What to pack for Barcelona in September
Wondering what to pack for Barcelona in September? We got you covered. Barcelona is best explored in the spring and fall months when the temperatures are pleasant, and moderate for outdoor activities and sightseeing!
In this post, we are sharing our Barcelona packing list for fall, plus checklists and travel tips so that you are safe and are ready to take off!
Prior to our trip to Barcelona in September, we researched everything and did a great job in packing right and in safeguarding our belongings. Yes, if you have been searching online you will find there each and every travel blog will talk about pickpocketing and theft. Yes, it exists, and yes we will share our tips.
So keep reading!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What to pack for Barcelona in September: Barcelona Packing List for fall
September is considered as a transition month in Barcelona – where days are still warm at the beginning of the month, and towards the end, it starts to show signs of autumn and cooler temperatures – with occasional showers.
You can expect rains in Barcelona in September, about 4-5 days on average.
Although this post has a packing list for Barcelona in September you can also refer to this for October through early November.
Read: Our 2 days in Barcelona itinerary
Barcelona September Weather Snapshot
- Average Temperature (Low) – 20 degrees Celsius (69 F)
- Average Temperature (High) – 26 degrees Celsius (79 F)
- Rain in Barcelona – The month of September is not 100% a dry season like the prime summer months, so you can expect rains at least 4-5 days. During our trip to the city, we were caught in a heavy downpour once – but it cleared pretty quickly allowing us to continue our activities after a brief halt
- Barcelona September Weather in a nutshell – Barcelona in September is pleasant, it is full of festivals and an amazing time to capture the changing seasons and welcome fall!
Fall temperatures in Barcelona in October and November
October
- Low: 17 deg Celsius (62 F)
- High: 23 deg Celsius (73 F)
- Rain: 6 days
November
- Low: 12 deg Celsius (54 F)
- High: 18 deg Celsius (65 F)
- Rain: 5 days
Dress code and vibe in Barcelona
Barcelona is a metro city, with a multi-cultural vibe. Locals wear smart and semi-formal outfits, which look very stylish in a unique way (very different from Paris, Vienna, or Milan).
Read: What to wear in Spain
Cotton blouses, nice dresses, palazzo pants, etc are commonly worn by Spanish women. The dressing style is modern, stylish, yet very modest. You can say it is slightly conservative in nature. Men wear comfortable polo shirts and well-fitted pants.
At the beach, you are welcome to wear shorts, tank tops, flip flops, etc. But avoid wearing anything that is too casual, baggy, or ill-fitted when wandering the streets of Barcelona.
Nothing screams tourist, then a huge logo on a hoodie, and a fanny pack (belt bags are chic!)
When visiting religious sites, be mindful of dress codes (like no sleeveless tops or shorts, wear knee-length dresses, etc).
So here is what to wear in Barcelona in September
Carry on luggage for Barcelona: Packing list
Packing for Barcelona in a carry-on
Being a touristy destination, even in September, we recommend packing light for your trip to Barcelona. Use a carry-on and only pack items that you will really need and use during your visit.
Avoid overpacking, and carrying flashy and expensive items.
We traveled to Barcelona using our backpack and we were able to carry a variety of outfits, one pair of comfortable walking shoes, accessories, a lightweight jacket, camera gear, and cosmetics. And we used packing cubes to organize everything.
We love our Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L, which is made of anti-theft and slash-proof material. So we didn’t have to worry about losing our belongings when we used public transportation, or while navigating busy areas to get to our hotel or airport.
And because the temperatures in September are stable and predictably warm, you do not have to carry extra fabrics and layering pieces. So a backpack will work just fine.
Make sure your carry-on or backpack is waterproof as well.
Our top backpack picks: Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L | Osprey Backpack 40 L
Tops & Blouses
Carry 2-3 cotton blouses with you, depending on the duration of the trip. Cotton clothing will be airy and breathable, allowing you to explore the outdoors during the day.
If you are like me, who wants to look pretty on camera, then pack cute flowy blouses. You can wear denim, or linen pants and then pair them up with a nice flowy top or blouse.
