Barcelona Weather in May
Barcelona in May sees pleasant temperatures, with highs around 21°C (70°F) and overnight lows of 14°C (57°F). Overall perfect conditions make it one of the better months to visit.
Rainfall in Barcelona in May
Past climate data indicates that roughly 11 days will see rain, totalling around 48 mm (1.9 in) for the month. Expect a fairly normal spread of rainfall this month, with no particular pattern of very heavy or very persistent showers.
Temperature in Barcelona in May
May is a good time to be in Barcelona. Days are perfect, reaching 21°C (70°F), with nights around 14°C (57°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. At 14°C (57°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in Barcelona in May
There are approximately 245 hours of sunshine this month, resulting in mostly clear days.
Wind Speed in Barcelona in May
May sees wind speeds averaging 3 m/s (6 knots). You'll typically experience pleasant light breezes that move leaves slightly and feel refreshing. As an average, expect variation from very calm days to periods with more apparent air movement.
Average water temperature in May
The water is 16°C (61°F) this month — cool enough to feel refreshing on a warm day, but cold enough that most people won't stay in for long without a wetsuit.So this is a great month to visit if you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Spain, check out our Barcelona's climate page.
Barcelona Temperature in May
Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Water Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
36%
Precipitation
48 mm (1.9 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
72%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
245 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Barcelona typically rise from around 20°C (68°F) at the start of May to approximately 23°C (73°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Barcelona in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Barcelona spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Barcelona historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Barcelona from 1976 through 2026.
- The warmest day in May was on May 31, 2003, with a maximum of 32°C (90°F).
- On May 6, 1985, Barcelona saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 11°C (52°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was 3°C (37°F) (May 2, 1978).
Best Places in Spain in May
Find out more about the weather in Spain and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Spain in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Barcelona in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. The water temperature sits at about 16°C (61°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Barcelona in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Spain, check out our Barcelona's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Barcelona climate overview or explore weather in Spain.
