What is the weather like in Gibraltar in December?

Short answer

Gibraltar in December averages daytime highs of about 17°C and night-time lows of about 12°C, with around 8 days of rain and 4 to 5 hours of sunshine a day. The sea is around 17°C.

Detailed answer

Temperatures

The average daily high in December is 17.0°C and the average low is 12.4°C, based on 1991 to 2020 records at Gibraltar Airport. Older German Weather Service records for 1961 to 1990 are very close.

Rain and sunshine

December averages around 151 mm of rain over about 8 days with 1 mm or more, though totals vary a lot from year to year. Sunshine averages about 4.3 hours a day.

What December is like

December is mild compared with northern Europe, with daytime highs around 17°C, but it is the wettest month of the year on average. HM Government of Gibraltar says about 30% of winter days are wet.

Main Street and Casemates are decorated for Christmas, and the mild days make walking around town comfortable between showers.

Wind

Gibraltar's weather is shaped by two local winds through the Strait: the Levanter from the east, which brings humid air and cloud over the Rock, and the Poniente from the west, which brings clearer, drier weather. Strong winds around the Rock can make flights divert to Malaga.

What to wear

Bring a warm jumper or fleece, a proper waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Evenings can feel cool, especially in the wind, so a light scarf is useful.