Below-average rainy days, above-average totals
Barcelona has experienced fewer rainy days than usual from 1 January to 25 October 2026, yet accumulated 61% more rainfall than the historical average for the same period. According to data from the Fabra Observatory, 60 days recorded at least 0.2 litres per square metre of precipitation, five fewer than the historical average of 65 days.
Record-breaking accumulation
Despite fewer rain events, the total volume collected has been exceptional. The observatory recorded 781.6 litres per square metre by 25 October 2026, nearly 295 litres more than the historical average of 486.8 litres per square metre. This places 2026 provisionally as the fourth wettest year on record at this point in the calendar, since records began in 1914. Only three years have seen higher accumulations by 25 October: 1959 (860 l/m²), 1951 (851.5 l/m²), and 2002 (844.9 l/m²).
This year stands out more for the amount of water collected than for the frequency of rain days.
Context across Catalonia
The trend is not isolated to Barcelona. A report by Meteocat, the Catalan meteorological network, confirms that as of October 2026, a quarter of its monitoring stations across Catalonia had already exceeded their average annual rainfall totals for the year.
The data reflects an increasing pattern of intense but less frequent rainfall events, consistent with climate change projections for the region. Residents and city planners should remain aware of heightened flood risks during heavy downpours, even in years with fewer overall rainy days. Further seasonal data will be updated daily by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) on its official portal: AEMET Barcelona, Fabra Observatory – Autumn 2026 Precipitation.
Sources: betevé, Axencia Estatal de Meteorología.
