of all, the weather is stunning. Then, consider the fact that there’s so much to see and do in the city this month that you’ll never be bored. And finally, while May is a popular month to visit, it doesn’t see nearly as many crowds as the summer months, making responsible travel in Barcelona a reality (you get to experience the city with fewer tourists, and locals have a much easier time going about their daily routine—it’s win-win!). If you’re still not convinced, here’s why you should definitely consider visiting Barcelona in May.

Weather in Barcelona in May

Good news: it’s pretty great. Expect balmy spring days with plenty of that famous Spanish sun—perfect for spending your days out and about. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in store.

• Temperatures mainly in the 60s Fahrenheit (16–20° Celsius), and occasionally reaching the low 70s (21–22° C)
• Lots of sunshine—be sure to bring sunscreen and a stylish pair of sunglasses to protect you from those rays!
• Only about five rainy days on average throughout the month, with the highest chance of precipitation in early May.

Now that you have an idea of the potential forecast, let’s round up some of our favorite things to do in Barcelona in May.

Best activities in Barcelona in May

Rock out at the Primavera Sound Music Festival

Many people who plan a visit to Barcelona in May do so in order to attend Spain’s most famous music festival, Primavera Sound. While the big event itself typically takes place at the end of May, the party atmosphere holds strong throughout Barcelona all month long.

Starting in mid-May, a number of related concerts will help set the tone for Primavera Sound throughout Barcelona. There’s even a special Mini Music Day for kids, so little music fans can take part in the fun, too. No matter what kind of music makes you want to dance, you’ll be sure to find it in some way, shape or form in Barcelona in May.

Wrap up the soccer season at Camp Nou

We’re pretty crazy about soccer here in Barcelona, which is probably understandable considering we’re the home of one of Spain’s most legendary teams. May marks the end of the season, so be sure to get out to Camp Nou if you can and catch FC Barcelona in action. Even if you can’t make it to a game itself, take advantage of the nice weather and visit the stadium—you’ll get a look at what makes this club so special, and cross one of the top stadium tours in Barcelona off your bucket list.

Watch a heart-stopping race at the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix

Believe it or not, though, it’s not all about soccer here in Barcelona in May. Springtime also sees thousands of fans descend on the city for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix, Catalonia’s premier racing event. The circuit is considered one of the best in Europe, attracting dozens of the sport’s top drivers every year, which makes it a can’t-miss event for fans as well.

Enjoy the beach

Barcelona is a beach lover’s dream come true, with kilometers of beaches lining the city’s sandy shores. May is the first month of the year when you can really enjoy the city’s fabulous beaches in all their glory, with perfect weather for sports, sunbathing and even swimming (particularly near the end of the month). And while Barceloneta is easily the most popular beach and the easiest to access from the city center, consider heading a bit more off the beaten path for a more pleasant experience with fewer crowds—we’re big fans of Bogatell Beach just a little ways down shore.

Get out of town and take a day trip

With such perfect weather in Barcelona in May, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity to get out and about. There are dozens of potential fabulous day trips from Barcelona, from hidden Costa Brava beaches to idyllic wineries and vineyards. If a colorful cultural event is more your speed, head out to nearby Girona for the annual flower festival, which sees the city center spring into bloom as beautiful floral gardens brighten up the town.