Barcelona Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Barcelona experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 644 mm (25 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Barcelona, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, October, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 98 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 11 rainy days.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 22°C (72°F). The city receives 178 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Barcelona Temperature page.

Barcelona's average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Barcelona's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Barcelona Climate page.