Choose 1-2 neutral colors (beige, white, etc) and another one in bright colors (pink, yellow, or green to stand out).
Also, pack chic tops for clubbing or fancy dinners in the evening. Like a black halter neck, tube top, etc.
Avoid logos, graphics, and loud colors and prints.
For men: Semi-formal shirts, monochrome polo shirts
Bottoms – jeans, linen pants, shorts
Carry dark wash or black jeans, preferably skinny or straight cut to pair up with your pretty tops. It is perfectly fine to wear denim – in any shade and style.
I take my American Eagle jeggings with me everywhere, and they are very comfy to wear all day long. Plus you can easily make a style statement with your jeans by accessorizing them with a nice designer belt.
Wearing shorts are fine as long as they don’t scream beachwear. Just avoid wearing it when you are planning to visit Sagrada Familia or any other place of worship.
For men: Dark jeans, semi-formal pants, shorts
Dresses & jumpsuits
Wear flowy, cute dresses in Barcelona, especially during the day. Dresses are not only easy to carry, but they look graceful and elegant.
Choose nice pastel or light colors for dresses and jumpsuits – early September is still pretty warm so opt for breathable fabrics.
Carry dresses that you are comfortable wearing like – are you a long maxi girl? Or prefer knee-length dresses? Choose your fit, and be comfortable.
Little Black Dress is also handy, for any event, or fancy dining out.
Comfortable walking shoes and/or boots
A pair of comfortable walking shoes are a must for Barcelona – as you will be walking a lot – from city centres, plazas, to short trails. You will also find a lot of cobblestone lanes like at the Gothic Quarter when visiting Barcelona.
Hiking boots are a good option though, especially if you are planning to go on hikes in and around Barcelona (like Montserrat, or Baga)
If you must, carry just one pair of wedge heels for parties or clubbing, but for general sightseeing, choose lightweight sneakers or walking shoes.
You can also skip booties in September in Barcelona. I hardly wore fall-like outfits and hence didn’t feel the need for any boots. If you wish to add a pair, ensure they are ankle boots (and avoid tall ones which are better suited for winter months in Barcelona).
For men: Wear leather shoes for dressier events. For more casual trips, loafers are great. If you must wear sneakers or running shoes – wear one color (like black or white shoes).
A light cardigan, denim, or faux leather jacket
A light cardigan is handy all year round – inside trains, when it rains or, in the evenings. When I am traveling for more than one week, I usually carry both a cardigan and a denim jacket.
Waterproof jacket or trench coat
During September in Barcelona, there is a slight possibility of rain. It ranges from 4-5 days of the month. Do carry a trench coat or waterproof jacket.
Waterproof jackets are packable, and they are a Europe packing list staple item. Again be mindful of the length and ensure it matches well to the outfits that you are wearing (dresses vs pants).
Here is my favorite windproof and waterproof jacket. Plus it comes in a variety of colors. Buy it here
For dresses, I prefer trench coats. They come with water-resistant material and they protect from light showers.
Warm socks
Warm socks are important to pair up with your hiking boots and walking shoes. Try these thermal socks available for both women and men.
If you prefer something lightweight, here is a pair of merino wool socks that are worth buying
Scarf for any time of day or in-flight
A scarf is very handy at any time of day. I always carry a scarf and use it as a photo prop and cover-up.
I recommend wearing it when you are traveling/flying to save space inside the carry-on bag. I like infinity, and rectangle-shaped scarves – they are easy to carry, style, and are lightweight.
Here are my top picks: Infinity Scarf | Vinyasa Scarf Rulu
Floppy or wide brim hat
Okay, this is my favorite item to pack for Barcelona or anywhere really. A wide brim hat is not only functional, but it also adds a little cuteness and fun factor to your photos.
This hat is easily packable, and you can use it at the beach, or anywhere else for Instagrammable photos! You can yours here
Swimsuit and a quick drying towel
Pack a bathing suit for your Spain trip. It will be handy at beaches near Barcelona, and outdoor pools in hotels. Here is a one-piece swimwear with raffles which I LOVE!
