The climate of Gibraltar
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula,
Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, creating a climate characterized by the Köppen classification as "Csa". The yearly oxygen flow, nearly non-stop across the sea and over land, offers a complex mixture of fresh and invigorating air. Gibraltar's position at the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea often leads to an interesting array of weather conditions.
Temperatures climb steadily from a mild winter average of around 10°C (50°F) to reach a hot summer high of 29°C (84.2°F), demonstrating a considerable spread in temperatures throughout the year. Daylight hours extend from 9.7 to a pleasing 14.6 hours, amplifying the warmth during summer months. Sea temperatures also vary notably from a refreshing 15.8°C (60.4°F) in early spring to a peak of 23.3°C (73.9°F) in summer. UV index reaches its peak at 10 units during the summer, indicating strong and potentially harming sun radiation.
Rainfall patterns reflect the classic Mediterranean style, with winter months capturing the highest rainfall figures and summer months virtually dry, for example, a high rainfall of 152mm (5.98") in
January reduces to just 1mm (0.04") in
July. Notably, the sunshine hours follow a predictable path from a low of six hours in winter to a radiant 11 hours in midsummer.
The best time to visit Gibraltar
The optimal period to plan a trip to
Gibraltar falls from
April to
June. During these months, the region basks in comfortable temperatures, ranging between 13°C (55.4°F) to 25°C (77°F) and keeps a relatively low rainfall, from 59mm (2.32") to marginally 4mm (0.16"). Visitors can enjoy around 10 to 14 hours of daylight, with 8 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sunshine, offering ample opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Sea temperatures also start increasing in this period, reaching a pleasant average of 18.5°C (65.3°F) to a warm 21°C (69.8°F), making it ideal for water sports and beach activities.
The worst time to visit Gibraltar
Advisably, avoid visiting
Gibraltar from
November to
January as these months experience colder temperatures, between 10°C (50°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), and record the highest rainfall, from 114mm (4.49") to a hefty 152mm (5.98"). Shorter daylight hours ranging from roughly 9.7 to 10.3 restrict outdoor activities. The weather during this time is less predictable, featuring more overcast days and reduced sunshine hours, between six to seven hours daily only. Sea temperatures also drop to around 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), which may discourage water-based activities.
Spring weather in Gibraltar
Spring tends to be mild and pleasant in
Gibraltar. Temperatures from
March to
May gently ascend from 12°C (53.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall begins to taper off with volumes reducing from 106mm (4.17") in March to a mere 25mm (0.98") by May. With the increasing daylight hours, from 12 in March to around 14 in May, and from seven to ten hours of direct sunlight, the scenery becomes more vibrant during these months. Sea temperatures also rise from a cool 15.8°C (60.4°F) in March to a more moderate 18.5°C (65.3°F) by May.
Summer weather in Gibraltar
During the summer months (
June to
August),
Gibraltar experiences moderately high temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to a crest of 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall is practically non-existent with the volume being as low as 1mm (0.04") to 4mm (0.16"), leaving skies clear, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. The region soaks in over 14 hours of daylight with about 11 hours of abundant sunshine. Sea temperatures near their peak, rising from around a warm 21°C (69.8°F) in June to a balmy 23.3°C (73.9°F) by August.
Autumn weather in Gibraltar
Autumn sees a gradual cooling with temperatures alternating from a high of 26°C (78.8°F) in
September to a brisk 19°C (66.2°F) in
November. Rainfall begins to mount, rising from 23mm (0.91") in September to a significant 114mm (4.49") by November. Daylight hours start dwindling, from approximately 12.4 in September to 10.3 in November. Sunshine hours also decrease from 9 in September to six in November. Sea temperatures decrease to around a comfortable 21.8°C (71.2°F) in September to a cooler 18.3°C (64.9°F) in November.
Winter weather in Gibraltar
In winter,
Gibraltar's temperature readings range from a mild 11°C (51.8°F) to a peak of about 17°C (62.6°F). This period is notable for the high volume of rainfall, up to 152mm (5.98") in
January, and a lesser duration of daylight with about 9.7 to 10.3 hours. Sunshine hours decrease to relatively low rates of about six hours per day. On the other hand, the sea surface cools down to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in
December, going as low as 15.8°C (60.4°F) in
February.
Weather in January
January in
Gibraltar comes with the lowest daylight hours of 10 hours per day, making the days considerably shorter. The month witnesses a relatively low UV index set at two and the frequent occurrence of rainy days. Rainfall reaches its peak with 152mm (5.98") spread over 10 days, which is the highest precipitation in the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February showcases a slight increase in temperatures while the amounts of rainfall see a considerable decrease. Sea temperatures slightly drop to 15.8°C (60.4°F) from
January's 16.3°C (61.3°F), yet still not deterring avid sea-goers.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings forth another subtle shift in
Gibraltar weather with longer daylight hours as spring begins to take hold. Sea temperatures hold steady at 15.8°C (60.4°F) as seen in
February, hinting at a somewhat consistent oceanic climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April is indicative of the transitioning season in
Gibraltar, with temperatures beginning to rise. Daylight increases to 13.1 hours per day accompanied by an increased UV index of seven. Correspondingly, sea temperatures climb to 16.9°C (62.4°F), attracting more individuals to the coastline for recreational activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the start of the warmer season in
Gibraltar with temperatures and sea temperatures both recording a noticeable increase. The rainfall significantly retrenches to just 25mm (0.98") spread over four days, marking the beginning of a drier phase for the region.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June typifies the arrival of summer in
Gibraltar, sporting warmer weather and extended daylight. Sea temperatures reach a comfortable 21°C (69.8°F), while rainfall dramatically reduces to just 4mm (0.16"), occurring over a single day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gibraltar experiences the highest temperatures of the year, coupled with the lengthiest daylight duration. Interestingly, the occurrence of rainfall is extremely rare, with barely 1mm (0.04") recorded across half a day in the entire month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August maintains similar conditions to
July, with peak summer temperatures and long sunshine hours. Sea temperatures reach a yearly high of 23.3°C (73.9°F) encouraging swimming and other aquatic activities. Rainfall remains negligible with a mere 3mm (0.12") spread over one day, maintaining the arid summer charm.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The transition from summer to autumn begins in
September with marginal changes in
Gibraltar's temperature. The sea temperature starts to decrease yet holds at a still comfortable 21.8°C (71.2°F) for swimming. Daylight shortens to 12.4 hours and leads to a decrease in daily sunshine hours to nine.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, noticeably cooler temperatures signal the advent of fall in
Gibraltar. There's a considerable increase in the occurrence of rainfall, recording 55mm (2.17") spread over five days. Sea temperatures continue to decline, settling at 20.6°C (69.1°F), yet remain warm enough for water sport enthusiasts.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November weather is noticeably colder and wetter in
Gibraltar as winter draws near. Rainfall doubles compared to
October, amounting to 114mm (4.49") dispersed over seven days. Sea temperatures keep decreasing, falling to 18.3°C (64.9°F), which tends to dissuade all but the most ardent sea-goers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the onset of winter in
Gibraltar, boating colder temperatures and higher occurrences of rainfall. Rainfall remains high, collecting 127mm (5") over 10 days, nearly matching the peak seen in
January. Sea temperatures drop to a yearly low of 16.8°C (62.2°F) dissuading most water sport activities.
Weather in December » [Resources]