Barcelona Travel Forum

Hi, im staying in beautiful barcelona 1st week of aug, im told its really hot and because of that some stores/outlets do not open ? is this true... would appreciate some info. thanks

No, it's not "really" hot (anyway, hot is a relative term) The scale rarely gets over 30 C while in central and south Spain it may easily reach more than 40. But it's the high humidity what kills you. But there is the beach!

But it's HIGH touristy season anyway, so this thing about stores being closed does not make any sense. In fact, many stores will get lots of costumers if just to refresh for a while with the AC!! it will be pretty silly for them to close :) And it's still summer sales season

What is true is that still many of us locals take our holidays in August (not nearly everybody as 30 years ago, but still). So, small grocery shops, mom&pop places, and restaurants catering mainly to local workers will close (for their own holidays, not because it's hot). Nothing you should worry much from a touristy point of view

Hi

I used to live there..and it was hotter in August ---but not overly hot! 25-30 degrees Celcius.
As for places closing... someone has been joking with you! A few very small shops perhaps ---but that will be all!

Have fun!

Oh, I forgot! Enjoy the food in the port area.

Stephen

August happens to be the month for the local people, because it's fairly hot about 30 celcius or a bit hotter, locals would go to the provinces, by the water or up in the mountain where it's coller...per say. So, not that the weather is fairly hot that stores closes, the truth is because it's the holiday break locals choose to be away from their business. However, like El Corte Ingles remains open nearly all year round, the major feastas such as Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and few more important feastas the dept. store El Corte Ingles close. If your into going outlets, there are few of them although they are outside Barcelona, so, you probably need a car. Also, a bit more information as you sound like you enjoy shopping, all month of July, we do have big time sales in all major stores, at times you will come across 50% off the selling price. Have a great time here in Barcelona! Enjoy your holiday although always keep extra precaution as we do have incredibly professional pickpocketers...pretending to be tourists and sometimes they like to pretend to be speaking French or other language but Catalan or Spanish...so wear a moneybelt and know your surroundings. Make copies of your passports, your credit cards and any important documents you may have, make copies of it. Have a ball and have a safe wonderful memorable holiday here! cheers!