Weather lowdown
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar occupies a unique location on the south coast of Spain, just a short boat ride from Africa. For this reason, it draws tourists with its hot summers and temperate winters. Holiday makers looking for an alternative holiday destination with great beaches, beautiful scenery and an interesting history should consider Gibraltar.
In March, winter ends and spring arrives in Gibraltar. The weather is still mild but temperatures start to rise. The average temperature is around 15°C but temperatures can reach highs of 18°C, particularly at the end of the month. March can still see some low temperatures though, with night time lows of 12°C. Visitors to Gibraltar in March can expect to be able to wear shorts, T-shirts, and other light clothing during the day, but evenings may require something a bit warmer.
Gibraltar is generally sunny in March. Daily sunshine hours rise from 6 hours in February to 7 hours in March, which allows plenty of time for holiday makers to enjoy Gibraltar's outdoor attractions. There is a 35% chance of a sunny day in March.
March can experience some humid days, depending whether or not Levanter arrives. Levanter is a warm and wet wind that blows over from the Alboran Channel and through the Strait of Gibraltar. As it hits the Rock, it brings humid weather to the area. Levanter can occur at any time but is quite common in March.
While the month is much drier than February, rainfall is still a possibility in March, so be prepared. Average precipitation in March is around 100mm, falling over an average of 10 days throughout the month. That's a 33% chance of rain.
Outside of the peak tourist season but with pleasant spring weather, March is a great time to visit Gibraltar if you're looking for a relaxing break.
Where to stay
For comfortable and stylish accommodation in Gibraltar, the Rock Hotel has rooms that will suit any traveller. The Rock Hotel sits at the foot of Gibraltar's famous Rock, offering amazing views and stunning surroundings. The food on offer is also one of the hotel's main draws, with a stylish á la carte restaurant that opens out onto a terrace and serves a fusion of Spanish, Moroccan and British fare.
The four star O'Callaghan Elliot Hotel is located in Gibraltar's old town, providing guests with easy access to the nearby bars, restaurants and shops. The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned is just 2500 metres away. Visitors to O'Callaghan Elliot can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool and bistro during the day and the hotel bar on an evening.
Hit the beach
As the weather starts to warm up in March, visitors can hit one of Gibraltar's many beaches. There are six beaches in total on the peninsula; those on the east are sandy beaches while the western beaches tend to be rockier. Gibraltar is small enough that visitors can take a trip to most of the beaches throughout their stay.
Eastern Beach is the largest beach in Gibraltar and is located on the east coast, looking out to the Alboran Sea. As a result of its location and flat surroundings, the beach receives a large amount of sunshine throughout the day. Holiday makers can take advantage of a wide range of facilities include sun lounger hire and nearby bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, Western Beach is a small, sandy beach that is often visited by locals and tourists looking to sunbathe or take part in some water sports. The beach is generally less crowded than the popular Eastern Beach perfect if you're looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
Eating and drinking
Gibraltar offers wining and dining to suit every visitor. There are restaurants serving every type of food on the Rock, with strong influences from Britain, Spain, Africa and Europe.
Verdi Verdi is the perfect place to stop for lunch when you're exploring Gibraltar's town centre. The Café specialises in health-conscious Kosher food and is renowned in the area for its delicious falafel and hummus. Verdi Verdi also serves a great cup of coffee.
If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy an evening meal, look no further than Nunos Italian Restaurant, a 2 rosette rated, AA establishment in eastern Gibraltar. The fine dining restaurant is located inside the Caleta Hotel and offers a menu full of authentic pizza, pasta and fish dishes. All of this is served overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for a fabulous dining experience.
Surrounded by ocean, it's no surprise that Gibraltar has some amazing seafood restaurants. One of these is Jumpers Wheel Restaurant, an eatery frequented by both tourists and locals. Tucked away at the bottom of the peninsula, this restaurant is a little off the beaten track but worth the journey. Jumpers Wheel delivers high quality fresh fish and produce at reasonable prices
Things to do
One of the highlights of a visit to Gibraltar in March is the Gibraltar Song Festival. The festival is a multi-national competition that draws performers from all over the world. Contestants vie for a cash prize and much of the proceeds of the event go to a number of different charity organisations.
The Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival also takes place in March and features both individuals and groups competing for various prizes. This festival takes place at the John Mackintosh Hall on Main Street in the heart of the city.
For active tourists, the Mediterranean Steps are one of Gibraltar's most popular tourist attractions and provide a challenging trek. Running along the east side of the Rock, the hike is rather steep and arduous at times, but it is a great way to see Gibraltar. Created by the military, there are many interesting historic sites to be viewed along the hike.
For a more relaxing option, dolphin watching excursions promise a great day out for people of all ages, especially families with children. Dolphin Safari offers the chance to see some of Gibraltar's wild dolphins on board a scenic boat ride.
