Barcelona, Spain: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Gaudí, tapas and a long city beach in one trip. Best for: city-break fans, couples.
The best months for vitamin D in Barcelona are June to October, when a full dose takes about 7 minutes at midday. Too cool from November to May.
Barcelona month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Too cold | 1.1 h | 2.4 | – | 15°C | 5/30 |
| February | Too cold | 3.7 h | 3.6 | 15 min | 18°C | 7/30 |
| March | Too cold | 5.5 h | 4.6 | 12 min | 17°C | 8/30 |
| April | Too cold | 6.8 h | 5.7 | 9 min | 19°C | 7/30 |
| May | Too cold | 8.7 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 22°C | 8/30 |
| June | Excellent | 8.5 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 25°C | 8/30 |
| July | Excellent | 9.3 h | 7.5 | 7 min | 29°C | 3/30 |
| August | Excellent | 8.4 h | 7.0 | 8 min | 30°C | 3/30 |
| September | Good | 6.1 h | 5.2 | 10 min | 25°C | 11/30 |
| October | Good | 4.6 h | 4.1 | 13 min | 22°C | 10/30 |
| November | Too cold | 1.8 h | 2.7 | 20 min | 19°C | 7/30 |
| December | Too cold | 0.0 h | 2.2 | – | 15°C | 3/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Barcelona
Gaudí, tapas and a long city beach in one trip. Long sandy beaches, lively resorts, late dinners and a siesta culture. July and August are hot and crowded; spring and autumn are calmer and good value. The Atlantic coast and the north are cooler and wetter.
In Barcelona afternoon highs average from 15°C in December to 30°C in August. The wettest month is September (about 11 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is December (3). Midday UV peaks at 7.5 in July.
Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches (Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Questions about Barcelona
When is the best time to visit Barcelona for vitamin D?
The best months for vitamin D in Barcelona are June to October, when a full dose takes about 7 minutes at midday.
What is the weather like in Barcelona?
Afternoon highs average from 15°C in December to 30°C in August. The wettest month is September, with about 11 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Barcelona?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is too cool from November to May.