Weather lowdown
Gibraltar is located at the bottom of the Iberian Peninsula, separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar. It has become a popular holiday destination thanks to its unique combination of British and Spanish culture, its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery of The Rock of Gibraltar.
With its close proximity to Spain and Morocco, Gibraltar enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
October in Gibraltar signals the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, with cooler temperatures and wetter weather. Average temperatures in October are at around 20°C which is colder than September but still warm enough to enjoy all of Gibraltar's outdoor attractions and beaches. High temperatures can reach 23°C on some days, but night time lows fall to around 17°C in October. While short sleeves and light clothing are fine for the day time in October, you may want to pack some warmer layers for on an evening.
October still sees lots of sunshine, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine a day throughout the month. Cloud cover has increased from the summer months, with a 21% chance of a cloudy day, but there will still be plenty of bright, clear skies.
There is significantly much more rain in October than the summer months. On average, there are 70mm of precipitation which tends to fall over 12 wet days. This means that there is a 30% chance of a rainy day on October.
The month can still be rather humid as a result of the Levanter. This prevailing easterly wind can cause humidity at any time of the year, but it is most common between July and October.
While the weather starts to cool and get wetter in October, holiday makers will still be able to enjoy the beach on dry days. October's sea temperatures are still warm enough for swimming and water sports, with an average sea temperature of 20°C.
Where to stay
Holiday makers can find accommodation to suit every budget and taste in Gibraltar.
If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Gibraltar the Bristol Hotel is a great choice. Close to the centre of Gibraltar, next to the Church of England Cathedral, it offers a great location for budget-friendly prices. Dating back to 1894, it's the oldest hotel in Gibraltar. Guests can enjoy the hotel's private sub-tropical garden which has a pool and a snack bar.
For a luxurious, four star stay, consider the Caleta Hotel which is located near the beach on the east coast of Gibraltar. The hotel's facilities include a spa and wellness centre and a sun terrace as well as Nuno's, an award-winning Italian restaurant.
Hit the beach
On warm, dry days, visitors to Gibraltar in October can enjoy the beautiful beaches that the peninsula has to offer.
Gibraltar's largest beach is Eastern Beach, a golden sandy beach which stretches for hundreds of metres along the east side of the peninsula. The beach offers beautiful views of the rock and thanks to its position, receives sunshine all day long, making it a popular location for tourists and locals alike. On the other side of The Rock, Western Beach is smaller and usually less crowded. This beach is a popular location for swimming and jet skiing.
Eating and drinking
Gibraltar has a vast and varied range of bars and restaurants for holiday makers to dine at. The food scene reflects Gibraltar's unique fusion of cultures, with something for every taste, from British food to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Surrounded by water, Gibraltar has some fantastic fish restaurants. One of these is La Mamela where guests can indulge in a range of fresh fish and seafood dishes. La Mamela sits by the sea in Catalan Bay, providing amazing beach views with dinner.
If you're looking for a place to dine close to Gibraltar's central attractions, The Royal Calpe is a great choice. Serving traditional pub grub, the restaurant offers a taste of home for British visitors. Try the tea and scones for a light refreshment or visit The Royal Calpe for dinner and drinks on an evening. The outdoor terrace on Main Street is a great place to sit and people watch.
For a sweet treat as you explore Gibraltar, head to Gelateria Dolce Vita located on Main Street. The ice cream parlour has a huge range of flavours to choose from.
Things to do
There are many sights to see and places to explore in Gibraltar. Among the most popular sights are the Barbary Macaques, the only monkeys in Europe that are free-living, meaning that they don't live in a zoo. There are approximately 160 of these monkeys living in Gibraltar in two main areas: Queens Gate, also known as Ape's Den, and at the Great Siege area. They interact with tourists but use caution as they are still wild animals.
With three marinas in Gibraltar, sailing is always a fun activity. There are a number of schools that offer lessons, or the more experienced can hire their own yachts for a day on the water. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy the views with a dolphin and whale watching excursion. This is a great way to see some of Gibraltar's ocean wildlife.