Pack a quick-drying towel for the beach!
Also include flip flops, a waterproof pouch to store the wet swimwear, and a hair tie so that your hair doesn’t get sticky in the mineral water plus it is windy.
Sunglasses
Don’t forget to add your sunglasses to your packing list to Barcelona. I had my Rayban Aviators with me throughout my trip.
Reusable water bottle
Carry a reusable water bottle to bring water with you on the go – on guided tours, road trips, and sightseeing. During the day expect September temperatures to be fairly warm and humid.
This is a must-add item when you hit the beach as well.
Packing cubes
We always use packing cubes to organize our clothing and other items into our 45 litre backpack. Highly recommend it.
What to pack for Barcelon in September: Toiletries & medications
- Moisturiser: I have been using my moisturiser from BodyShop for years – just love it. Click to view my favorite moisturiser
- Suncreen: Highly recommend carrying sunscreen with an SPF of 25 and above, preferably waterproof. You will find this handy for the beach, and exploration. Here is one to buy
- Lipstick/balm
- Eye pencil
- Travel size perfume
- Deodorant wipes
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Hand sanitizer
- Medications
If you miss any items, you can easily purchase them in Barcelona in department stores, plus travel sizes are also very affordable there.
What to pack for Barcelona: Electronics
- Phone: We always travel with our iPhones. Don’t forget to carry your smartphone or any phone
- Sim card: Optional
- Charger: A multi-port charging cable is a life changer. Here is a favorite pick from Amazon – so affordable and durable
- Power Bank: Use a power bank to pair with your multi-charging cable to charge your electronics on the go. Buy yours here
- Adaptor: In Barcelona Spain, you will need to use a universal power adaptor, especially if you are from North America. They use plugs with round pins. We carry our universal adaptor with us on our trip overseas. Buy it here
- Camera gear: To capture all the amazing moments in Barcelona, don’t forget your camera. We had our Sony mirrorless camera. We recently upgraded to Sony 7iii, check it out here
- Selfie stick, tripod
Checklist for travel to Barcelona: Essential Documents
Barcelona is located in northern Spain, in the Catalunya region. We have summarized essential documents and checklists for travel to Barcelona below,
- Tourist Visa: US and Canadian passport holders can travel to Barcelona and stay there visa-free for 90 days. Do make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after entry into the country. For those who require a tourist visa to enter European Union member countries, then you must apply for the Schengen Visa prior to your trip
- Currency: Official currency of Spain is Euros. Do carry some cash for tipping, tapas, and souvenir shopping!
- Transportation: Metro lines in Barcelona are reliable and efficient. During our visit, we bought a Barcelona Card for museum entry savings, and free transportation rides. You can ditch the rental car, but guided tours are always an option for venturing outside of Barcelona. Ensure you have a copy of your tour and ticket purchases
- Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to protect your trip to Barcelona, particularly insure your expensive camera and electronics. In today’s changing times, it is equally important to insure your trip from cancellations, baggage delay, and medical emergencies. Worlds Nomads is a great choice to cover your travel plans. You can browse for quotes based on the number of days and apply for a quote for free here
Barcelona Travel Tips
Barcelona is notorious for incidences of theft. And you will see signs and posters reminding people to be mindful of their belongings.
“Beware of pick-pockets” – is a common sign in popular touristy sites like Sagrada Familia, La Ramblas, etc.
For your travel documents, money, and small electronic items, we HIGHLY recommend using a crossbody bag and keeping the bag on you – tightly zipped. Do not leave the leave unattended, and opened.
When you are out and about in Barcelona or eating in a restaurant, traveling in public transport don’t leave them on the next seat or chair arm – wear it, and keep it close to you!
We have heard friends and people that we met on tours, where people’s backpacks were swapped or stolen while walking the city center.
