April is a really nice month in Barcelona. Spring is in full swing, temperatures are starting to get warm, and it’s not yet peak season.
This means fewer crowds to enjoy all the cool events happening in Barcelona in April, from comic conventions and Easter treats to tennis and one of the most beautiful traditions of the year.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite things to do in Barcelona in April to help you plan your trip. Keep reading for all the details!
🛤 Thinking about venturing outside the city?
Discover all the events going on in Catalonia in April, from skiing in the Pyrenees to enjoying a day (or two!) in Spain’s most visited theme park.
Is April a good time to visit Barcelona?
Absolutely! The weather is nice and it’s not peak tourist season, and that’s exactly why it’s a great time to visit Barcelona.
The queues to visit the most famous monuments are much shorter than in summer, the chances of snagging a table at popular restaurants and cafès are higher, and the prices for accommodations are more affordable than in peak season, so you can treat yourself to a nicer hotel!
Plus, the days are longer than in winter and temperatures are warmer, meaning you have plenty of time to explore your favourite spots and catch a beautiful sunset at the beach without freezing.
⚠️ Important!
Keep in mind that Apr 18 and Apr 21 are public holidays in Barcelona. So, you can find more people in the streets than usual, and some shops and restaurants are closed.
The weather in Barcelona in April
Although April is a fairly rainy month in Barcelona, it’s nothing like London or Bergen. April brings mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, so the weather is really nice for exploring the city.
🌡 Temperatures
Daytime highs average around 19ºC (67ºF), so there is no need for down jackets or thick jumpers. At night, it cools down to around 13ºC (55ºF), so having a jacket for evenings is a good idea.
If it’s sunny, you might even strip to a shirt at midday and enjoy a cold drink on an outdoor terrace. But mornings and evenings can still be cool, so we recommend packing layers for added warmth.
If you’re thinking about swimming, keep in mind that the sea is still cold in April, with an average temperature of 14.9ºC (58°F). Most people don’t pack their swimsuit, though you might be one of the few brave souls who give it a go anyway!
☔️ Rain
April is quite a rainy month in Barcelona. On average, it rains between 9 and 10 days, so we recommend taking an umbrella or a waterproof jacket and having a couple of indoor plans in mind!
☀️ Hours of light
In April, there are about 13 hours of sunlight every day, with sunrise around 7:13 am and sunset as late as 8:30 pm. This means longer days for exploring and the possibility of catching sunset after dinner (if you don’t follow the Catalan schedules 😆).
What to pack for a trip to Barcelona in April
👖 Clothing
The temperatures are mild and comfortable, but mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly. So, when packing, your luggage should have a bit of everything. During the day, a T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt paired with long pants or a skirt works perfectly. For those moments when it gets cooler, bring along a sweater and a lightweight coat.
We also recommend packing a water-resistant layer or lightweight rain jacket so you can keep exploring in case of unexpected rain.
As the days get longer and the sun gets stronger, don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen (reef-friendly!).
👟 Footwear
Regarding shoes, sneakers are a great option. Bring the appropriate footwear (hiking shoes or boots) if you plan to go hiking in or near Barcelona, like Montserrat.
What’s on in Barcelona in April
Catch indie gems at D’A Film Festival (27th March to 6th April)
April starts with a festival that cinephiles will love: the D’A Film Festival. The “D’A” in the festival’s name stands for d’autor (auteur cinema in Catalan) and celebrates the best in indie film and what’s next to come in the world of cinema.
So, expect plenty of fascinating, creative movies, more like Sundance than Hollywood productions.
Screenings happen across the city in cool venues like CCCB and Phenomena, and many films include English subtitles.
Dive into pop culture at Comic Barcelona (4th to 6th April)
If you’re into comics, anime, or cosplay, Comic Barcelona is your paradise.
Held at Fira Montjuïc, it’s the city’s biggest comic convention, with exhibitions, meet-and-greets with artists and writers, panels, cosplay contests, and stalls full of merch.
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, you’re set to have tons of fun and unleash your creativity!
