Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild, damp winters and hot, dry humid summers. January and February are the coldest months, averaging temperatures of 10 °C. July and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures of 30 °C. The highest recorded maximum temperature in the city itself is 38.6 °C. At the Fabra Observatory, on slopes of Tibidabo, the record summer temperature is 39.8 °C, in an area where the impact of the “heat island” effect is likely to be diminished. Average rainfall is 598.4 mm, most of which falls in spring and autumn. The city’s proximity to the Mediterranean ensures high humidity.
As is the wont of the Mediterranean , rain often comes down in buckets. This frequently leads to flooding along roads which follow the old paths of streams (Torrent de la Olla, Ramblas, etc.) and in underground car parks and metro stations.
Snow falls on average just over once a year, though it sticks less than one in every ten. The heaviest snowfall in living memory was on 25 December 1962.
Some average climate figures for Barcelona
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Precipitation (mm ) |
31 |
39 |
48 |
43 |
54 |
37 |
27 |
49 |
76 |
86 |
52 |
45 |
Average Temperature (min) |
6 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
14 |
18 |
21 |
21 |
19 |
15 |
11 |
8 |
Average Temperature (max) |
13 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
21 |
25 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
13 |