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Best time to visit Catalonia

The best time to visit Catalonia is when the wildflowers and fragrant herbs carpet the landscapes in May to early June. You'll miss the summer's furious heat and holidaying crowds, with the weather ideal for walking, cycling and sightseeing. There's winter sun here too though along the Mediterranean coast - while the mountains change from cool summer retreats to activity filled winter wonderlands.

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Best time to visit Catalonia

May-early June is the best time to visit Catalonia; spring brings carpets of flowers and the heady scent of wild herbs underfoot

Walkers and cyclists will appreciate the cool of late spring. Even in midsummer, the Mediterranean and Pyrenees provide refreshing breezes, meaning it is not as insufferable as arid Andalucia. Catalonia is also a fantastic place for winter sun, without the bitter cold of central Spain or the rainclouds of the northwest. Autumn too is pleasant, without the summer heat or crowds. The constant winds at this time are ideal for wind and kite surfers; rainfall can occur at any time, though, so do bring a waterproof.

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Barcelona Weather Chart

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Our Catalonia Holidays

When to visit Catalonia & when not to

January is one of the coldest months to visit the Pyrenees and inland areas of Catalonia but if you’re looking for winter sports you should be more than happy right through until mid-April. Closer to the Catalonian coast temperatures aren’t too bad and as February and March progress, walkers and cyclists will find crisp and clear conditions for getting out and about. April and May are ideal for walking holiday makers and city sightseers with the added bonus of fewer crowds at the beach if you fancy an afternoon dip. June is one of the best times to visit Catalonia if you’re looking for sunshine without the crowds however, as the summer holidays hit in July and August the heat can be unbearable and some cycling and walking tour ops will shut up shop and wait until the milder climes of September. October is without the crowds and also with a little less heat and a bit more wind and rain but don’t be put off, particularly if you’re a fan of kite surfing or wild and woolly strolls. A waterproof is advisable throughout the year in Catalonia, especially towards the end of the year as November and December signal the end of the autumn foliage and the start of the winter season.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Catalonia or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Responsible Travel recommends

Vivian, from our supplier Cycle Catalan, shares her best time to visit Catalonia:
“Personally speaking, the best time to visit Catalonia is late spring. May and June are absolutely fantastic, and September to early October. July and August can be very hot and August is very busy. To really enjoy a cycling and walking holiday, I would say that May in particular is lovely as we have so many wild flowers. That’s a really nice time for walking. We give people a flower factsheet and a wild flower book so that they can identify all the wildlife and flowers when they’re on their walks. We don’t actually offer walking holidays in July and August because it is so hot. But we do offer cycling from April to early November; most of the time it’s fine, but I would avoid an activity holiday in August if you can.”

Festivals & events in Catalonia

The human castles

Forget flamenco and bullfighting, cultural events here are uniquely Catalonian, and are growing in popularity. Castells are precarious human towers which can be as high as ten people – with a tiny child on top, holding four fingers in the air to represent the Catalan flag. UNESCO recognised the castells in 2010 as “intangible cultural heritage”, and you can see these terrifying towers at festivals throughout the region – particularly in Tarragona – from June to October. You’re also likely to come across sardanas, the Catalan dance performed in a circle at most local village fiestas throughout the summer months

More about Catalonia

Catalonia travel guide

Catalonia is one of Spain's greatest surprises, - the first one being the number of times you'll be told you're not "in Spain".

Catalonia map & highlights

Catalonia has culture-rich cities, sunny beaches, mountains, rivers for rafting and a whole landscape of extinct volcanic cones - all within just a few hours by road or train of each other.

Things to do in Catalonia

From mountains to Mediterranean, here are six of our favourite things to do in Catalonia - and with such a great variety, Barcelona didn't even make the list!

Catalonia cycling

Our cycling holidays in Catalonia travel guide reveals why Girona is could be coined the cycling capital of the world - and why so many professional cyclists relocate here.

Catalonia walking holidays

Catalonia walking holidays reveal stunning Balearic views on less visited stretches of the Costa Brava , head inland through national parks or into more hilly areas as you reach the Pyrenees.

Catalonia with kids

Sunny, within easy reach of the UK by land or air, and with practically endless fun activities and activities, on your doorstep, travelling in Catalonia with kids couldn't be easier.

Family cycling holidays in Catalonia

Many professional cyclists choose to call Catalonia home and with this kind of terrain it’s not hard to see why.

Avoiding the crowds in Barcelona

One of Europe’s most desirable and consequently busiest tourist destinations, the Catalonian capital Barcelona is beautiful, culturally rich and enjoys a lovely climate.

Overtourism in Barcelona

When it comes to the blight of overtourism, Barcelona is one of the most seriously affected destinations in Europe, and the pushback from local residents has been intense.

Countryside hotel in Catalonia

If you’re looking to get away from it all, and a chance to see the real Spain, then stay at a countryside hotel in Catalonia.

Catalonia travel advice

Our Catalonia travel advice has been gleaned from experts from across the region - including cycling specialists, Catalan speakers, accessible tourism groups and culture fiends.

Responsible tourism in Catalonia

There are plenty of champions of responsible tourism in Catalonia, only fitting for a region that prides itself on local produce, regional identity, and a real connection with land and sea.