Barcelona Beer Festival (11th to 13th April)
Craft beer lovers, this one’s for you. Head to Montjuïc to enjoy the Barcelona Beer Festival and try beers from local brewers and international faves, paired with delicious food.
There are also tastings, workshops, and competitions if you’re curious to learn more about brewing. Or just grab a pint and enjoy the good vibes.
Party under the sun with Brunch Electronik (12th April)
Who said you must spend the whole night out to enjoy great parties? For those who like to party in the sunshine, be in bed at 11 pm, and wake up fresh the next day, allow us to introduce you to Brunch Electronik!
This festival takes place on Sunday the 12th of April. You only need to book your ticket in advance, and love electronic music! Then, you’re ready to have a great time.
And the location? It’s always in Barcelona, but the place changes every time! It can be in the famous Poble Espanyol, a park in Les Corts, or an old beer factory. In April, it takes place in the neighbourhood Nou Barris.
Celebrate Easter like a local
Easter is a mix of religious tradition and amazing food in Barcelona. Whether you’re into cultural traditions or just here for the sweets (no judgment), here’s what to know:
⛪ Watch a traditional procession: In Barcelona, the La Burreta parade (in El Raval neighbourhood) on Palm Sunday and the Gothic Quarter’s Good Friday procession give a glimpse of local religious traditions.
🤤 Snack on Bunyols de Quaresma: These sugar-coated fritters are crispy on the outside and airy inside. You’ll find them in bakeries everywhere, and we warn you: they’re dangerously addictive!
🍰 Eat a Mona de Pasqua: These chocolate cakes are everywhere in April. The classic ones were made with hard-boiled eggs, but nowadays, all of them are edible masterpieces made from pure chocolate. Traditionally, godparents gift them to godchildren, but we say treat yourself.
Barcelona is home to numerous bakeries that excel in crafting traditional Easter treats like the Mona de Pasqua and Bunyols de Quaresma. Here are some top spots if you want to try them: Bomboneria Pons, Pastisseria Hofmann, L’Atelier, Pastisseria Oriol Carrió, Bubó, and Forn Mistral.
⚠️ Important!
Many shops close on Good Friday (18th April), Easter Sunday (20th), and Easter Monday (21st), so plan ahead!
Enjoy a tennis match at the Trofeu Conde de Godó (12th to 20th April)
If you’re a tennis fan, don’t miss the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at Reial Club de Tennis Barcelona from the 12th to the 20th of April.
It’s Spain’s oldest tennis tournament and a chance to see some of the world’s best players battle it out on clay courts. This year’s lineup includes Carlos Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud.
If you plan on going, get ready for a day (or more!) of top-class tennis matches, a festive atmosphere, and many people cheering!
Experience Barcelona’s most romantic day: Sant Jordi (23rd April)
This is our favourite day of the year to be in Barcelona! If there’s one day that turns the city into a storybook, it’s Sant Jordi. On April 23rd, the streets are lined with book and flower stalls, and the city fills with love.
But it’s not only a romantic celebration. Sant Jordi (Saint George) is Catalonia’s patron saint, and the celebration also coincides with World Book Day.
Tradition says men gift roses and women give books (though these days, everyone gifts everyone). Expect decorated balconies (make sure to pass by Casa Batlló!), author signings, and a contagious feel-good vibe all around. It’s basically Catalonia’s version of Valentine’s Day, but better.
Keep in mind that Sant Jordi isn’t an official holiday, but it surely feels like one!
If you’d like to know more about the tradition, what to expect and things to do, read our Sant Jordi guide.
Other cool plans to do in Barcelona in April
This was a roundup of some things to see and do this April. If you still have room on your itinerary, we’ve got even more ideas to help you enjoy Barcelona to the fullest. Check these out:
- Discover Barcelona differently: Skip the tourist bus! Grab a bike, inline skates, or even a paddleboard to explore the city from a fresh perspective.
- Unique things to do in Barcelona: Looking for something cool and out of the ordinary? We’ve got 22 unique ideas to spice up your trip.
And if you’re still searching for the perfect place to stay, check out our “Recommended hotels in Barcelona” guide.
Have you visited Barcelona in January before? We’d love to hear about your experience!
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