Barcelona in late October. Yea or Nay?
 

So...DH and DS are heading to the UK for a college visit during the school Fall Break, and DD (12 years old) and I don't feel like hanging out at home in gray and dreary Vienna.

From our preliminary research there seems to be plenty to keep us entertained for a few days. Airfare is inexpensive and lodging seems reasonable. Is there any reason we may not want to go to Barcelona in late October?

I've been as late as the end of November and enjoyed being there. The architecture will all be there; the crowds will not.

<< there seems to be plenty to keep us entertained for a few days >>

I found enough to entertain me for 8 days (I'm a leisurely traveler). I went in early April and the weather was perfect so I don't see why October wouldn't be good. Go for it!

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Dukey and adrienne, we're leaning in your direction. Fewer crowds if not the most perfect weather. Thanks!

Christina, thanks for the confidence vote. What weather should be expect? I think we'll send the deposit for the apartment tonight. :)

Here's the 30 year history. This is only an average and not a prediction but temps should be milder than Vienna and probably not as rainy. There are lots of indoor things to see in Barcelona and on the nice days you can wander around. This chart shows the average April temp as 55 but when I was there the temps were mid 60s to low 70s. And the bluest sky you can imagine - it was fabulous!

http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...arcelona-Spain

No reason not to go to Barcelona in late October, quite the contrary. Still normally quite pleasant weather and out of the main tourist season, and things happen in Barcelona in the end of October!

If you are there on Oct 30. you could see the premiere of a grand scale flamenco performance at majestic Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. In tribute to Carmen Amaya (1913-1963), the Barcelona born greatest flamenco dancer of all times. 2013 is the year of Carmen Amaya in Barcelona, and this is the highlight of the celebration. Out of this world Rocío Molina (the new "queen of flamenco" (El Mundo", June 2013)) is in.
The theater: http://www.tnc.cat/
Rocío Molina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYaY4zZgTas

The main football/soccer event in Barcelona of the 2013/2014 season is on October 26 or 27. Then FC Barcelona meets Real Madrid on Camp Nou in the fierce battle for the Spanish throne with lots of political/regional undertones. And with one of the best athlets in the world today, Lionel Messi, on the field. Next to imposssible to get tickets at a reasonable price, but Barcelona will stand still, and within every bar there will be high tension. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1rI2i433q0

Some of Messi's goals last season: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjaF26OYOps

Past 17 years statistice for last week of October in Barcelona says average highs at 70F and night lows at 55, five hours sun pr day and lots of possibilities for rainfall. (wetteronline.de)

I am not Steve31; I am his travel companion. I saw this thread as I was checking one of of Steve31's posts/replies for an upcoming vacation to Italia. You mention Vienna-it is one of the cities I most want to visit. I hope the information below helps:
I am American so I feel a bit intimidated saying anything of Europe to a European, however; I've been in Barcelona in late September/early to mid October quite a few times. The weather seems to change a bit but it's still quite lovely and with less crowds which is such a treat.
You'll be there about two weeks later than I've ever been but I doubt the weather will change quite drastically-probably a tad cooler.
The times we've been: We had a lot of sunshine; many days close to 80(farenheit), many nights with a short sleeved shirt and no jacket. It does seem to rain more, however; the showers develop quickly, it pours but not for long and many times the sun is back out drying things up within 30 minutes to an hour later. A good umbrella/raincoat and a jacket/sweater and I think you'll be fine.
One sidenote: I'm not sure when it stops/winds down, but taking the funicular to Montijuich at night (forgive spelling) has always been a great time: one walks between two giant towers along row after row of lighted, flowing and cascading lit fountains up to a main fountain which is lit in changing colors; there is music and many people gather; the royal palace looms overhead and is beautiful in the light. If this is well known, forgive me. It's worth mentioning in case one does not know of this at night. Many friends have gone and missed it. Many also missed the Dali museum outside of Barcelona and Montserrat, both of which are well worth visiting if one has time. If it's still quite warm, we had a great time in Tosa del Mar which is north yet not far and a bargain at that time of year.
I hope you have a great vacation; may the sun shine warmly each day and the moon wax or wane amidst the stars each night.

Thank you, everyone, for the encouraging notes. Haven't sent the deposit for the apartment yet, but are leaning toward one near Placa Reial, but not along La Rambla, in the Gothic Quarter. For a short visit the location seems good.

adrienne, I'm into gorgeous blue skies! Late October and November in Vienna are so gray that a healthy dose of blue skies will be welcome.

Steve31's travel companion, thank you so much for the good travel wishes. (We are American as well, just living overseas.)