Weather lowdown
Gibraltar occupies an advantageous location on the southern tip of Spain. It is just a short drive to Malaga and a boat ride to Morocco. For this reason, Gibraltar attracts visitors year round who want to enjoy its beautiful beaches, rugged Rock scenery and unique fusion of cultures. The hot and sunny Mediterranean climate is also a big draw.
August is the warmest and driest month in Gibraltar. It is also the busiest time of the year as visitors flock there to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather. Average temperatures for August are around 25°C but high temperatures can hit 28°C on some days, the hottest temperature of the whole year. On an evening, temperature will drop slightly to a cooler 21°C. Visitors will need to wear light, loose clothing to stay comfortable, even on a night.
Don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen too, as August sees its fair share of sunshine. There are, on average, 10 hours of sunshine a day and a 65% chance of a sunny day, so there's more than enough time to soak up some rays on the beach.
There is generally little to no precipitation in August which is good news for holiday makers. August sees a negligible 10mm of rain throughout the whole month which will be spread over 2 days. There's only a 3% chance of a rainy day in August, so most days should be dry. Clear blue skies are on the forecast too, with just a 2% chance of a cloudy day in Gibraltar.
With such great weather, visitors to the Rock will want to spend lots of time on the beach. Luckily, the sea around the coast in just the right temperature for swimming in August, at a lovely 22°C.
August is a great time to plan a holiday to Gibraltar. With long, dry days and hot temperatures, you can enjoy everything the peninsula has to offer.
Where to stay
The Rock Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to explore Gibraltar. The hotel is centrally placed on the Rock of Gibraltar and has stunning views all around. Built in 1932, it's a landmark on the peninsula but has been extensively refurbished for a stylish new look. Accommodation at The Rock Hotel is comfortable but very affordable, offering prices that will suit any tourist.
Gibraltar's oldest hotel, the Bristol Hotel is another great budget-friendly option that's ideal for couples or families. The white colonial style hotel is located on Cathedral Square in Gibraltar, next to the Church of England Cathedral. Guests can enjoy the hotel's private sub-tropical garden which has a pool and a snack bar.
Hit the beach
August is the optimal time for beach goers. The weather is hot and dry and the sea temperatures in Gibraltar are at their warmest.
Gibraltar has six great beaches to choose from on both the east and west side of the peninsula. The biggest is Eastern Beach, a soft, sandy beach that stretches for hundreds of metres. Thanks to its positioning, the beach is flooded with sunshine from morning 'til night, making it a great destination for sun worshippers.
Catalan Bay is also located on the east side of Gibraltar. The bay used to be home to fishermen and their pretty pastel houses can still be seen lining the beach. Catalan Bay is the second largest beach in Gibraltar and is popular with locals as well as tourists. There are some great seafood restaurants nearby.
Eating and drinking
Whatever your taste, you'll find something you like in Gibraltar. There's a vast choice of restaurants, bars and cafés serving everything from traditional British grub to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Raj's Curry House has a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for its tasty Indian food and excellent hospitality. If you love authentic curries and spice, Raj's is the place to go. Located on Queensway Quay Marina, the restaurant is perfect for an evening meal when visiting Gibraltar.
If pizza and pasta is what you fancy, head to Casa Brachetto located at Chatham Counterguard, just a short walk from Gibraltar's Main Street. Here you can find delicious Italian cuisine served alongside a great wine menu. Try the ever-changing dish of the day you won't be disappointed.
For a more casual dining experience, Bean & Gone Café is a contemporary British eatery with an array of healthy vegetarian and vegan options. Located in the heart of the town, guests can dine inside the cosy café or eat outside on warmer days, of which there will be many in August. The café is also known for its excellent coffee which is some of the best in Gibraltar.
Things to do
August is the perfect month to take advantage of the many outdoor activities that can be done in Gibraltar.
The Rock of Gibraltar is one must see attraction. Tourists can either hike to the top of Gibraltar's most famous landmark or take a cable car ride. From there, there is a pub, restaurant and shop and spectacular views. At the end of The Rock is Europa Point, Gibraltar's southernmost point. On clear days, it is possible to see Africa from here.
History enthusiasts will find plenty of interest in Gibraltar; a walking tour of the Great Siege Tunnels allows you to step back in time to the WWII era. Alternatively, visitors can hike up the Mediterranean Steps. Created by the military, there are a number of important historical sites along the way.
Gibraltar is also a great jumping off point for visiting nearby locations such as Morocco and Spain. There are many touring companies operating within the city for visitors wishing to take day trips to other nearby destinations.
It should also be noted that Gibraltar is a Duty Free shopper's paradise offering some of the least expensive prices on many things including tobacco and alcohol.
