What is the weather like in Gibraltar in January?

Short answer

Gibraltar in January averages daytime highs of about 16°C and night-time lows of about 11°C, with around 7 days of rain and 4 to 5 hours of sunshine a day. The sea is around 16°C.

Detailed answer

Temperatures

The average daily high in January is 16.3°C and the average low is 11.2°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

January averages around 98 mm of rain over about 7 days with 1 mm or more, though totals vary a lot from year to year. Sunshine averages about 4.7 hours a day.

What January is like

January is the coolest month, with daytime highs around 16°C and nights around 11°C. Frost and snow are practically unknown at sea level, and there are usually plenty of bright, clear days between rain spells.

About 30% of winter days are wet, according to HM Government of Gibraltar. The sea drops to around 16°C, too cold for most swimmers.

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

Pack as for a cool British spring: a warm jumper, a waterproof jacket, trousers and closed walking shoes. Sunglasses are still worth bringing for clear days.