Visiting Barcelona in July 2023

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July in Barcelona is an exciting time to visit. With hot, sunny weather, the city is ripe for visiting the beaches, Montjuic mountain, or having a sangria on a rooftop bar. As one of the most popular months to visit, Barcelona is a buzzing city with plenty of outdoor festivals, seaside events, and of course, cultural museums. As a Barcelona resident, I enjoy the endless sunshine and happy vibes bouncing throughout the city. In this post, we’ll talk about what to do, the weather in Barcelona, what to pack and extra travel tips on Barcelona in July!

Why you should visit Barcelona in July

  • Barcelona is ideal for outdoor activities like sailing, swimming, or cycling
  • It is definitely beach weather! Bring your swimsuit to sunbathe or take a dip in the sea.
  • Barcelona has an endless number of free cultural events like the Festa Major del Raval or the Festa Major de Poble Sec, where you can witness a correfoc (people dressed up as devils run with fire) or the gegants (people dressed as huge puppets)… and it’s FREE!

Barcelona weather in July

Barcelona is a beautiful city that offers a warm and sunny climate throughout the year. July is one of the most popular months to visit Barcelona, as it offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The average temperature in July is around 25°C, with highs reaching up to 32°C during the day and lows dropping down to 18°C at night. The city experiences very little rainfall in July, with an average of just 10mm over the course of the month. With an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to visit Barcelona in July!

Tips for dressing appropriately in July in Barcelona

It is humid in Barcelona in July. Choose light and airy fabrics to keep you cool. Personally, I stay away from jeans. Seriously, I put them away and pack them until late September. Opt for breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking fabrics as they allow your skin to breathe and keep you cool during hot summer days. It is hot and humid! Did I mention that yet?

Also choose bright colors that reflect the sun. Moreover, you can accessorize with a hat to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Locals are not big on wearing big, floppy sun hats. They save it for the beach. If you don’t want to be targeted as a tourist, wear a less conspicuous logo-less baseball-style cap or minimal fedora. The smaller the brim, the better! But of course…go with your own style. I’m not the fashion police. Read more about what to wear in the summer here!

Stay fashionable while staying cool during the summer months in Barcelona.

What to pack in July in Barcelona

  • Anti-theft purse <<– I have this one from Travelon. The zipper locks and gives me peace of mind when traveling on the bus or metro.
  • Short-sleeve shirts
  • Light jacket or sweater for evenings (just in case)
  • Skirt or dress if that’s your thing
  • If bringing pants, make sure the fabric is light
  • Bra
  • Undies
  • Socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Pajamas
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Travel adapter: The electrical outlets in Spain are different than in the US, so make sure to bring a travel adapter so you can charge your electronics.

What to do in July in Barcelona

Montjuic Open Air Cinema: TBD. At this 17th-century fortress, you can watch a film outdoors under the moonlight. Pack a blanket, snacks, and water with you as you watch a movie at Montjuic Castle. Live music turns up the crowd at 8:45pm. The flick starts at 10:00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Buy your tickets in advance because some movies have already sold out! Get your tickets here

Festival CruÏlla: July 6 – July 8, 2023. This fun music festival features Catalan music, Latin, rock and reggae music. Past festivals have included Placebo, Gwen Stefani, and Of Monsters and Men. A single day’s ticket price starts at 65 euros. The festival takes place at Parc del Fòrum. 

Gay Pride Barcelona: July 14-15, 2023. Gay Pride Barcelona celebrates diversity with a parade, music performances, and more. Barcelona is a fairly open-minded city, boasting its own gay district called “Gaixample” in Sant Antoni.  Check Pride BCN for more info.

Barcelona Beach Festival: CANCELLED IN 2023. It’s been 7 years that the BBF has been entertaining music lovers, so they’re trying to find a new location for 2024. It’s where world-famous DJs spin EDM, dance, house, techno tracks at the Platja del Fòrum and Parc de La Pau at Sant Adrià de Besòs. See the sad notice here.  

Grec Festival of Barcelona. TBD. It’s music, theater, dance, and circus events at this small open-air theatre in Montjuic, Antic Theater, El Molina, Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, Teatre Grec, MACBA, and across several venues in Barcelona. Stay tuned for program information!

Festa Major del Raval (Raval Neighborhood Festival). Mid-July-ish, TBD. In honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, this neighborhood festival is in the colorful and diverse neighborhood of Raval, which has parades, performances, gegants, and correfocs. Stay tuned here for updates!

Festa Major de Poble Sec. TBD. Traditionally a working-class neighborhood, Poble Sec has festival events around Plaça del Sortidor, Parc de Les Tres Xemenies, and Carrer Blai, and more. Celebrate with children’s activities, concerts, correfocs, DJs, castellers, open-air cinemas, and more.

What to eat in Barcelona in July

There aren’t any special foods to have during in July. But here are some ideas to keep you cool:

  1. Fartons are a funny name for a food that is light and delicious. These sweet pastries from Valencia are long pastries and is served well with the orxata. Try them both at Orxateria Sirvent!

    Yummy, light fartons. Yes, I can hear you snickering about the name
  2. Orxatapronounced the same as the common horchata, is a local drink made of tiger nuts. The nuts are soaked for over 12 hours, rinsed, then mashed up. Sugar and cinnamon are added to make a smooth milky drink. Try it Orxateria Sirvent.
  3. Granissat is a kind of like a slushy, a drink made of crushed ice, mixed with lemon or even coffee. Try a delicious granissat at Planelles Donat in Plaça del Angel or Tío Che in Poblenou.

    A soothing, creamy coffee granizado from Planelles Donat.

But what about seafood paella and patatas bravas? It’s all here – find more about what and where  to eat all year in my Barcelona food guide!

Travel tips for going to Barcelona in July

  1. As I mentioned, it’s hot in July. If you’re staying on the first floor of a hotel or Airbnb, I suggest you keep your windows closed. I say this because first floor apartments can be targets for petty theft. I don’t want to scare you. I just have random anecdotal evidence from living in Barcelona since 2008. Put on the air conditioner or the fan if they hotel has one. Read more safety tips here.
  2. Staying in a hotel closer to the sea will keep you cooler.
  3. Beware of pickpockets. They are around all year in Barcelona, but they seem to come out more during the crowded summer months.
  4. If you can, reserve your tickets ahead of time, for example, at the Sagrada Familia, where lines can wrap around the block. Read more about how to visit the grandiose Sagrada Familia here.

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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