Planning to visit Barcelona in October or November? This is one of the best times to be in the Catalan capital!
During Barcelona in autumn, temperatures are cool, the sun is generally still out, and the city is still lively with events and things to do. Plus, there is something about Barcelona’s fall glow that makes it so dreamy.
If you are looking for cooler weather compared to the summer heat and still want to enjoy everything that Barcelona has to offer, here’s your fall-themed guide to visiting Barcelona in November or October.
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How is the weather in Barcelona in October & November?
Fall makes its way to Barcelona at the end of September. Usually around a week or two after the official first day of fall, the temperature begins to drop and you’ll find the weather in Barcelona to be quite pleasant.
October and November in Barcelona is the rainiest time of the year, but it is usually not anything to worry about. It might drizzle here and there and be a little gloomy.
Barcelona October weather: October brings on windier, cooler weather. The weather averages between 26°C/78°F to 13°C/ 55°F. Usually the day is comfortable and sunny and the nights are much more crisp and breezy.
A typical October day could see a high of 22°C and a low 14°C (72°F to 57°F).
Barcelona November weather: Barcelona in November will bring on cooler and more cloudy weather than October, but days of sunshine are still normal. The weather in November can usually go between 8°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F).
A typical November day in Barcelona could have a high of 17° and a low of 10°C (63°F to 50°F).
What to Wear in Barcelona in November/October
What to wear in Barcelona can vary month to month, but the main idea is to think in layers for fall. Dress for maximum comfort, warmth, and style. When the sun is out, it might be too hot for a jacket or cardigan, so try to wear something you’ll be comfortable in without the extra layer. A scarf usually helps complete a look.
Barcelona October Outfits
First, let’s look at October. Here’s what to wear in Barcelona in October.
Outfit Option 1:
- Cardigan
- Short sleeved shirt
- Light scarf
- Jeans
- Sneakers
Outfit Option 2:
- Light jacket (something like this) or rain coat
- Light long-sleeved shirt
- Skirt with/without tights depending on weather
- Booties (I love these ones for a cool Barcelona outfit)
Bring both sets of outfits and mix and match to make an easy capsule wardrobe that fits in a carry-on suitcase.
Barcelona November Outfits
Now, let’s look at November, which is a bit colder than the previous month. Here’s what to wear in Barcelona in November to stay warm and comfortable.
Outfit Option 1:
- Puffer jacket
- Sweater dress
- Tights or leggings
- booties
- Headband for ear warmth, optional (I prefer a soft, 100% wool like this)
Outfit Option 2:
- Coat
- Turtleneck sweater or light long sleeve depending on weather
- Jeans
- Sneakers
- Scarf to cover ears or give extra warmth
Bonus tip: You’ll see locals really bundling up. It seems Catalans prefer to dress by month and not necessarily by weather. If you want to really fit in, wear a long puffer coat, boots, and a scarf when it’s sunny and 65 (20°C). LOL.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
One of the hardest parts about planning a trip to Barcelona is choosing where to stay. There are so many cool neighborhoods to choose from, but if you want to make the most of this itinerary travel guide, stay in either El Born, the Gothic Quarter, or at the bottom of Eixample close to Gran Via.
Here are some of the best hotels in Barcelona.
H10 Madison: Gorgeous 4-star hotel with a pool n the Gothic Quarter. The rooftop overlooks the Barcelona Cathedral. If you want to stay in an upscale boutique hotel in Barcelona, this is the one for your first trip!
Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona: A 3-star hotel also with a rooftop pool and city views right in the heart of El Born.
Pension Barcelona: Budget-friendly hotel option with cute balconies in a central location.
Hotel Lloret Ramblas: If you are set on being on La Rambla, these affordable rooms with balconies overlooking the street. Keep in mind you might have trouble sleeping at night because of noise.
Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace: Best hostel in BCN! It has hotel-like perks with its rooftop pool, ideal location, and breakfast but with the convenience of a cheap price if you don’t mind sharing a dorm room with others.
How to Get to Barcelona Airport to the City Center
There are a few different ways to get to Barcelona from the airport. I typically recommend taking the Aerobus. It’s cheap, efficient, and runs very frequently.
The Aerobus service runs every 5 to 10 minutes, and around every 30 minutes into the night. You can catch the Aerobus from both T1 and T2 terminals. You can get off at Plaça España, Universitat, or Plaça de Catalunya.
