Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ahuachapán, El Salvador, is classified as Aw under the Köppen-Geiger system, indicative of a tropical savanna climate. This region experiences a diverse temperature range, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) recorded in February, an average temperature of 25°C (77°F), and peaks reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in April. Such variability underscores the unique climatic conditions of Ahuachapán, which significantly influence its ecosystem and agricultural practices.
Ahuachapán, El Salvador, exhibits distinct temperature patterns throughout the year. The cooler months of January and February see minimum temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and 12°C (53°F), respectively, with average highs reaching 34°C (93°F) and 36°C (96°F). As the year progresses into the warm season, temperatures remain elevated, especially from March to May, where daytime highs consistently peak at 36°C (96°F) before gradually decreasing to the mid-30s (95°F) in May. The warmer months maintain a relatively stable average around 25-26°C (77-79°F), with temperatures cooling slightly from June through October. During this period, temperatures hover between 18°C (65°F) and 32°C (90°F), while the overall averages dip slightly, indicating a shift towards milder weather. The year concludes with November and December temperatures that again reflect the cooler months, returning to minimas of around 15°C (59°F) and 13°C (56°F), suggesting a seasonal transition influenced by tropical climatic conditions.
In February, Concepcion de Ataco experiences a mild temperature range with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), making it a pleasant time to visit. In contrast, Ahuachapan has slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum reaching 35°C (96°F) in April, indicating warmer conditions as the seasons progress. For more detailed climate information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Concepcion de Ataco here and in Ahuachapan here.
Ahuachapán, El Salvador, displays a pronounced wet-dry cycle in its precipitation patterns. The year begins with minimal rainfall—only 5 mm (0.2 in) in both January and February—indicating a dry season where precipitation is rare. As March approaches, there is a slight increase to 10 mm (0.4 in), followed by a significant surge in April with 58 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall, marking the onset of the rainy season. This pattern escalates dramatically in May, where precipitation peaks at 269 mm (10.6 in), accompanied by an increase in rainy days, resulting in 26 days of rainfall.
The rainy season continues strongly through the summer months, with June receiving the highest monthly total at 347 mm (13.7 in) over 27 days of rain. Precipitation remains substantial in July and August, with rainfall measuring 171 mm (6.7 in) and 291 mm (11.5 in) respectively. The trend persists into September, reaching 364 mm (14.3 in) and 29 days of rainfall, making it one of the wettest months. After the rainy season, there is a noticeable decline in precipitation, with November bringing 57 mm (2.2 in) and December a mere 8 mm (0.3 in), as the region transitions back to drier conditions.
Ahuachapán, El Salvador, experiences a notable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, reflecting its tropical climate. The year begins with January recording 261 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 291 hours in February. March marks the pinnacle of sunshine availability, with an impressive 327 hours, making it the sunniest month. As the dry season transitions into the early rainy season in April and May, hours of sunlight remain abundant, with April slightly decreasing to 317 hours and May maintaining a robust 307 hours. This trend highlights the region's prolonged exposure to sunlight during the dry months, fostering warmer temperatures and vibrant ecosystems.
As the rainy season kicks into high gear from June to October, sunshine hours dip but remain relatively stable. June sees a notable reduction to 275 hours, followed by a rebound in July with 323 hours, providing some sunshine respite amidst the rainy spells. August and September maintain consistent sunshine durations at 307 and 290 hours, respectively. The months of October and November herald a gradual return to sunnier days, with 280 and 307 hours of sunshine, consistently transitioning into the year-end with December once again rising to 325 hours. Overall, Ahuachapán's sunshine pattern illustrates a seasonal ebb and flow, with distinct peaks during the dry season and slight reductions during the rainy months, yet always providing a substantial amount of sun throughout the year.
The UV Index in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, reveals a consistently high level of ultraviolet radiation exposure throughout the year, prompting significant caution for residents and visitors alike. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 11, indicative of extreme exposure risk, and begins to rise as the season progresses. February sees an increase to a UV Index of 13, peaking at a remarkable 14 from March through July. During these months, individuals are advised that even minimal sun exposure can lead to skin damage in just 10 minutes, underscoring the necessity for protective measures against severe UV radiation.
As the rainy season unfolds, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains notably elevated. In September and October, the index reflects values of 13, while November dips to 10, categorized as very high with an increased burn time of 15 minutes. December continues this trend with a UV Index of 9. Despite these slight reductions, caution is still warranted, as the exposure levels can lead to health risks. Understanding these UV Index patterns is essential for outdoor activities in Ahuachapán, emphasizing the importance of sun protection year-round.
UV Risk Categories
In Ahuachapán, El Salvador, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical latitude. January and February both feature 11 hours of daylight, offering a balanced distribution of light and dark as the year begins. As the climate transitions into the warmer months, March marks the onset of slightly longer days with 12 hours of daylight, a pattern that persists from March through August. This stable duration of daylight during the spring and summer months provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities and agricultural endeavors, supporting both ecological and economic benefits.
As the year progresses into the fall, daylight duration returns to 11 hours in October, and this decline continues into November and December. Despite this shift, the overall variation in daylight hours remains minimal, with daylight consistently hovering around 11 to 12 hours. This consistency reflects the influence of Ahuachapán's geographical location, allowing residents to experience a reliable rhythm of day and night, essential for both lifestyle and agriculture. The steady daylight hours throughout the seasons create an inviting environment conducive to growth and community engagement year-round.
Ahuachapan, El Salvador experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a mild 22°C (72°F) in January to a warm 25°C (77°F) in July, with maximum temperatures often reaching up to 35°C (95°F) during the hottest months. The wet season peaks between May and October, with rainfall reaching up to 330 mm (13.0 in) in June, while drier conditions prevail from November to April. Sunshine hours are plentiful, especially in March with 326 hours, contributing to the region's vibrant ecosystem. For more details, visit Ahuachapan climate.
Concepción de Ataco, El Salvador experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly highs ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 33°C (91°F). The wet season spans from May to October, where rainfall peaks in September at 391 mm (15.4 in), while January and February are notably drier with only 7 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in March, which enjoys 327 hours of sun, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. For a comprehensive overview of the local climate, visit Concepcion de Ataco climate.
In conclusion, Ahuachapán, El Salvador, showcases a distinctive climate characterized by a blend of warm temperatures, substantial rainfall, consistent sunshine, extreme UV exposure, and steady daylight duration throughout the year. The region's temperature patterns highlight both dry and wet seasons, while precipitation data underscore the importance of moisture for local ecosystems and agriculture. Additionally, the elevated UV Index serves as a crucial reminder for sun protection, particularly during peak exposure months. Combined with the reliable daylight duration of 11 to 12 hours, this balance fosters conducive conditions for both community life and agricultural productivity. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for residents and visitors alike, promoting informed decisions that enhance their experience in this vibrant part of El Salvador.