Updated Aug 31 2023
Thanks to the clock change overnight during the last weekend in March, in April the sun starts to set quite a lot later, which is always very welcome, as it allows you to enjoy longer evenings to walk round the city when it’s still light.
During April you’ll also see the colours of Barcelona changing somewhat, marking the arrival of spring, and this is especially apparent in all of Barcelona’s parks and gardens.
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Public holidays, events and things to do in April
IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals exhibition
Thematic exhibition to be confirmed
IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals
Which festivals, activities and events take place in Barcelona in April?
Diada de Sant Jordi (St George’s Day)
On 23rd April everyone in Catalonia celebrates the Sant Jordi’s day, who is the patron saint of the region. On this day it’s traditional for boys to buy their girlfriends a rose, and she in return will buy a book for him.
Over the years this custom of exchanging gifts has developed, so that it’s not just for couples but also for families and friends. It’s now common for boys to also buy a book for their girlfriends, as well as the traditional rose.
Although the festive atmosphere of the whole city changes on this day, it’s mainly centred around La Rambla, the Plaça de Catalunya (square), the Passeig de Gràcia and the Rambla de Catalunya, where the locals walk through the streets and stop at one of the many flower and book stalls, buying gifts for their loved ones.
23rd April.
Various streets within Barcelona.
€ Free of charge.
Easter Holidays in Barcelona
Depending on the year, it could be the case that Easter falls within April, and if so, we recommend that you visit the section in which we give detailed information on everything you need to know about celebrating Easter in Barcelona.
Barcelona’s April Fair (Feria d’Abril de Catalunya)
Due to the great immigration in the 1960s and 70s of people from Andalusia, Seville’s Feria de Abril is replicated on a smaller scale in Barcelona. The Fair is organised on the esplanade of the Parc del Fòrum and although it always takes place in April as its name suggests, the dates vary depending on when Easter falls, and the festivities can sometimes last until the beginning of May.
During the fair various stalls are set up, from which ‘sevillanas’ and other traditional Andalusian music can be heard throughout the day and well into the night. There are also bars, in which you can try all sorts of traditional Andalusian food, as well as a fun fair for the young and old alike.
If you decide to go to the fair, you’ll see ladies dressed in flamenco costume, and men wearing the short jackets that are typically Andalusian, and appropriate for attending the April Fair.
To be confirmed.
Parc del Fòrum.
€ Free of charge.
Tickets Online
Travel cardsAthletic Races in Barcelona
Two of Barcelona’s most popular races take place in April, but fortunately the dates don’t coincide. La Cursa de El Corte Inglés, free to enter and with the largest number of participants, takes place at the beginning of the month, whilst the Cursa de Bombers (Firemen’s Race), which you have to pay to enter, usually falls during the third week of April.
So if you’re sporty or just up for a challenge, why not sign up for one of them? It could be a good way to see the city in a different light!
To be confirmed.
Various locations around the city.
€ Free of charge (cursa Corte Inglés) / approx. €16 (cursa de Bombers).
Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell ATP (Conde de Godó Trophy)
Although its official name is now the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, the city’s most important tennis tournament is known by the more popular name of the Trofeig Conde Godó. From mid-April some of the world’s best tennis players take part in this clay court tournament, which lasts a couple of weeks.
Watching a good tennis match and enjoying a drink in the Godó ‘Village’ could be a really good chance to enjoy a different kind of event in the city.
To be confirmed.
Reial Club de Tenis, Barcelona.
€ Cost of entry ranges from €10 to €150.
Handmade Festival Barcelona
To be confirmed.
Fira de Barcelona – Montjuïc.
€ €8 / €10.
Barcelona World Press Photo
World Press Photo, or in other words, the International Photojournalism Exhibition, is exhibited every year for several weeks (between the months of April and May) in Barcelona. Specifically, it is held at the Contemporary Centre of Modern Art (CCCB), located in the heart of the Raval neighborhood.
There is so much interest in the exhibition that it is one of the most important exhibitions of the year in the city and one that attracts the most visitors.
To be confirmed.
CCCB.
€ €4 / €6 (free of charge on Sundays from 15:00 to 20:00).
worldpressphoto.org
Hotels and other accommodation in April in Barcelona
Transport and tourist cards
Online Discount
Temperature and weather in April in Barcelona
April’s minimum temperatures become much more pleasant, and the maximum temperatures can reach 20º or above, which will mean that you will be able to go out in short sleeves for much of the month, especially at the warmest times of the day. However, don’t rely completely on these statistics, because in the evenings it can still get chilly, and we recommend that you take a jumper or jacket with you.
Although statistically April isn’t one of the wettest months of the year, there’s a saying that says “en abril aguas mil”, the equivalent of our “April showers bring May flowers”. You have been warned! ;)
Climate statistics for April
Average maximum temperature: 17.8ºC.
Average minimum temperature: 8.4ºC.
Average temperature: 13ºC.
Average rainfall: 49mm.
Sunrise: 07:35 (1st April) – 06:50 (30th April).
Sunset: 20:16 (1st April) – 20:48 (30th April).
Advice, advantages and drawbacks
We think that April is a very good month in which to visit Barcelona, as the advantages greatly outweigh the small drawbacks that you might encounter if you decide to come to our city in this month.
Sant Jordi Day: If you are thinking of coming to Barcelona in April we recommend that you try to make your visit coincide with 23rd April, ‘Diada de Sant Jordi’ wherever possible. Although it’s not a public holiday as such, it’s one of the most anticipated and enjoyed celebrations for the locals.
The arrival of spring: Although it’s something you can do all year round, walking through Barcelona’s green open spaces is much more enjoyable in the spring. We recommend going to the Park de la Ciutadella, the Park de Cervantes, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta or any of the gardens within Montjuïc (Laribal, Joan Maragall, Teatre Grec, etc).
The bars’ outdoor terraces: At this time of year the outdoor terraces of Barcelona’s bars and restaurants start to fill up, so don’t hesitate in making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures, whilst having a drink or a meal in one of the many bars or restaurants with terraces.
Fewer tourists: If your visit to Barcelona doesn’t coincide with the Easter holidays, the amount of tourists in the city will be much fewer than in the coming summer months, as most will wait until the arrival of the hottest weather to be sure of the hottest temperatures and plenty of time on the city’s beaches.
Swimming in the sea is unlikely: Although the temperatures are much more pleasant in April, and especially at the end of the month, the possibility of swimming in the sea should still be reserved for the very bravest visitors, as the water temperatures of the sea will still be very cold, and the sea breeze that’s usually present will probably make swimming and sunbathing a little uncomfortable.
