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Strait of Gibraltar
Ceuta, Spain © Liudmila Selivanova
Strait of Gibraltar Water Temperature: Current & Historical Data for Coastal Resorts
We find every spot where you can swim and tell you what the water temperature is there today and throughout the year
Current water temperature
60°F
minimal
60°F
average
60°F
maximum
Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Strait of Gibraltar Over the Last 60 Days
Water temperature in the Strait of Gibraltar by month
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 66°F |
| February | 57°F | 64°F |
| March | 55°F | 64°F |
| April | 57°F | 68°F |
| May | 59°F | 70°F |
| June | 59°F | 75°F |
| July | 64°F | 77°F |
| August | 66°F | 77°F |
| September | 66°F | 77°F |
| October | 59°F | 73°F |
| November | 57°F | 70°F |
| December | 59°F | 66°F |
What is known about the Strait of Gibraltar?
Ksar es Seghir, Morocco © mounir rafiThe Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, lies between southern Spain and northern Morocco. Due to the mixing of Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, temperatures in the strait vary slightly depending on location. In winter, coastal waters range from 59–63°F (15–17°C), which can feel cool for casual swimmers. In summer, temperatures rise to around 68–75°F (20–24°C), with the warmest waters found closer to the Mediterranean side. However, the Atlantic influence keeps the water cooler than in the central Mediterranean.
Swimming in the Strait of Gibraltar is possible, but it comes with challenges. The strait is known for its strong currents, frequent winds, and high maritime traffic, making open-water swimming difficult except for experienced swimmers. Some adventure swimmers attempt to cross the strait from Spain to Morocco, a feat that requires training and safety measures. For recreational swimming, beaches along the Spanish and Moroccan coasts offer safer conditions, especially in sheltered areas like Tarifa, Algeciras, and Tangier. The clear waters and mild summer temperatures make these coastal spots enjoyable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
List of Countries Bordering the Strait of Gibraltar
Popular Resorts of the Strait of Gibraltar with the Warmest Water Today
Popular Resorts on the Strait of Gibraltar Coast
Gibraltar, Gibraltar © Med Rida ZIANI
Nearest Seas and Oceans
Frequently Asked Questions About the Strait of Gibraltar
What is the water temperature in the Strait of Gibraltar right now?
The water temperature in the Strait of Gibraltar today ranges from 59°F (15°C) in Ceuta (Spain) to 61°F (16°C) in Benzu (Spain).
Is it possible to swim in the Strait of Gibraltar?
Yes, it is possible to swim in the Strait of Gibraltar, although the cold water temperatures and strong currents can make it challenging.
In which month does the Strait of Gibraltar have the highest and lowest water temperatures?
The highest water temperature in the Strait of Gibraltar occurs in July, reaching 77°F (25°C), while the lowest is in March, dropping to 55°F (13°C).
Is the Strait of Gibraltar colder than the Alboran Sea?
Yes, the Strait of Gibraltar is slightly colder than the Alboran Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 64°F (18°C), while the Alboran Sea's is 66°F (19°C).
Which countries are washed by the Strait of Gibraltar?
The Strait of Gibraltar washes Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco.
What are the most popular resorts located on the Strait of Gibraltar?
The most popular beach destinations on the Strait of Gibraltar are Gibraltar (Gibraltar), Ceuta (Spain), Benzu (Spain), Ksar es Seghir (Morocco).
Do you have any extended or additional information about the Strait of Gibraltar?
The Strait of Gibraltar is an international strait between the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and the northwestern coast of Africa, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. The length is 65 km, the width is 14-44 km, the depth in the fairway is up to 338 m.
In the Strait of Gibraltar, at different depths, the currents are directed in opposite directions. The surface current brings on average 55 198 km³ of water from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea per year (with an average temperature of + 17 ° C and salinity above 36 ‰). The deep current brings 51 886 km³ to the Atlantic Ocean (with an average temperature of + 13.5 ° C and a salinity of 38 ‰). The difference of 3,312 km³ is mainly due to evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the shores of the Strait of Gibraltar there are steep rock massifs, which in ancient times were called the Pillars of Hercules - the Rock of Gibraltar in the north and Jebel Musa in the south.
Do you have a few more photos of the the Strait of Gibraltar?
Gibraltar, Gibraltar © Leslie Mason
Ceuta, Spain © Mohamed Amine Houmani
Benzu, Spain © Ira Torres