Barcelona in August: what to see this month

You could blame Barcelona to lose its local life in August and transformed into a large-scale tourist museum.

However, this is not entirely true.

As well as time on the beach, there's plenty to do in Barcelona in August.

I invite you to discover the city during this warm month of the year!

Barcelona in August: article summary

Barcelona in August: what's the weather like in August?

The average daily maximum in August is of 29 degrees Celsiusbut don't be surprised if the mercury rises above 30. Given that Barcelona is a humid city, the atmosphere seems a little tropical at this time of year. At night, the minimum is 23 degrees and short pants and shorts are the order of the day.

Barcelona in August: what should I pack for August?

I advise you to bring short pants and T-shirts. Even at night, you'll dress lightly. However, if you want to spend your evenings in a nightclub, you may want to wear something more chic.

You can pack light cotton pants and a shirt. Also take a tube of sun cream. The midday sun shines very brightly at this time of year, and you could easily get sunburned.

Barcelona in August: attend the Festa Major de Gracia

If you want to party in August, I suggest you start by going to the Festa Major de Gracia. This free street festival is appreciated by people of all ages. Different streets compete for the prize for best-dressed sidewalks, following a mix of local and pop culture themes.

In addition to the decorations, entertainment comes in the form of live music, DJs and ephemeral bars, while you can also find parades, workshops and shows linked to Catalan tradition challenging the health and safety of participants.

This festival takes place in the Gracia district between August 15 and 21 inclusive. To find the most important places, I advise you to follow your nose. Indeed, many traditional dishes are prepared for tourists and locals wishing to enjoy this outing.

Barcelona in August: party on a boat!

A great way to spend August evenings in Barcelona is to sign up for a boat party, where cool sea breezes help keep body temperatures down. Activities include a barbecue outing during the day with a swim stop, where you can cool off by jumping into the sea.

In the evening, you can celebrate with a glass of beer or sangria. Very popular, a trip out to sea on a private boat is an activity I advise you to book. Everyone wants to enjoy this unique moment, and it's possible that you won't find a place when you're in town.

Visit Montserrat

Montserrat means "jagged mountain" in Catalan, and the name of this magnificent mountain range, a few kilometers northwest of Barcelona, is well deserved. It appears like a sleeping dragon in the distance, with a crest of spikes.

Montserrat is home to a sacred abbey of Benedictine monks dating back to medieval times. Pilgrims from all over the world make the journey to see the statuette of the Black Madonna preserved there.

Montserrat counts as one of the most beautiful excursions to make when you're in Barcelona, and you can also enjoy a moment of organic wine tasting and tapas. There are several major wine-growing areas in the Montserrat region, so it's a great opportunity to combine two activities in one day!

Barcelona in August: visit an art museum

If the days get too hot, I suggest you visit one of Barcelona's museums. Pablo Picasso, Antoni Tapies and Joan Miro all have their own dedicated exhibitions in the Catalan capital, while you can admire medieval and XXᵉ century art at the National Museum of Catalan Artor more modern venues in the MACBA or the new Moco Museum.

If you fancy a day trip, you can even take the train to Figueres and visit the Salvador Dali Museum. A great way to escape the summer heat while enjoying the marvels left by the artists of the time.

Barcelona in August: visit the ice bar

The Ice Bar of Barcelona is ideally located on the beach, and a drink in their sub-zero room will certainly prevent heatstroke. They maintain a temperature of between - 5 and - 10 degrees Celsius!

Tickets for the experience cost €16.50 and include a complimentary drink in a glass of ice. Afterwards, you can relax on their beachside terrace. If you'd like to find out more, take a look at the article I wrote on the subject.

Make your own espadrilles!

The espadrille is the emblematic sandal of Spain, first popularized by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, and still used today by models and royalty. During this workshop in the Gothic Quarter, you'll make your own personalized pair of sandals.

The craftsmen on site are very friendly and will give you all the materials, advice and refreshments you need to make a success of this activity. The course takes place every day at 9 am and costs €79.

Barcelona in August: attend the Festa Major de Sants

Immediately after the Festa Major de Gracia, I recommend you head for the Festa Major de Sants. Expect street decorations, DJs, workshops, concerts, music and more. castellers and a healthy dose of celebration.

To enjoy the festivities, you'll need to head for one of the city's most popular streets. It lies to the west of the Sants train station.

August is a special time to visit Barcelona. If you're there, you can also enjoy the various beaches of the Costa Brava. You can also take the time to sample some delicious typical Spanish bites. What's more spend a pleasant moment with your family.