The climate of El Salvador
El Salvador, the smallest Central American nation, stretches across approximately 21,000 square kilometers. The country features a varied landscape consisting of mountains, coastlines, and plateaus. The general climate of El Salvador is tropical and subtropical, dictated by the tropical savanna classification, which results in a significantly warm climate throughout the year. High temperatures persist across the nation, with average daily temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The prominent characteristic of this tropical savanna climate is a pronounced dry season. El Salvador experiences two primary seasons, a rainy season from
May to
October, and a dry season from
November to
April.
The Best Time to Visit El Salvador
The best time to visit
El Salvador is generally during the dry season, which runs from
November to
April. During these months, travelers can expect plenty of sunshine and clear skies, with temperatures that are consistently warm but not excessively hot, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). This period is also advantageous for those looking to explore the country's outdoor attractions, as the absence of rain makes hiking, sightseeing, and beach visits more enjoyable. Moreover, visiting during the dry season avoids the risk of hurricanes, which can occur in the rainy season.
The Worst Time to Visit El Salvador
Travelers might find the rainy season, from
May to
October, a less optimal time to visit
El Salvador. During these months, the country experiences heavy rainfall, with precipitation reaching up to 200mm (7.87") per month. The high rainfall can result in floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, potentially disrupting travel plans. Moreover, the possibility of hurricanes during this period increases the risk. Temperatures during the rainy season still remain relatively high, typically hovering between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Spring Weather in El Salvador
Springtime in
El Salvador, which falls from
March to
May, is characterized by rising temperatures and the onset of the rainy season. The weather remains largely warm, with average daily temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). March and
April remain relatively dry, with sporadic rainfall, while May marks the start of the rainy season, with increased rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Despite the increase in precipitation, mornings often remain sunny and clear.
Summer Weather in El Salvador
In
El Salvador, summer spans from
June to
August and coincides with the rainy season. These months receive the most rainfall, with precipitation reaching up to 200mm (7.87") per month. Despite the high levels of rain, the temperatures remain warm, with averages from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). The rain usually comes in the form of heavy afternoon showers, often followed by sunshine. Despite the rain, the mornings are generally sunny and bright, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
Autumn Weather in El Salvador
The autumn months in
El Salvador, from
September to
November, mark the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. September and
October still witness substantial rainfall, but by November, the precipitation significantly decreases. Temperatures during this period range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing a pleasant climate for visitors. As the country transitions to the dry season, the frequency of rain subsides, and sunny, clear skies become more common.
Winter Weather in El Salvador
Winter in
El Salvador, spanning from
December to
February, is synonymous with the dry season. The weather is usually dry and warm, with temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The absence of rainfall, combined with consistent sunshine, makes this period an excellent time for outdoor activities and beach excursions. The clear skies and pleasant temperatures contribute to making the winter season one of the most popular times for tourists visiting El Salvador.
Weather in January
January is well within the dry season in
El Salvador, making it one of the driest months of the year. The weather during this time is typically warm and sunny, with average daily temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the trend of the dry season in
El Salvador, maintaining a predominantly sunny and warm climate. During this month, daily average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), similar to
January. The warmer temperatures are commonly experienced in the coastal regions and lower altitudes, whereas higher altitudes, including mountainous areas, have slightly cooler temperatures. Prominent cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana continue to enjoy agreeable climates in February.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The month of
March in
El Salvador represents the tail end of the dry season, with temperatures continuing to hover between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), similar to the preceding months of
January and
February. Coastal areas and lower altitudes continue to experience the higher end of this temperature spectrum, while regions at higher altitudes, such as the elevated city of Santa Ana, typically experience slightly cooler conditions. In San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, temperatures in March tend to average around 26°C (78.8°F), slightly warmer than the earlier months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a transition period in
El Salvador's climate as the country shifts from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season. Average temperatures during this month remain consistent with the previous months, ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the onset of the rainy season in
El Salvador, bringing about a significant increase in precipitation compared to the preceding dry months. However, despite the increase in rainfall, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June fully settles into the rainy season in
El Salvador, seeing a further increase in rainfall compared to
May. Nevertheless, the temperatures continue to be warm, generally ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The coastal regions and areas at lower altitudes commonly experience the warmer side of this spectrum, while areas at higher altitudes, such as Santa Ana, enjoy slightly cooler conditions. In San Salvador, the temperatures average around 27°C (80.6°F), remaining fairly consistent with May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
El Salvador continues to experience the rainy season, with rainfall still abundant but slightly less frequent compared to
June. Temperatures during this month remain within the range of 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), typical of El Salvador's tropical climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
El Salvador marks the peak of the rainy season, with significant rainfall similar to the preceding months. The temperatures persist within the familiar range of 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), consistent with the tropical climate of the country.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
El Salvador brings about a continuation of the rainy season, with rainfall levels similar to those in
August. The temperatures remain consistent with the tropical savanna climate, generally ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
El Salvador sees the start of a gradual transition from the rainy season towards the dry season. However, significant rainfall still characterizes this month, and temperatures continue to range between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
El Salvador marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. This transition results in a significant decrease in rainfall compared to
October. Temperatures during this month continue to range between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), with coastal regions and lower altitudes experiencing the warmer end of this spectrum, and regions at higher altitudes, such as Santa Ana, witnessing slightly cooler conditions. San Salvador sees average temperatures in November around 25°C (77°F), slightly cooler than the preceding months, indicative of the incoming dry season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
El Salvador marks the full onset of the dry season, characterized by significantly less rainfall compared to the preceding months and relatively cooler temperatures. During this month, temperatures generally range between 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]