Weather lowdown
Located on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a British Foreign Territory and a unique holiday destination. The area enjoys a climate that is similar to Spain's, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Still in winter, the weather in Gibraltar in February is only slightly warmer on average than that of January. While still subtropical and Mediterranean in nature, the weather is a bit cool but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. If you're looking for a relaxing break away from the crowds with temperature weather, February is a great time to visit Gibraltar.
February sees some of the lowest temperatures of the year, with an average temperature of 14°C which is much colder than the summer months but still pleasant. Temperatures can fluctuate though; night time lows can fall to around 11°C but average daytime high of 17°C will feel relatively warm. The months sees plenty of sunshine too, with an average of 6 hours of sun each day. With a 35% chance of a sunny day in February, visitors should still be able to soak up some sun and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining during the daytime.
Rainfall drops from January to February, but there are still some wet days on occasions. Holidaymakers can expect an average of 10 rainy days in February, with 100mm of precipitation over the month. There's only a 33% chance of rain throughout February, which means dry weather for two-thirds of the month.
Visitors to Gibraltar in February should pack carefully. As a general rule, light clothing including trousers, thin coats, and long sleeve shirts are comfortable for this time of year and layers are recommended. It's advisable to check current weather conditions prior to your arrival but it may be a good idea to pack an umbrella in February, just in case!
Where to stay
If you're looking for accommodation, the Bristol Hotel is the oldest hotel in Gibraltar. Dating back to 1894, the white colonial-style hotel offers budget friendly prices and a comfortable setting, with a swimming pool and a garden. The Bristol Hotel is ideally located in the centre of Gibraltar in Cathedral Square, making it the perfect base for exploring the area on your holiday.
The Rock Hotel is situated at the foot of Gibraltar's famous rock and offers stunning vistas, especially from the hotel's restaurant which has panoramic views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar which are both stylishly decorated. The Rock Hotel is less than a mile from Gibraltar's town centre.
Hit the beach
February may be too cold for visitors to spend their days sunbathing on the beach. Nevertheless, holidaymakers can still appreciate the beauty of Gibraltar's coastal areas by talking a walk along the beach or enjoying a picnic by the sea.
Gibraltar has a total of six beaches to choose from. Those on the east tend to be sandy while the western beaches are rockier. Gibraltar's largest and most popular beach is Eastern Beach which stretches for hundreds of metres along Gibraltar's coast. With a flat terrain, the beach receives a large amount of sunshine throughout the day and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Eating and drinking
With its unique positioning, Gibraltar is a melting pot of cuisines, with flavours from Britain, the Mediterranean and Africa. Visitors will find something to suit every taste.
Located in the area known as Watergardens, Gatsby's is often named as one of Gibraltar's best kept secrets. Established in 1988, the fine dining restaurant has built an excellent reputation for high quality cuisine and affordable prices, making it popular with both locals and tourists. The menu features an array of dishes with English, French, Indian and Spanish specialties.
Café Rojo is a popular restaurant located in the Irish Town area of Gibraltar. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a refined and contemporary setting. The menu at Café Rojo is European-inspired with fresh fish and some delicious pasta dishes.
For a more laidback atmosphere, sports fans will love Champions Bar and Grill which regularly shows sports on screens around the restaurant. While catching a game, visitors can enjoy something from the grill menu or just a refreshing beer at the bar. Champions is located in Marina Bay overlooking the water.
Things to do
Gibraltar has many indoor attractions that are perfect for those occasional rainy days. Gibraltar Museum is a must-visit attraction and is conveniently located in the centre of town. Visitors can discover everything about the area, with exhibitions covering all aspects of Gibraltar's history, geology and culture. The museum is an affordable thing to do for those on a budget, with an admission price of just £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Many of Gibraltar's sites are appealing to history enthusiasts. Gibraltar has long been held as a high value military asset. Beginning in the early 18th century, the Rock, as it is known, was developed as a military strongpoint and has been the site of many siege attempts. Gibraltar was of especially significant importance during WWII. Today, war buffs can take guided tours through the Great Siege Tunnels, walking in the footsteps of Churchill and the other leaders. This an excellent excursion for anyone, and a great day out for families.