Check your hotel area and see which one will be best for you. You can get your ticket in advance or buy it at the bus stop. They accept cash and card. Get your ticket online here.
Other ways to get from the airport to Barcelona are by train and metro, taxi, or city bus number 46.
If going by RENFE train, you can get off at Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Clot which all have metro stops to get you to your final destination. You can buy tickets from the ticket machine at the airport.
Visiting Barcelona in October & November: Itinerary Planning
Most people spend about 4-5 days in Barcelona, which I have a whole separate guide on. For this guide, I’m helping you navigate your trip to Barcelona in autumn by giving you all the insider tips and recommendations.
You can see my 4 days in Barcelona guide for how to best plan out your days, regardless of the season. Then, come back here for some specifics for traveling in October or November.
Passeig de Gràcia
Barcelona’s famous shopping street is full of luxury and high street brands. But, while you should definitely do some shopping while visiting Barcelona in November, this street is also home to two of the most famous Antonio Gaudi buildings – Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Casa Batlló has a quirky, colorful facade with mask-shaped balconies. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stop during a day in Barcelona. I’ve actually never been inside, so I can’t attest to its greatness from within.
However, just a few blocks up you’ll find La Pedrera. If you have time during your Barcelona vacation, then I recommend buying a ticket to visit this once-residence. The rooftop is AMAZING with odd chimneys and a great view of the city.
From the top, you will have pretty views of Passeig de Gràcia and the fallen leaves that greet Barcelona in autumn.
Churros
Churros are a big deal here in Barcelona, especially when the temperature starts to drop from October through the Christmas season. Locals and tourists alike will queue up for delicious deep-fried dough and chocolate sauce!
Neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and Raval are home to several of the city’s best xurrerias.
Granja M. Viader is a classic choice nestled in the Raval neighborhood. It flaunts an old cafe style with seating options and a traditional aesthetic.
Located on a quaint street, arrive early in the evening to Xurreria Dels Bans Nous because the queue gets long, but the wait will be well worth it when you receive those perfect churros and extra thick hot chocolate. However, there are several more xurrerias along this street. 🙂
There’s also an unassuming place for churros in Gracia. It’s called Xurreria Trebol and it’s right off the Diagonal metro at the very bottom of Gracia.
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is beautiful no matter what season you visit. This is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona; it’s a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Construction on this quirky cathedral began in 1882 and (surprise, surprise) it’s still not finished. It’s actually one of the most famous unfinished buildings globally. It’s expected to be completed by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. However, it was supposed to be completed several times before that, so who knows!
Either way, living in Barcelona for 5 years, it’s been interesting to watch it develop over time.
So, I recommend this La Sagrada Familia tour. You’ll see this cathedral in all of its brilliance with fast-track access (otherwise you might be stuck in a long, long line.)
The tour is also packed full of interesting history about the building, its lovely stained glass windows, and Antoni Gaudi himself (the mastermind behind La Sagrada Familia and a handful of Barcelona’s most famous places.)
It’s 1.5 hours, so if you make this your first stop of the day and book well in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy other activities during the day.
Ayre Hotel Rosellón
Go out for rooftop drinks at Ayre Hotel Rosellón while the sun is still out. Since the rooftop is open-air, make sure you’ll be warm enough. The weather is usually nice enough in October or November for a cute sweater or a light jacket and scarf.
Anywho, this hotel has a rooftop bar with INCREDIBLE views overlooking La Sagrada Familia.
Just walk in and take the elevator up to the top floor and you’ll quickly find the bar. Order a glass of cava, Spain’s favorite sparkling wine, and settle in with majestic cityscape views.
The prices are a little high, but it’s worth it for one drink and those iconic views.
Gracia
This is one of the coolest neighborhoods, or barrios, in Barcelona! Personally, I think it’s a favorite of mine to explore during October or November in Barcelona.
It’s calm, full of plazas, great cafes with excellent coffee, and the delicious Xurreria Trebol for a churro on the go.
Plus, at the very top of Gracia, you’ll find Park Guell. This park is a gem for tourists and locals alike. If you are looking for scenic autumn views of Barcelona, nature walks, and a chance to see MORE Gaudi architecture like his gingerbread houses and the colorful mosaic benches, then this park should definitely be part of your itinerary.
