Weather

The cliche "sunny Spain" holds true for Barcelona. The average monthly temperatures are nearly identical to that of San Jose, California.
The warmest month is August with an average high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) and an average low of 67 degrees (19). The coolest month is January with an average high of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and an average low of 40 degrees (4).

The months with the most rainy days are January and May with 11 days each. September and November follow with 10 apiece. The driest month is December with only two average days of rain. June and August both average three days of rain.

Special Events

March

Barcelona Marathon

April

Open SEAT Godo
ATP tennis championship

May

Formula One Grand Prix

June/July

Fest de Grec-Barcelona
International performing arts festival.

Oct/Nov

Festival Internacional de Jazz

Tourist Tips

Purchase a special card issued by the city's tourism board called simply "Barcelona Card" and receive free admission and heady discounts to 100 different popular venues. The card also entitles you to free public transportation. The card can be purchased with expirations of one to five days.

The tourism branch of the Barcelona government is the Tourisme de Barcelona. It lists is branch offices a being located in the following areas: The A and B airport terminals, Estacio de Sanys, Placa de Catalunya and Placa Sant Jaume.

Like any big European city Barcelona's tourist areas and mass transport are rife with pickpockets. Only carry what you can afford to lose. Keep your valuables locked in the safe in your hotel room or in the hotel's master safe. Photocopy your passport and use the copy for identification when making credit card purchases. Inquire at the hotel desk about the procedure. Hotels with greater emphasis on customer service will usually have a means of stamping the copy to vouch for its authenticity.

Money

Spain is a member of the Eurpean Union (EU) and thus recognizes the Euro as its official currency. Change your foreign money into euros at the bank for the best exchange rates.

Spanish, English and What?

That other language on city signs is Catalan. Catalonia is one of the ethnic regions of Spain. Barcelona is its capital. The people of Barcelona are in general very proud of their Catalan heritage and keep their native language alive. In fact, millions speak it and, like Spanish, it's an official language of Catalonia. Natives don't expect visitors to speak Catalan but they would prefer you at least make an attempt to learn a little Spanish. Of course, if you really want to make a good impression, learn a few words of Catalan.

Notice the difference between Catalan and Spanish phrases:
"Goodbye" in Catalan is "adeu" rather than "adios." "Placa" takes the place of "plaza" which is a town square. And "thank you" is "de res" not "de nada."