Are you wondering what to wear in Barcelona in May? Well, fear not, this Barcelona Packing List for Spring will cover everything that you need for the weather, sightseeing and more.
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Weather in Barcelona in May

Barcelona in May is one of my favorite times to visit this amazing Spanish city. Spring is in full bloom and has brought with it warm temperatures without the scorching temperatures of a Catalan summer.
In other words, May has the perfect sightseeing weather!
Note: the weather between months changes quite dramatically in Barcelona and between regions in Spain. Therefore if your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly:
- What to wear to Barcelona in June
- What to wear to Barcelona in April
And if you are traveling to other regions on your trip be sure to check out our other Spanish city and Spain guides:
How hot is Barcelona in May?
The average high temperature in May in Barcelona tends to be around 70s / c.24C and the low around 13C which for me is the perfect temperature for sightseeing.
As you would imagine the beginning of May is much cooler than towards the end of the month but is still great for those walking about the city.
Does it rain a lot in May in Barcelona?
Barcelona in May is actually a fairly dry month. May in fact only gets around 5 rainy days a month and the rain is more likely to be in showers than huge deluges so you don’t need to worry too much about waterproof wear on your May packing list.
What to Wear in Barcelona in May
Best Shoes for Barcelona in May

Sneakers
As the weather starts to warm in Barcelona in May I would definitely ditch the boots from your packing list and replace them with a trusty pair of sneakers.
Any trip to Barcelona no matter the time of year will involve a lot of walking so you will want to wear your comfiest shoes. For me this is sneakers.
Sneakers are great as they will be safer on the cobbled and uneven streets and be comfortable on your feet for all the walking you are bound to be doing.
Personally, I recommend sneakers that I am most comfortable walking in which include brands such as Hoka , Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for wandering around Barcelona. But go with whatever you feel most comfortable in.
Sandals
As I said above, May for me in Barcelona means ditching the boots in favour of more light weight shoes. Now while you might not be want to wear sandals every day especially for heavier walking days however I would always have at least one pair with me.
Although Barcelona is a relatively laid back city, I would always choose to wear sandals over sneakers for dinner in Spain, even when going for tapas. To shop sandals click here.
Flip Flops
Any trip to Barcelona is likely to have some beach time, and as the weather warms up you will find beaches are a more important part of your Barcelona itinerary even if it isn’t yet warm enough to go swimming in the sea.
Flip flops are great for Barcelona beaches, but I don’t recommend them for walking around the city.
Note: the beaches in Barcelona city limits are all sandy beaches. In fact there is over 400km of sandy beaches in Barcelona. Therefore it is unlikely you will need water shoes in Barcelona.
What to Wear in Barcelona in May for women

Jeans
Although Barcelona is a relatively laid back city, I would always choose to wear sandals over sneakers for dinner in Spain, even when going for tapas. To shop sandals click here.
As Barcelona is quite a casual city you will find a variety and styles on the streets of Barcelona so just pick the style you are most comfortable in.
Trousers
On top of jeans I would add some more light weight trousers to your May packing list for the hotter days. I think Chinos are the perfect weight trousers for traveling in May.
Skirts and dresses
As I have mentioned before, in Barcelona really anything goes so select skirts and dress types that you are most comfortable in. Though having said that I would recommend sticking to natural fabrics as the heat ramps up.

The only place where you will have to be careful in the type of skirt or dress you wear is at the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia dress code says that knees and shoulders must be covered so you should avoid mini skirts and mini dresses on the day you plan to tour the Sagrada.
Click here to shop maxi dresses.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights.
T Shirt
Barcelona in May is warm, and being a casual city short sleeve t shirts are the perfect addition to your packing list.
In Barcelona you will see everything from bold colors with patterns to plain darks so pick the t shirt that you feel most comfortable in.
Jacket
It is highly unlikely you will need a coat when visiting Barcelona in May however there can be windy evenings that you will be glad of a jacket or blazer.
They are also great for restaurants with a smarter dress code. Click here to shop jackets.
Pashmina
A pashmina should be on your Barcelona packing list for Spring. . It can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler May days and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to the Sagrada Familia. Click here to shop pashminas.
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are perfect especially towards the end of the month.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential in Barcelona whatever the month but May and Summer in particular.
Sunhat
I always recommend taking a sun hat if you are visiting Barcelona in summer but I would also say that the sun is strong enough in May to warrant a sunhat.
Whenever I travel with a sun hat I recommend taking this as carry on instead of a suitcase to help maintain the hats shape.
Swimwear (optional)
I personally do not find the sea warm enough to swim in in Barcelona in May. However if you are brave you may want to.
However it can be warm enough in May to sunbathe on the beach.
Also if your hotel comes with a heated pool you will definitely want to consider adding swimwear to your list.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
What to pack for Barcelona in May for Men
Chinos/Jeans
As with the packing list for women chinos and jeans are perfect for Barcelona in May as they are the perfect weight for the weather.
However I would also recommend packing
Shorts
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The weather especially towards the end of the month will be hot enough for shorts.
They are also great for those wanting to sunbath on the beach.
Just note that shorts are not appropriate for men or women for the Sagrada Familia. For more information on what not to wear in Spain check out this post.
Click here to shop men’s shorts.
T Shirts and Shirts
Short sleeve t shirts are perfect for sightseeing during the day in May.
However for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with long sleeves and maybe a polo shirt for day to night transition outfits.
Blazer
A blazer is a perfect to a men’s Spring Packing List for Barcelona as it is perfect attire for restaurants and will double up as an extra layer for those cooler spring days.
Swimwear
Sunglasses
An essential no matter the month.
Hat
For same reason as above.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
What Else to Pack for Barcelona in May
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best. Unfortunately there are some issues with pickpockets in Barcelona as there are in many big cities that are tourist attractions. I am not saying this to scare you but because I really think careful bag selection is important for Barcelona.
- Reusable Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera / Aftersun
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Toiletries
- Medication
- camera – it is a beautiful city you will want to take lots of photographs
FAQs about May Barcelona Packing List
What to wear to dinner in Barcelona?
Barcelona is a great foodie city. From great tapas bars to fancy Michelin starred restaurants, Barcelona has something for everyone.
And while Barcelona is a casual city, you will find that most people tend to stick to smart casual dress codes for dinner.
The only exception is the Boqueria Market Barcelona where a casual dress code is most appropraite.
What do people wear in Barcelona in May?
People in Rome in May know that May is a transition month. The temperatures are rising so lighter clothes are out. However it is always worth adding a layer to your packing list.
What would you add to this Barcelona May Packing List