Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average annual sunshine exceeds 300 days, and even in the cooler months temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius. But "warm and sunny" does not mean every month is the same. The difference between a July beach day at 32 degrees and an April hike at 21 degrees is the difference between two completely different holidays. This guide covers every month of the year with honest detail: what the weather actually feels like, what you can do, how busy it gets, and what accommodation costs. Whether you are planning a [weekend itinerary](/blog/48-hours-gibraltar-weekend-itinerary), a [week-long trip with day trips into Spain](/blog/one-week-gibraltar-southern-spain-itinerary), or a [family holiday with children](/blog/gibraltar-family-activities-kids-guide), timing matters. **Spring (March to May)** is widely considered the best time to visit. Temperatures climb from 16 to 24 degrees, wildflowers cover the Upper Rock, and visitor numbers are manageable. April and May are ideal for hiking the [Mediterranean Steps and the Rock trails](/blog/rock-of-gibraltar-guide), dolphin watching, and exploring on foot without overheating. **Summer (June to August)** brings peak heat, peak crowds, and peak prices. July and August regularly hit 30 to 32 degrees with humidity pushed higher by the Levante wind. This is beach season: [Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, and Sandy Bay](/blog/beaches-watersports-gibraltar) come alive. If you can handle the heat, summer Gibraltar is vibrant and lively. **Autumn (September to October)** is the shoulder season sweet spot. Sea temperatures remain at 22 to 24 degrees from summer, air temperatures settle to a comfortable 22 to 27 degrees, and the summer crowds thin out. September in particular offers near-perfect conditions with lower prices than July or August. **Winter (November to February)** is quiet, mild, and affordable. Daytime temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees mean jacket weather rather than coat weather. November is the wettest month, but December through February can surprise with stretches of warm sunshine. Winter is the best time for budget travellers and for anyone who prefers empty trails and uncrowded restaurants. Average high: 16°C. Average low: 10°C. Rainfall: 90 mm over 9 rainy days. Sea temperature: 16°C. January is one of the quietest months in Gibraltar. The Christmas rush is over, flights from the UK are cheap, and accommodation rates are at their lowest. Daytime temperatures hover around 15 to 16 degrees with frequent sunshine between rain showers. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is peaceful, and you can walk the [Great Siege Tunnels](/blog/rock-of-gibraltar-guide) and St Michael's Cave with almost nobody around. The main downside is the sea: at 16 degrees it is too cold for comfortable swimming unless you are well accustomed to cold water. The heated indoor pool at Victory Suites makes up for that. January is a strong month for anyone who values low prices, empty attractions, and mild weather over beach time. Average high: 16°C. Average low: 10°C. Rainfall: 75 mm over 8 rainy days. Sea temperature: 15°C. February is similar to January but with slightly longer days and the first signs of spring. Almond blossom appears on the Upper Rock, and wildflowers begin to push through. Whale watching season starts in February as fin whales begin their migration through the Strait of Gibraltar. It is still very much off season in terms of visitor numbers, which means short queues and personal attention at every attraction. The Gibraltar Drama Festival and Dance Festival run in late February and March, adding a cultural programme to an otherwise quiet month. Accommodation remains excellent value. Average high: 18°C. Average low: 11°C. Rainfall: 65 mm over 7 rainy days. Sea temperature: 16°C. March marks the turn towards spring. Temperatures reach 18 degrees on average, and sunny days begin to outnumber overcast ones. The Upper Rock turns green, and Barbary macaques become more active and visible after the cooler winter months. Hiking conditions improve significantly: the Mediterranean Steps trail is pleasant without the intense summer heat. March is a transitional month. You might get a glorious week of 22-degree sunshine or a stubborn stretch of Atlantic rain. Pack layers and a light waterproof. Prices are still low, and the territory feels relaxed and uncrowded. Average high: 20°C. Average low: 13°C. Rainfall: 50 mm over 6 rainy days. Sea temperature: 17°C. April is the start of the best travel window. Temperatures reach 20 degrees, rain becomes less frequent, and the Rock is at its most beautiful: covered in wildflowers, with clear views across the Strait to Morocco. Dolphins are active in the Bay, and boat tours run daily. Easter holidays bring a bump in visitor numbers, particularly from the UK and Spain, but Gibraltar never feels overwhelmed. April is arguably the single best month for sightseeing,