Weather lowdown
Located on the southern coast of the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a prime resort destination year round, attracting tourists with its beautiful beaches and rugged scenery.
Despite its Spanish location, Gibraltar is in fact a British overseas territory and has a traditional British feel to it. However, the peninsula benefits from a Mediterranean climate and usually experiences very mild winters and temperate summers.
January in Gibraltar is generally the coolest month of the year, with average temperatures of around 14°C. Daytime highs sometimes reach 16°C but average night time temperatures can fall as low as 11°C, which can feel quite cool if there's a breeze. Wind is likely in January, as there's a 56% chance of a windy day in January.
If you're visiting Gibraltar in January, you'd be wise to pack light clothing for the daytime but also heavier clothing for those brisk evenings. Long sleeve shirts, trousers, and wind proof jackets are standard winter wear in Gibraltar. You should always check local weather forecasts before your arrival to be sure that you have appropriate clothing for the current weather, though.
As well as experiencing colder temperatures, January in Gibraltar can see some wet days. It's not the wettest month of the year, but there's an average number of 12 rainy days in January and an average rainfall amount of 110mm. There is a 35% chance of rain in January, so remember to pack an umbrella.
While some days may see rain, don't forget that Gibraltar is located on the south coast of Spain, so visitors to Gibraltar can still expect some sunny weather in January. On average, there is about 5 hours of sunshine a day throughout the month, which provides plenty of time to enjoy outdoor attractions.
If you want to see a quieter, less touristy side of Gibraltar, January is a great time to plan your visit.
Where to stay
If you need somewhere to stay in Gibraltar, the Caleta Hotel comes highly recommended by past guests and is an excellent option for those looking for luxury accommodation on a budget. The four star hotel is located on the east coast with a close proximity to the beach. All rooms have the advantage of balconies, offering rock views and sea views. With a contemporary Mediterranean-style décor, comfortable rooms and an Italian restaurant, guests will enjoy a pleasant holiday here.
For a unique experience, stay aboard the Sunborn Hotel which offers unique accommodation inside of a luxury yacht. Situated on the west side of the rock, the hotel is docked beside the Queensway Quay Marina. The Sunborn Hotel is perfect for couples and families, with a large infinity pool, a casino, a spa and a gym. Guests can enjoy amazing ocean views from the on board restaurant.
Hit the beach
For such a small destination Gibraltar isn't short on great beaches. There are six beaches around the peninsula with four golden, sandy beaches.
One of the most popular beaches in Gibraltar is Catalan Bay, or La Caleta, which is frequently visited by both locals and tourists in the summer months. In the winter though, the beach is much quieter and less crowded. While January may be a little too cold to spend a whole day on the beach, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the sand and take in picturesque views over the Alboran Sea. Catalan Bay is located on the eastern side of the Rock, away from the main city, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes surroundings the beach where holiday makers can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Eating and drinking
When it comes to dining, Gibraltar offers everything from British pub grub to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
The Lounge Gastro Bar is located on Queensway Quay Marina and receives rave reviews for its high quality food made by award-winning chefs. The bar also serves beers, wine and fresh cocktails which guests can enjoy overlooking the marina.
Seafood lovers should seek out Blue Anchor, a seafood and Mediterranean restaurant located in Gibraltar centre, the heart of the peninsula. The fresh fish dishes are some of the best in the area and the fried calamari is renowned. The cosy and quaint restaurant is the perfect place to dine on evenings when the weather is wintry.
For a more casual dining experience, Saint Café Bar is a great place for lunch, a light snack or just a cup of coffee. The eatery is well-known for its delicious cakes as well as its eggs benedict. Located near Ocean Village Marina, Saint Café Bar is a relaxing place to take a break from sightseeing in Gibraltar.
Things to do
With its mild temperatures and rainy days, January isn't the best time to lounge on the beach. Instead, visitors can check out some of Gibraltar's more leisurely activities.
One such activity is a trip to the Top Station of the Cable Car at the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar. This ride in an old-fashioned cable car grants visitors some spectacular sights along the way. You will get an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean Sea, a look out across the Straits of Gibraltar towards Africa, and a view of Spain to the north. Once at the top, you can enjoy some refreshments in the restaurant or pub and also purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.
Another activity to be enjoyed in the cooler months is the Gibraltar A City Under Siege exhibition. Here you'll get to see some of the first buildings that were ever built by the British dating back to the early 1700s. Through the various exhibits, visitors are transported back in time to witness how life was for those early settlers in Gibraltar.
