Last updated: January 18, 2025
San Miguel, located in El Salvador, exhibits a tropical savanna climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. Characterized by a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) in January, the region enjoys a warm average of 27°C (82°F) throughout the year. Notably, temperatures can soar to a striking 40°C (104°F) in February, highlighting the significant seasonal variation. This climate profile underscores San Miguel's dynamic weather patterns, making it a region of keen interest for meteorological studies and climate impact assessments.
San Miguel, El Salvador, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by warm and stable conditions. January marks the beginning of the year with a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F), gradually rising to a peak of 37°C (99°F) by the end of the month. February is typically the hottest month, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F), before temperatures start to stabilize in March and April, where averages hover around 29°C (85°F). The heat persists into the early summer months, with maximums consistently near 39°C (102°F). By mid-year, from June to August, temperatures slightly dip, maintaining averages of 27-28°C (81-83°F), while maximums continue to be warm, around 36-38°C (97-100°F). As the year progresses into the fall months, notably October and November, temperatures gradually decline, with minimums around 17-20°C (62-68°F) and maximums dropping to about 34°C (93°F). Overall, San Miguel experiences a warm climate, with notable peaks in February and a slow cooling trend towards the year's end.
San Miguel experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with minimum temperatures dipping to 18°C (64°F) in December and soaring to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February. This variation highlights the region's tropical climate and its potential for warm to hot conditions. For a detailed overview, refer to the monthly temperatures in San Miguel: monthly temperatures in San Miguel.
San Miguel, El Salvador, experiences a pronounced seasonal variation in precipitation, with distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year. The early months of January through March are remarkably dry, registering only 1 mm, 2 mm, and 5 mm of rainfall, respectively. As the calendar turns to April, the atmosphere begins to shift, with precipitation increasing sharply to 43 mm (1.7 in), marking the onset of the rainy season. This trend escalates dramatically in May, with an impressive 306 mm (12.1 in) recorded over 24 rainy days, serving as a clear indication of the region's transition into the peak of the wet season.
The summer months, particularly June through August, maintain substantial precipitation levels, with 345 mm (13.6 in) in June, 316 mm (12.5 in) in August, and 136 mm (5.3 in) in July, reflecting the typical tropical monsoon climate. September and October represent the climax of the rainy season, showcasing the highest monthly totals of 310 mm (12.2 in) and 378 mm (14.9 in), respectively. By November, rainfall decreases to 75 mm (2.9 in) over 8 rainy days, transitioning towards drier conditions, with December seeing only 5 mm of precipitation. This seasonal cycle highlights the significant influence of climate on San Miguel's weather patterns, emphasizing the importance of studying such variations for effective water resource management.
In San Miguel, El Salvador, sunshine duration displays clear seasonal trends, with a noticeable increase in daylight hours as the year progresses. Starting in January with 263 hours of sunshine, the region sees a steady upward trend, peaking in March at 329 hours. This month represents the height of sunshine availability as the dry season approaches its end, providing abundant sunlight ideal for outdoor activities. April and May remain relatively sunny as well, with 319 hours and 315 hours respectively, while the region prepares for the rainy season ahead.
As the rainy season begins in June, sunshine hours slightly decrease to 291 hours, indicating the effect of increased cloud cover during this time. However, daylight remains plentiful, with July bouncing back to 331 hours, showcasing a brief respite from the rainy conditions. The latter months of the year exhibit consistently high sunshine levels, ranging from 292 hours in October to 326 hours in December, exhibiting San Miguel's resilience in maintaining significant sunshine even as the rains diminish. Overall, the sun shines brightly for most of the year in San Miguel, allowing for a rich biodiversity and a vibrant local culture that thrives in the warmth.
San Miguel, El Salvador, experiences consistently high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, with the UV Index typically reaching extreme levels that necessitate caution for sun exposure. From January to June, the UV Index peaks at 14, indicating an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a dangerously short burn time of only 10 minutes. March, the month with the highest recorded UV Index, emphasizes the need for effective sun protection as temperatures and sunlight intensify. This pattern continues into the summer, as July and August maintain a UV Index of 13, reflecting the persistent risk associated with outdoor activities during this period.
As the year progresses, the UV Index slightly declines but remains a concern. November and December see the UV Index drop to 10 and 9, respectively, categorizing them under the very high exposure category, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. While these months offer a marginal reprieve, the UV levels still require vigilance to prevent skin damage. With such consistent high UV exposure, residents and visitors in San Miguel must prioritize sun safety by utilizing protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues year-round.
UV Risk Categories
In San Miguel, El Salvador, daylight duration remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with only slight variations that reflect the region's tropical climate. January and February feature approximately 11 hours of daylight each day, offering a solid foundation of natural light as the year begins. As the equinox approaches in March, daylight increases to 12 hours and maintains this duration through June, allowing for extended hours to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant landscapes typical of the region.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight begins to decrease again, returning to 11 hours by October. This gradual shortening of daylight persists through November and December, signaling a return to the shorter days experienced earlier in the year. Overall, the consistent daylight duration in San Miguel ensures ample opportunity for residents and visitors alike to fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural offerings of this dynamic locale throughout the seasons.
San Miguel, El Salvador, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm to hot temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in October to 30°C (86°F) in the hottest months, with maximums hitting up to 40°C (104°F) in February. The region sees significant rainfall during the wet season from May to October, with June and August being particularly wet, receiving over 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain. Despite the rainy periods, the city enjoys substantial sunshine, with March and July boasting around 329 and 332 hours of sun, respectively. For more details, visit San Miguel climate.
In conclusion, San Miguel, El Salvador, showcases a diverse climate characterized by consistent warmth, ample sunshine, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The region experiences a pronounced wet season that significantly influences precipitation patterns, while daylight duration remains relatively stable, allowing for prolonged enjoyment of the outdoors. With temperatures frequently reaching extremes and an unyielding UV Index requiring careful sun protection, both locals and visitors must navigate these climatic nuances to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience in this vibrant tropical destination. This rich interplay of environmental factors not only shapes daily life in San Miguel but also underscores the importance of understanding and adapting to the region's unique climate dynamics.