Grab tickets to the Park Guell in advance! Even though you are visiting Barcelona in October/November, you’ll need a reservation to see the paid parts of the park (nearly all the Gaudi stuff).
Chestnuts to celebrate La Castanyada
Catalans don’t really celebrate Halloween but they do celebrate La Castanyada. It’s one of Catalonia’s most famous festivals and, like Halloween, it’s celebrated every year on October 31st into All Saint’s Day (November 1st).
La Castanyada (Chestnut Time) is a tradition made up of munching on freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets, a small almond and sugar sweet of different flavors like pine nuts, almonds, chocolate, coconut, etc. Catalans enjoy family time while munching on these treats with sweet wine.
To enjoy this season when visiting Barcelona in October and November, keep your eyes peeled for chestnut vendors set up throughout the city. Here you can buy freshly roasted chestnuts and potatoes to munch on while you explore the city.
Even if you visit Barcelona in November, you should still be able to see these vendors set up throughout various busy streets of the city.
Museums
Barcelona is home to numerous small and large museums, so take the opportunity to explore one or two during your visit to Barcelona in autumn.
Here are some of the best museums to visit:
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Probably the most beautiful museum, filled with Catalan art and set on a hill in the picturesque Plaça d’Espanya. If you’d like a guided tour, you can book that in advance here.
MACBA: A contemporary art museum set behind one of the top skateboarding spots in the city. It has a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits. Located in Raval.
CCCB: Right next to MACBA, the CCCB is a personal favorite of mine. They have ever-changing exhibitions. I’ve seen some really cool exhibits here focusing on people like Andy Warhol and Stanley Kubrick. It’s always changing so check the calendar for events during your visit. Located in Raval.
MOCO Museum: A trendy, independent museum with contemporary art, unique displays, allusions, and more. Located in El Born. Grab your tickets in advance here!
Picasso Museum: Not my favorite, but a popular option. It’s a lot of Picasso’s older works in a historic building in El Born.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood. It’s a maze of winding streets, old-world architecture, tucked-away plazas, the gorgeous Barcelona Cathedral, and unique experiences.
This Gothic Quarter guided walking tour is an excellent option for learning more about the city. For something later in the evening and perfect for Barcelona in October, try this Barcelona ghost tour.
I highly recommend doing a guided tour of the neighborhood because the Gothic Quarter can get confusing with all its winding pathways.
After a walking tour, stop for a drink somewhere. Here are a few recommendations:
- Bar Manchester: Grungy British vibe with rock music
- Ocaña: Set in Plaça Real with cocktails and live music
- Bar Oviso: Laidback/eclectic with faux-ancient murals
- Craft Barcelona: Craft beer bar right off Placa Sant Jaume
Tostaderos Bon Mercat
If there is only one place you stop for coffee in Barcelona this fall, let it be Tostaderos Bon Mercat. It’s a locally owned, Catalan coffee bar where they roast their own beans – which you can buy as a very aromatic and delicious souvenir. Ugh – I can smell their coffee just writing this.
Order a cortado or a cappuccino, settle in at the bar or one of their very few tables and enjoy the smells, the atmosphere, and the friendly energy of the women who work there.
Just next door is a history museum with a mini La Centrale bookstore next to it. There is a tiny English section just up the stairs.
La Boqueria Market
Right off La Rambla, the famous tourist street in Barcelona, is an amazing local market. Here you can find fresh seafood, fruit, smoothie drinks, tapas, and more.
It’s a cool experience to wander through the market and admire all the different foods. La Boqueria is open every day (except Sunday) until 8:30 p.m.
Bunkers
This part of the city remains from the Spanish Civil War offering panoramic views and a great addition to an itinerary for couples. It’s popular during evenings, even in October and November.
What makes it unique is how it gets filled with locals during the evenings. People bring wine, beer, cheese, and baguettes and just enjoy the simplicity of this somewhat abandoned space.
To get there from Gracia, you can take the 22 bus to the last stop (Pl Mitja Lluna). Pull up Google Maps and see the current best route to Bunkers El Carmen. There is a bus stop on Gran de Gràcia near Sabadell Bank.
Otherwise, here’s a great round-up of how to get to Bunkers.
