OK, I know the Brit Expat forum is probably not the place to ask if Barcelona is "too hot" in the height of summer.. but.. ;-)

We (the wife, I and our 17 month old) are here now and the weather is lovely. We love heat; we spent a couple of weeks in Thailand on our way here. But I'm getting the impression the city gets somewhat unbearable in summer - mainly due to a lack of shade. The parks don't seem to have a lot of trees and terraces seem to be constructed purely for tanning purposes!

We have no commitments to anywhere in particular from June 20 onward, so are thinking it might be wise to decamp to somewhere else for July & August.

Happy to hear any suggestions! In Spain would probably be best, but we would consider other places in Europe also. Atlantic coast seems to be nicest in those months. Being able to find a reasonably priced rental for 2 months would presumably be the primary factor.

The Atlantic coast is as you say, probably the nicest place at the height of summer. But book as soon as you find something suitable - most holiday rentals get fully booked by Madrilenos (and French near San Sebastian) at those times, and prices are not cheap as the owners have to earn their living in 2-3 months...

All cities around the Med are very warm in the peak season. True the Atlantic coast is cooler, have you thought about the Algarve?

All the above are true but don't discount the fact that along the coast there are sometime wide variations in average temperatures, due to hills/winds etc.

Barcelona like most of the med coast tends to be not only hot ( ish) but "sticky" which can make it uncomfortable. There are lots of places just inland into the hills which are cooler and still just a short drive from the coast.
Pete

Agree with Pete. I love Barcelona. But not in Summer. Hot is easier to bear when your perspiration actually has some cooling effect...and dries off!

Don't go to the UK. It is clearly far too hot.

Today, according to the Daily Mail it was hotter than Morocco!