WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Gibraltar

Location

Climate

Gibraltar's climate: high and low season

Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The high season generally corresponds to the months of June to SeptemberThe high season is when temperatures are highest and days are longest. On the other hand, the low season is between november and marchDuring this period, temperatures are cooler and rainfall more frequent.

Intermediate periods: April, May and October

The months ofApril, May and October are considered intermediate periods, offering a pleasant climate and moderate tourist numbers. These months are therefore good options for those wishing to discover Gibraltar without the summer crowds.

Public holidays and major cultural events in Gibraltar

Public holidays and cultural events can also influence your choice of date for a stay in Gibraltar. Here are the main events and public holidays to consider:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• February or March Gibraltar Carnival, which takes place the weekend before Ash Wednesday
• March or April Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter
• May 1st Labour Day
• June British National Day, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's birthday
• June 23 St. John's Day (la Noche de San Juan), marking the start of summer with bonfires on the beaches.
• August Gibraltar International Music Festival, attracting world-renowned artists
• September 10 Gibraltar National Day, celebrating the territory's identity and sovereignty
• December 25 and 26 Christmas and Boxing Day

Other noteworthy cultural events

In addition to the official public holidays, Gibraltar also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year. These include:

• Gibraltar International Literary Festival The "Bibliophile World": usually held in November, this event brings together authors, publishers and bibliophiles from all over the world for conferences, workshops and debates.
• Gibraltar World Music Festival The "Festival de la Musique": this music festival takes place every year in June and offers an eclectic program featuring international artists.
• Gibraltar Drama Festival Taking place in March, this festival dedicated to amateur theater gives local talent the opportunity to take to the stage and compete in various categories.

Gibraltar tourist numbers: when to leave to avoid the crowds?

Tourist numbers in Gibraltar vary according to the season, with a marked increase during the high summer season. If you prefer to visit Gibraltar in peace and quiet, choose the low season or periods in between.

January, February and March: the quietest months

The months of january, february and march are generally the least crowded times of the year for tourists to Gibraltar. Take advantage of this period to discover the territory's emblematic sites without the crowds.

Avoid school vacations

To avoid overcrowding, we also recommend taking into account local and international school vacations. School vacation periods vary from country to country, but are generally in December-January, February-March and July-August.

Gibraltar, a small British territory in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, attracts many visitors and migrants every year in search of a new life.

Gibraltar immigration statistics

Located at the southernmost tip of theSpainThe Gibraltar region is a strategic point for migratory flows between Africa and Europe. Here are a few facts about immigration to Gibraltar.

Foreign residents in Gibraltar

In 2020, there were around 33,701 inhabitants in Gibraltar, of whom almost 25% were foreign nationals. Among the latter, the majority were British and Spanish, Moroccans And Portuguese.

Legal immigration

Every year, several hundred people obtain a legal residence permit for Gibraltar. The main categories of visas issued are as follows:

• Work visa: for those wishing to work in Gibraltar
• Student visa: for those wishing to study at a higher education institution in Gibraltar
• Family reunion visa: for family members of a foreign resident in Gibraltar
• Retirement visa: for people wishing to retire in Gibraltar

Illegal immigration

Due to its geographical position, Gibraltar is also a transit point for illegal immigration. Local authorities are working closely with neighboring countries and international organizations to combat this phenomenon.

International tourism figures for Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a popular tourist destination for its cultural heritage, beaches and outdoor activities. Here are a few facts about international tourism in the region.

Number of foreign visitors

According to the latest available statistics, Gibraltar welcomed around 10 million visitors in 2019, the vast majority of whom were foreign tourists. Of these, the most numerous were Spaniards, followed by Britons and Germans.

Reasons for visiting

The main reasons why tourists choose to visit Gibraltar are as follows:

• Discover our historical and cultural heritage: the citadel, the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael's Cave attract many curious visitors every year.
• Beaches and water sports: Gibraltar's beaches are ideal for swimming, lounging and water sports such as sailing and kayaking.
• Hiking and outdoor activities: the Rock of Gibraltar Natural Park offers many opportunities for hiking, climbing and cycling.
• Shopping: as a British territory, Gibraltar benefits from low taxes, making it a popular place to shop, particularly for electronics, alcohol and tobacco.

Economic impact of tourism

Tourism is an important part of Gibraltar's economy. In 2019, direct revenue generated by the tourism sector amounted to around £280 million, or almost 10% of local GDP. Gibraltar is a multi-faceted territory, both in terms of tourism and migratory flows. Visit Gibraltar immigration statistics and international tourism figures testify to the attractiveness of this region for visitors and migrants from all over the world.