Last updated: January 18, 2025
Chalatenango, El Salvador, boasts a distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, denoting a tropical savanna climate characterized by a marked dry season. Temperature fluctuations in the region reveal a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January, providing a cooler respite, while the summer months can escalate to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in March. The region maintains a pleasant average temperature of 25°C (77°F), making it an inviting destination for both residents and visitors alike. This climatic variability emphasizes Chalatenango's unique environmental conditions, which significantly influence local agriculture and outdoor activities.
Temperature patterns in Chalatenango, El Salvador, exhibit a notable seasonal progression throughout the year. The coldest month is January, with minimum temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and a maximum reaching 36°C (97°F). As the year advances into the dry season, February and March show a gradual increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures, peaking at 39°C (102°F) to 103°F. April marks the transition to consistently warmer averages, with highs stabilizing around 39°C (102°F) for the following months. The peak temperatures, although slightly lower in May, remain elevated. The latter half of the year, particularly during the rainy season from June to September, sees a slight cooling trend, with average temperatures hovering between 25°C (77°F) and 26°C (79°F), and maximums decreasing to the mid-30s during October and November. By December, the temperatures stabilize, indicating a return to the milder conditions experienced earlier in the year, rounding off a cycle of warmth interspersed with brief cooler periods.
In the region encompassing San Francisco Morazan, Nueva Concepcion, and Chalatenango, January temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in San Francisco Morazan to 13°C (56°F) in both Nueva Concepcion and Chalatenango. By March, these areas experience significant warmth, with maxima reaching 37°C (98°F) in San Francisco Morazan, 37°C (100°F) in Nueva Concepcion, and peaking at 39°C (103°F) in Chalatenango. For detailed monthly temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in San Francisco Morazan, monthly temperatures in Nueva Concepcion, and monthly temperatures in Chalatenango.
Chalatenango, El Salvador, experiences a significant variation in precipitation throughout the year, closely linked to its tropical savanna climate. The dry season, spanning from January to March, remains relatively parched, receiving minimal rainfall—only 4 mm (0.1 in) in January and February, and slightly more in March at 5 mm (0.2 in). However, the arrival of April marks a substantial shift, with precipitation increasing to 38 mm (1.5 in), heralding the onset of the wet season. This transition continues into May, where rainfall dramatically escalates to 207 mm (8.2 in), setting the precedent for the months that follow.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from June to September, featuring the highest precipitation levels, including 239 mm (9.4 in) in June and 248 mm (9.8 in) in September. This wet period is characterized by frequent rainfall days, with September seeing the most at 27 days of rain. Following this peak, October also remains relatively wet with 211 mm (8.3 in), but precipitation begins to taper off in November and December, where it drops to 57 mm (2.2 in) and 6 mm (0.3 in), respectively. Overall, Chalatenango's precipitation patterns reveal a distinct contrast between the dry and wet seasons, with significant impacts on local agriculture and water resources.
In Chalatenango, El Salvador, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend characterized by an increase from the cooler months into the warmer dry season. Starting with 258 hours of sunshine in January, sunlight gradually intensifies through February and March, culminating in a peak of 325 hours in March. This trajectory signifies the region's transition toward its warmest period, with April and May maintaining substantial sunshine with 313 hours and 303 hours, respectively. These months are particularly favorable for outdoor activities, highlighting Chalatenango as an enticing destination during the early part of the year.
As the wet season commences in June, there is a noticeable decrease in sunshine hours, dropping to 272 hours, yet it regains momentum in July, reaching 320 hours once again. The months from July to November generally sustain a consistent amount of sunshine, with November recording 302 hours. Interestingly, December regains strength with 322 hours, suggesting that even as the region transitions back to a dry season, the opportunities for basking in sunlight remain abundant. Overall, Chalatenango offers a dynamic blend of sunshine, with optimal conditions found predominantly in the late winter and early summer months while still providing ample sunlight through the year.
Chalatenango, El Salvador, experiences notably high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, particularly during the sunniest months. From January to May, the UV Index ranges from 11 to 15, categorizing the exposure level as extreme during this period. March and April see the peak values of 15, indicating that sunburn can occur in as little as 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. This extreme UV intensity underscores the importance of sun protection strategies, particularly for individuals engaging in outdoor activities during these months.
As the wet season approaches, the UV Index remains consistently high, with values between 14 and 13 from June to September, still falling within the extreme exposure category. The intensity then gradually decreases into November and December, where the UV Index drops to 10 and 9, transitioning to a very high exposure category with recommended burn times extending to 15 minutes. Despite this slight reduction, residents and visitors of Chalatenango should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard against harmful UV radiation, especially during the peak months.
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In Chalatenango, El Salvador, daylight duration exhibits a stable pattern throughout the year, predominantly fluctuating between 11 and 12 hours per day. During the early months of January and February, the region enjoys 11 hours of daylight, providing a balanced amount of light for outdoor activities and daily life. As the sun begins to rise earlier and set later, March marks the transition to 12 hours of daylight, which persists through April, May, and the summer months of June and July. This consistency in daylight hours creates an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors, allowing ample time for exploration and leisure.
Following the height of summer, daylight duration gradually decreases once more, with October signaling a return to 11 hours of light per day. This trend continues into November and December, reinforcing the notion of a consistent solar cycle in Chalatenango. Despite the slight seasonal variations in daylight, the overall stability provides residents with a reliable rhythm throughout the year, allowing them to plan their activities in tandem with the available sunlight.
Chalatenango, El Salvador experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. January sees average temperatures around 25°C (78°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F) in the hottest months, while nighttime lows can drop to around 13°C (56°F). The region witnesses significant rainfall from May to October, with June being the wettest month, accumulating 224 mm (8.8 in). Despite the rainfall, the area enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March with 326 hours. For more detailed information, visit Chalatenango climate.
The climate in Nueva Concepcion, El Salvador, is characterized by a tropical dry and wet season. Temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (100°F) in March and April, with average temperatures hovering between 23°C (74°F) and 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is sparse in the early months, increasing significantly in May with 199 mm (7.9 in) and peaking in September at 239 mm (9.4 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, particularly in March with 325 hours of sun. For a detailed overview, visit Nueva Concepcion climate.
San Francisco Morazan, El Salvador, enjoys a warm climate characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct rainy seasons. Average temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in April, with peaks reaching up to 37°C (98°F) in March. The rainy season intensifies from May to October, with May receiving the highest precipitation at 242 mm (9.5 in) and September at 290 mm (11.4 in). Despite the rains, the region basks in ample sunshine, particularly in March, which sees around 325 hours of sunlight. For more information, visit San Francisco Morazan climate.
In conclusion, Chalatenango, El Salvador, presents a compelling climate characterized by distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. With warm temperatures and high sunlight exposure, particularly from January through May, the region becomes an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits. The prevalent extreme UV index during these months underscores the need for sun safety precautions. Meanwhile, the stable daylight duration, ranging from 11 to 12 hours, facilitates a consistent and enjoyable lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. As the wet season approaches, bringing increased precipitation and slight decreases in sunshine, Chalatenango maintains its charm, providing a diverse and dynamic environment throughout the year.