Climate trends at Barcelona (1886–2025)
Barcelona, a vibrant city in Spain with a population of approximately 4.8 million, has been experiencing significant climate changes since observations began in 1886. The data from multiple stations in the region, including Barcelona Fabra, reveal a clear warming trend over the past century. The primary climate statistics indicate that the mean temperature has increased notably, with the first ten years (1886–1895) averaging 12.68°C, while the last decade (2016–2025) shows a much higher average of 16.97°C. This represents a remarkable increase of 4.29°C.
Trend Summary
Over the 118 years of recorded data, Barcelona has seen a consistent increase in temperature. The mean temperature for the period from 1991 to 2020 was 15.88°C, which is significantly higher than the earlier averages. Notably, between 2015 and 2024, the mean temperature reached 16.89°C, marking a clear trend of warming. When compared to the baseline period of 1890–1900, the temperature from 2015 to 2024 shows an increase of 3.45°C, highlighting the extent of climate change impacts in the region.
Climate change impacts
The warming trends observed in Barcelona could lead to increased risks of heat waves and prolonged droughts, impacting the local ecosystem and urban life. As temperatures continue to rise, the implications for water resources, agriculture, and public health may become more pronounced, necessitating adaptive measures to mitigate these effects.
Comparison vs National Benchmark and Paris
When compared to the national average, where the mean annual temperature for the top 500 cities in Spain from 1991 to 2020 is approximately 18.7°C, Barcelona's climate is relatively cooler. However, it is important to note that Barcelona's temperatures are still above the Paris benchmark, which is lower by 3.28°C, indicating that the city is experiencing its own unique challenges related to climate change.
Top-5 warm years
- 2022: 18.15°C
- 2023: 17.79°C
- 2025: 17.41°C
- 2024: 17.34°C
- 2020: 16.76°C
The record coldest temperature recorded in Barcelona was 11.75°C in 1887, illustrating the significant changes in climate over the years.
For more detailed data, you can access the raw data in CSV format here or in JSON format here. Additionally, explore our interactive map here.