Weather lowdown
Located on the southern tip of Spain, just along the coast from Malaga and a short boat trip over the Gibraltar Strait to Tangier, Gibraltar has a typically Mediterranean climate. This means that summers are hot and dry and winters are mild.
Winter arrives in Gibraltar in December and temperatures cool down. After January, December is the coolest month in Gibraltar. Despite this, the Mediterranean climate ensures it stays mild and it's still a great time to visit, especially if you're coming from places like the UK which are experiencing cold temperatures and even snow.
The average temperature for December is usually around 15°C with high temperatures reaching 17°C on the hottest days of the month. Night time temperatures can drop to lows of 12°C so it would be advisable to pack some warmer layers to wear on an evening in Gibraltar.
Visitors to Gibraltar can still see some sunshine in December. There is an average of 4 sunny hours every day throughout the month and a 22% chance of a sunny day. Some days may be overcast, with a 26% chance of a cloudy day.
After November, December is the second wettest month of the year in Gibraltar. On average, there are roughly 14 wet days in December with approximately 120mm of precipitation falling throughout the month. This means that there is a 37% chance of rain on any day.
If you're looking to visit Gibraltar's beaches, December isn't the best time to plan your visit. The temperatures are mild, there's a chance of rain and the average sea temperature is 17°C which may feel a little too cold for swimming. However, if you want to escape the dreary weather of the UK and have a relaxing break outside of peak season, December a great time to visit Gibraltar.
Where to stay
Visitors to Gibraltar is December can get some great deals on accommodation as many of the hotels drop their prices in the winter.
When looking for accommodation in Gibraltar, consider O Callaghan Eliott Hotel, a popular hotel located close to many of Gibraltar's attractions including the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned. It's the perfect place to use as a base for exploring the rest of Gibraltar. O'Callagan Eliott Hotel offer guests a comfortable place to stay with a bar, 24 hour room service and a fitness centre on site.
Alternatively, experience a piece of Gibraltar history by staying in the oldest hotel on the peninsula. Bristol Hotel is an old colonial style building that has been refurbished to modern standards. The hotel is located in Cathedral Square in the heart of Gibraltar.
Hit the beach
December isn't the best time to visit Gibraltar if you want to spend your holiday soaking up the rays on the beach. The summer months of June and July would be much more suitable. However, holiday makers can still appreciate the beauty of Gibraltar's coast line by taking a walk along the beach or dining at one of the seafront restaurants.
Located on the eastern side of the rock away from the centre, Catalan Bay is one of Gibraltar's most popular beaches but will be practically deserted in December. The golden sandy beach has a pretty backdrop of pastel painted houses which were once home to the fisherman that lived there, but now give the beach an iconic look. Visitors to Catalan Bay can also enjoy amazing views of The Rock and out over the Alboran Sea.
Eating and drinking
A variety of restaurants, cafés and bars can be found in Gibraltar. Just as its culture is influenced by many countries, so is its cuisine. Holiday makers can find almost every type of food.
The Lounge Gastro Bar comes highly recommended on Trip Advisor thanks to its amazing food which includes international-inspired cuisine cooked by award-winning chefs. The gastro burgers are a popular choice and the bar serves a fantastic selection of beers, wines and spirits. Located on Queens Quay Marina, The Lounge has a relaxed and contemporary ambience where guests can go for lunch or dinner.
La Parilla offers Spanish and South American style food and is renowned for its flame grilled steak dishes. The restaurant is situated overlooking Ocean Village Marina and is easy to reach from the centre of Gibraltar.
For some great pub grub at affordable prices, look no further than The Clipper Inn. Located in Irish Town, just behind the main street, it is easy to find and a great place to relax after exploring Gibraltar. Food is served here all day and always with a smile.
Things to do
With Christmas just around the corner, December is a great month to shop. Holiday makers can take advantage of the many Duty Free and VAT exempt stores in Gibraltar where they will find some great deals on just about everything.
Another great place to visit to buy souvenirs and gifts is the Gibraltar Crystal Factory. Here they carry on the tradition of hand blowing glass to make one of a kind pieces. Each piece is guaranteed to be authentically handmade and comes with a certificate to prove it.
Visitors to Gibraltar in December can still enjoy some outdoor attractions as the weather stays mild, even in winter. The lower temperatures make it a great time to climb The Rock without getting too exhausted. Possibly the most famous of Gibraltar's attractions, the large limestone ridge divides the peninsula and offers rugged scenery and amazing views from the top. The hike is quite strenuous, so for an easier route, take the cable car to the top.
The Bay of Gibraltar is the natural habitat of many whales and dolphins. Gibraltar's tour companies offer dolphin sightseeing excursions that will give you the opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