Bar Marsella
Barcelona’s oldest bar is a must-see when you visit Barcelona in November or October. It has a spooky feel to it, that’s perfect for a fall trip. Definitely add Bar Marsella to your itinerary! Oh, it’s also a hot spot for absinthe.
The wallpaper, the floor, the bathroom with the broken window, the dusty bottles on the walls – nothing has changed. It was only a couple of years ago that they even got a card machine. There’s no music but the place fills up with chattering guests and you can’t help but feel like you have traveled back in time when Picasso, Hemingway, Gaudi, and other artists used to hangout here.
Cooking Class/Food Tour
With the cooler weather, I highly recommend doing a cooking class or food tour in Barcelona. Learn more about Spanish/Catalan cuisine, try an assortment of tapas, vermut (perhaps Catalunya’s favorite alcoholic beverage), and impress your friends after you return from your Barcelona trip.
BEST Barcelona Food Tour: This is my recommendation for a food tour in BCN. You’ll get to try different tapas, wine, and vermut.
Paella Cooking Class & La Boqueria: Learn how to make an authentic paella and get an exclusive tour of La Boqueria.
Oktoberfest
If you are visiting Barcelona in October, you’ll likely have a chance to enjoy a weekend of Barcelona Oktoberfest!
It’s usually taking place for most of the month of October, and is open from Thursday to Sunday the weeks it’s on. See the calendar here to plan your trip to Oktoberfest in Barcelona.
It’s free to enter before 5 p.m. on the weekends. Otherwise it’s €5. The event is hosted in a great area as well. Find it in Plaza Universo at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc (next to Plaça d’Espanya).
Plaça d'Espanya
This is a lively area to explore during your Barcelona itinerary. It’s a big car-filled roundabout with a sculpture at its center and lots of unique places surrounding it. Here you can see the Arenas de Barcelona on one side, which has a free-to-visit rooftop balcony with sweeping views.
Otherwise, continue toward the lovely Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the fountains in front of it. There are steps and escalators that lead up to the hilltop building.
From there, you can tour the building – it’s historic and the art is top-notch, or you can simply take in the view from the top of the steps. If you go around the corner (left if you are facing the building), you will find more stunning cityscape views and paths that lead into the parks of Montjuïc.
You’ll find a good Barcelona city viewpoint here (link to where it is on Google maps). If you visit Barcelona in November, you’ll have a nice autumn-colored view of the city.
Arc de Triomf
Another one of the best things to do in Barcelona is visit the Arc de Triomf. It’s very close to the Ciutadella Park, which can be lovely when exploring Barcelona in October/November.
Stop and get a photo in front of the Arc and then enjoy a wander or a picnic on a cool day in the city.
Barcelona Day Trips
If you are spending more than 3 days in Barcelona, I always recommend doing a day trip to another part of the region.
For Barcelona in November or October, I recommend places like Vic with its medieval centre or Girona for another city with a beautiful city centre and orange-hued roofs.
Coastal destinations like Sitges or a hike along Costa Brava are also fantastic options, though they are more popular during the summer season.
See my guide on the best Barcelona day trips by train for all the details.
Barcelona English Comedy
Escape the chilly breeze and get your laugh on at a Barcelona comedy show. The comedy scene in Barcelona is very active with shows practically every night.
English comedy shows are scattered across the city, so no matter if you want to stay near your accommodation in Barcelona, you’ll probably be able to find something!
Plus, this is a great way to meet other foreign locals and enjoy one of the best things to do in Barcelona during fall!
Check out my complete list of Barcelona’s best English comedy shows or go to English Comedy in Barcelona on Instagram for up to date shows.
FAQ
Here are some common questions I see when someone is planning a trip to Barcelona in autumn.
Is November a good time to visit Barcelona?
Absolutely! It can be chilly, but the city is so calm and enjoyable during this time of year. You don’t have to worry about the intense humidity and heat or the surplus of crowds.
Instead, you can enjoy the city at its calmest and be able to enjoy all the best Barcelona sites without the crowds.
Is Barcelona cold in November?
A little bit, but it depends on what you’re used to. A typical November day in Barcelona could have a high of 17° and a low of 10°C (63°F to 50°F).
Is Barcelona rainy in fall?
October and November is the rainiest time of year. You can still experience some sunny days. However, it will rain more than it did in summer and the temperatures do drop at night.
