Last updated: January 18, 2025
San Salvador, the vibrant capital of El Salvador, exhibits a tropical savanna climate, classified as Aw under the Köppen-Geiger system. This climate is characterized by mild temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January, rising to an average of 26°C (80°F) throughout the year. The region experiences its peak warmth in March, where maximum temperatures can soar to an impressive 40°C (104°F). Such climatic conditions foster a diverse environment and enrich the cultural landscape, making San Salvador a fascinating subject for climate study.
San Salvador, El Salvador, experiences a distinct seasonal temperature pattern characterized by warm conditions throughout the year. January marks the onset of the year with cooler nights, recording a minimum of 14°C (58°F), while average temperatures gradually rise, peaking at 40°C (104°F) in March. As the dry season progresses, temperatures remain relatively high, consistently reaching maximums around 39°C (102°F) in April and May. The onset of the rainy season in June brings only a slight decrease in temperatures, with averages hovering around 26-27°C (79-81°F), and maximums rarely exceeding 38°C (100°F). Throughout the latter part of the year, from September to December, temperatures begin to moderate slightly. This pattern reflects a stable warm climate, but also showcases subtle shifts that guide the local weather and lifestyle.
Ilopango experiences a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January and can reach up to 39°C (102°F) in February, while Panchimalco has a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in February and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in April. In San Salvador, temperatures range from a low of 15°C (59°F) in January to a high of 38°C (101°F) in February. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Ilopango, monthly temperatures in Panchimalco, and monthly temperatures in San Salvador.
In San Salvador, the precipitation pattern reveals a clear distinction between the dry and wet seasons. The year begins with significantly low rainfall, with January, February, and March each recording minimal amounts, ranging from 2 mm (0.1 in) to 5 mm (0.2 in), and featuring no rainy days. However, this dry spell transitions dramatically in April, when rainfall surges to 49 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 10 days. The real onset of the rainy season occurs in May, where precipitation escalates sharply to 244 mm (9.6 in), often spread over 24 days, establishing the wettest month of the year.
As the wet season progresses into June and September, the rainfall peaks with considerable volumes, reaching up to 272 mm (10.7 in) during both months, contributing to an increased frequency of rainy days. This heavy precipitation continues into August with 222 mm (8.7 in), followed by steep declines in November and December, where rainfall diminishes to 56 mm (2.2 in) and 6 mm (0.2 in), respectively. This seasonal variation in precipitation significantly influences the local ecosystem, agricultural practices, and water availability in San Salvador.
San Salvador enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine throughout the year, with a notable trend of increasing daylight hours from January to March. This period begins with 262 hours of sunshine in January and escalates to peak at 328 hours in March, signaling the transition towards the dry season. This peak in sunshine coincides with the warmest months, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and tourism in the capital. Even in April, sunshine remains abundant with 318 hours, slightly declining as the rainy season approaches.
As the wet season arrives in May and continues into June, sunshine hours decrease but remain relatively generous, showcasing 311 hours in May and 282 hours in June. Interestingly, July rebounds with 327 hours, suggesting a brief respite from the rainy patterns. The latter part of the year, particularly from August to December, maintains a steady count of sunshine hours ranging between 296 and 325 hours, indicating that sunny days persist even as rainfall becomes more frequent. This consistent sunlight enhances the region’s allure for both residents and visitors, emphasizing San Salvador's tropical charm despite the seasonal wetness.
The UV Index in San Salvador reveals a striking pattern of intense solar radiation throughout the year, particularly from January to July, where it remains at extreme levels. Starting with a UV Index of 11 in January, it escalates to a peak of 14 from March to June, emphasizing the need for protective measures against harmful UV rays. The consistent rating of extreme exposure during these months indicates that unprotected skin can suffer from sunburn in as little as 10 minutes. This sustained intensity underscores the importance of sun safety awareness, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and locals alike.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index starts to decline, dropping to 10 and 9, categorized as very high. This reduction affords a slight reprieve from the extreme conditions, allowing for an extended 15-minute exposure time before sunburn occurs. However, even during the shorter days of the latter months, the UV Index remains a significant concern. As the sun’s power varies throughout the seasons, being vigilant about sun protection is crucial for maintaining skin health in San Salvador.
UV Risk Categories
In San Salvador, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, characterized by an average of 11 to 12 hours of sunlight each day. Starting in January and February, residents experience 11 hours of daylight, which signals the end of the winter months. As spring approaches in March, daylight duration increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues consistently through April, May, and June. This consistent length of daytime fosters an environment conducive to a variety of activities and outdoor explorations.
The summer months maintain this extended daylight, with 12 hours persisting from July through September, ensuring ample time for sunlit pursuits. However, as October arrives, daylight begins to wane again, returning to 11 hours and remaining consistent through November and December. This slight fluctuation in daylight duration reflects the region's proximity to the equator, where day length remains relatively unchanged compared to regions farther from the equator. The stable daylight hours throughout the year contribute to San Salvador's vibrant lifestyle and rich cultural activities.
Ilopango, El Salvador, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average highs range from 25°C (78°F) in October to peaks of 39°C (102°F) in February, with January recording the lowest lows at 14°C (58°F). Rainfall is concentrated from May to October, with June being the wettest month at 313 mm (12.3 in), while the dry season features minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in March with 328 hours, making the region ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Ilopango climate.
Panchimalco, El Salvador experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 27°C (81°F). The hottest months are typically from March to May, with maximum temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is significant from May to October, with peak precipitation in October at 333 mm (13.1 in), while the drier months of January and February receive only about 3 mm (0.1 in). Despite the rainfall, Panchimalco enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March with 328 hours. For more detailed information, visit Panchimalco climate.
San Salvador, El Salvador, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 38°C (101°F) with low precipitation, while the rainy season peaks from May to October, with rainfall reaching up to 301 mm (11.9 in) in September. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, averaging 263 to 328 hours monthly. Visitors can expect a warm climate overall, making it an appealing destination year-round. More details can be found at San Salvador climate.
In conclusion, San Salvador's climate demonstrates a unique blend of consistent warmth, substantial sunshine, and extreme UV radiation, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment year-round. The clear distinction between the dry and wet seasons, along with impressive daylight duration and notable temperature patterns, underscores the region's tropical charm. Residents and visitors alike must remain aware of the intense UV exposure, especially during the peak months, to safeguard their health while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that the capital has to offer. Overall, the climatic conditions not only shape the ecological landscape of San Salvador but also influence its cultural activities, making it a fascinating destination within Central America.