🌡️ El Salvador's Tropical Climate
El Salvador enjoys a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures year-round. The country has two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) locally called "verano," and the rainy season (May to October) called "invierno."
Temperatures vary little throughout the year, generally ranging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The real difference lies in precipitation and humidity. About 75% of annual rainfall occurs during the wet season, mainly in late afternoon as intense tropical showers.
📊 Temperatures by Geographic Zone
Pacific Coast (La Libertad, El Tunco, Acajutla)
The coastal zone is the hottest in the country. Nighttime lows range from 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F), while daytime highs reach 32°C to 34°C (90°F to 93°F). Ocean water stays warm year-round, between 28°C and 30°C (82°F to 86°F), ideal for surfing and swimming.
San Salvador and Central Plateau (700m altitude)
The capital enjoys a more temperate climate thanks to its elevation. Maximum temperatures range from 30°C (86°F) in September-November to 33°C (91°F) in March-April. Nights are cooler, dropping to 13°C (55°F) during the "Norte" winds from the United States (December to March).
Highlands (Santa Ana, Cerro El Pital)
The mountainous areas offer a noticeably cooler climate. Santa Ana is the coldest region in the country. At the summit of Cerro El Pital (2,730m / 8,957ft), temperatures can drop low enough to observe snow in winter, a unique phenomenon in Central America.
Interior Valleys (Sonsonate)
The Sonsonate region is the hottest and wettest in the country. The lack of sea breeze makes the heat harder to bear during the wet season.
📅 Detailed Climate Calendar
November to February: Ideal High Season
This is the optimal time to visit El Salvador. Weather is dry and sunny with about 8 hours of sunshine daily. Temperatures remain pleasant (25-30°C / 77-86°F). November and March are the warmest months. On average, only 4 rainy days per month with negligible precipitation (about 18mm).
March to April: End of Dry Season
The hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching 35-38°C (95-100°F), especially in interior valleys. Humidity starts increasing in April, signaling the approaching rainy season.
May to June: Start of Rains
Precipitation sets in gradually. Expect daily showers in late afternoon. This also marks the beginning of hurricane season (June to November). Temperatures remain high (25-30°C / 77-86°F) with strong humidity (up to 85%).
July to August: Moderate Wet Season
Hot and humid period. Rains are frequent but often concentrated over a few hours. Sun remains present in the morning, allowing outdoor activities.
September to October: Peak Rainfall
The rainiest months with an average of 21-24 rainy days per month and up to 300mm of monthly precipitation. Increased risk of floods, landslides, and flash floods. September should particularly be avoided for mountain hiking.
⚠️ Climate Risks and Precautions
Hurricane Season (June to November)
Although hurricanes rarely hit El Salvador directly (they typically veer north), their indirect effects cause devastating torrential rains. Tropical storms Amanda and Cristobal (2020) caused 30 deaths and affected 600,000 people. In June 2024, floods killed 13 people and displaced over 4,000 residents.
Essential precautions:
- Follow alerts from Protección Civil (@PROCIVILSV) and the Ministry of Environment (@MedioAmbienteSV)
- Avoid low-lying areas and riverbanks during heavy rains
- Never drive through flooded roads
- In mountains, dirt roads often become impassable
Urban Flooding
The San Salvador metropolitan area is particularly vulnerable to urban flooding during intense rains. Drainage systems can quickly become overwhelmed.
🌊 Pacific Ocean Dangers
WARNING: The Pacific Ocean in El Salvador is considered extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. The US Embassy regularly issues alerts about high drowning risks.
Rip Currents
Salvadoran beaches are known for their powerful rip currents that can pull swimmers out to sea at speeds exceeding 8 km/h (5 mph), faster than an Olympic swimmer. These currents are responsible for over 80% of sea rescues.
El Salvador has a drowning rate of 5.09 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the highest in the region.
When is the Ocean Most Dangerous?
- During rainy season: Storms and Pacific swells increase wave and current strength
- During flood tides: Currents are strongest at peak high tide
- After storms: Even when weather seems calm, residual swells create dangerous conditions
Beach Flag System
- Green: Calm conditions, swimming allowed
- Yellow: Caution required, stay near shore
- Red: Swimming prohibited, extreme danger
- Double red: Beach closed
Vital Safety Rules
- Never swim alone
- Respect flags and lifeguard instructions
- Avoid alcohol before swimming
- Stay at least 30 meters from piers and rocks
- Watch if locals are swimming: if they stay on the beach, there's a reason
- If caught in a current: don't fight it, swim parallel to the beach, then return to shore
🎯 Best Time for Each Activity
Surfing
The ideal season runs from March to October, with the best swells. December to March offers calmer conditions, perfect for beginners. El Tunco and Punta Roca are accessible year-round.
Volcano Hiking
Prefer the dry season (November to April). Trails are dry, views are clear. Avoid September-October: muddy paths and reduced visibility.
Beaches and Swimming
From November to April, conditions are optimal. Choose supervised beaches and always respect the flags.
City Visits
Any time of year is suitable, but the dry season is more comfortable for exploring San Salvador, Suchitoto, or Santa Ana.
💡 Practical Tips
- Clothing: Light and breathable, plus a light jacket for evenings at altitude or air-conditioned buses
- Sun protection: Essential year-round (very high UV index)
- Rainy season: Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket, showers are sudden but brief
- Hydration: Drink plenty, heat and humidity dehydrate quickly
📱 Useful Resources
To follow real-time weather:
- Protección Civil: proteccioncivil.gob.sv
- Ministry of Environment: ambiente.gob.sv
- Twitter/X: @PROCIVILSV and @MedioAmbienteSV