I traveled with my cross-body purse and I had my cash, passport, small makeup pouch, cellphone, keys, and sunglasses on me and kept the bag very close to me. I was also using my small mirrorless camera in busy areas.
Be careful when you walk around in busy quarters will expensive camera gear. Do not get distracted by street performers, or small flights. Read our detailed guide on Barcelona tips and tricks
What not to bring to Barcelona in September
You will find everything in Barcelona for a comfortable trip, from personal essentials, clothes to cosmetics. Here are some of the things you should not bring to Barcelona (based on our experience),
- Don’t bring a lot of cash. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere in Barcelona. Carry a nominal amount of cash (EUR), and use your card when needed.
- Limit fancy clothes or expensive jewelry: As you are traveling and exploring Barcelona and walking through crowded areas, avoid carrying too many expensive items like watches, multiple designer bags, or jewelry.
- Baggy clothes: Avoid packing baggy and loose clothes, opt for fitted ones! Also, avoid wearing athletic wear (athleisure is fine as long as you can style it well)
Things to do in Barcelona in September
September is an amazing time to visit and explore Barcelona, considering the weather and temperature. In September, the extreme summer heat has passed and locals are back at work or school, meaning fewer crowds on the streets of Barcelona.
September is also ‘sort of’ an off-season, and when searching for flights from North America, you will most likely find affordable flights and accommodation.
Read: Find the best city views in Barcelona for an epic picture!
As far as festivals go, in September you can participate in the National Day of Catalunya, celebrated on September 11, every year. This festival marks the anniversary of the Bourbon forces’ recapture of Barcelona in 1714.
The main festival of Barcelona is the La Mercè festival. This festival is held in honor of Saint la Mercè (the Virgin of Mercy) on September 24 every year. The city brightens up with colorful festivities during this time!
Other than the festivals, you must add these activities to your Barcelona itinerary in the fall
- Sagrada Familia: Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona, and we highly recommend exploring it. Known as Anthony Gaudi’s most marvelous task, Sagrada Familia is stunning inside and out. Here is a guided tour to enjoy the religious site along with an entry ticket
- Park Guell: Park Guell is another Gaudi creation that is worthy of your time. Try to visit in the evening to capture sunset views. Here is an entry ticket
- Casa Batllo: Beautiful Gaudi building with artwork inside. Grab this ticket with an audio guide to learn more about it
- Cooking class & food tour: Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Tour
- Sunset cruise with live music: Enjoy a sunset cruise in style, here is how
Read: How many days in Barcelona is enough
Things to Consider When Packing for a Trip to Barcelona
When it comes to travel packing, the less is more. If you are traveling for 2-3 days in Barcelona, then only pack what is needed. Here are some things to keep in mind,
- What are you planning to do in Barcelona: Your Barcelona packing list should reflect the activities and events/festivals that you are planning to do. Like, carry a nice black dress for fancy dinners, hiking clothes when you visit the trails, accessories for the festivals, beachwear, etc.
- Where are you going: Some visit Barcelona for its food, some to shop, and many for sightseeing. Whatever your personal style is, pack accordingly. Ensure tickets are booked ahead of time. Barcelona’s prime attractions were still busy in September.
Barcelona Packing List: What to wear in Barcelona in September to early fall
- 2-3 tops, airy blouses, shirts
- 1-2 pants
- 1-2 dresses or jumpsuits
- 1 windproof waterproof jacket – Buy it here
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes
- Warm socks – Try these thermal socks available for both women and men
- A scarf
- Wide brim hat – My favorite one here
- Swimsuit and a quick drying towel
- Sunglasses
- Moisturizer, sunscreen, medicines, lip balm, etc.
So there you have it! We hope you found our Barcelona packing list for September and fall useful. Remember to pack light, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us below!
Happy Packing 🙂
Read our Spain travel guides
- Most beautiful places in Spain
- Spain bucket list
- Airbnbs in Spain
- Itinerary: Southern Spain itinerary, Spain and Portugal itinerary
- Seville: 2 days in Seville itinerary, Things to do in Seville, Tapas in Seville
