Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in San Salvador, El Salvador heralds the arrival of warmer days, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F). The climate tends to be quite humid, sitting around 59%, which can make the heat feel more intense. Despite the warmth, May is also characterized by significant rainfall, accumulating 269 mm (10.6 in) over approximately 26 days. This blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for vibrant landscapes, making it a lively time to experience the city's natural beauty.
In May, San Salvador experiences a delightful continuation of the warm season, characterized by a minimum temperature of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). The average temperature hovers around a pleasant 27°C (80°F), making it one of the ideal months for outdoor activities. As the month progresses, temperatures slightly shift upward, paralleling the trends seen in the preceding months of April and March, where the climate remains consistently warm. Interestingly, May often serves as a transitional phase, bridging the hotter days of early summer and the upcoming rainy season, offering locals and visitors alike a perfect blend of sunshine and comfortable warmth before the humidity increases.
In May, San Salvador experiences a dramatic shift in its weather, with precipitation soaring to 269 mm (10.6 in) over an impressive 26 days of rain. This stark increase from April's 59 mm (2.3 in) indicates the onset of the wet season, as the city transitions from its drier months into a period marked by frequent downpours. The rainfall not only highlights May as one of the wettest months of the year but also sets the stage for the even larger totals seen in June and September. This steady accumulation of moisture is crucial for the region's agriculture and natural ecosystems, showcasing how the climate can dramatically transform in just a matter of weeks.
In May, San Salvador experiences a humidity level of 59%, maintaining a consistent figure that has persisted since March and April. This relatively moderate humidity indicates a transitional phase before the region's more humid months, as June ushers in higher moisture levels, rising to 68% and continuing to increase throughout the summer. Compared to the drier early months of the year, May's humidity provides a pleasant balance that hints at the lush, vibrant scenery to come in the following months. As the city moves towards the increasingly humid July and August, May serves as a gentle prelude, where the atmosphere is still comfortably enjoyable while foreshadowing the heavier air ahead.
In May, San Salvador experiences a UV Index of 14, maintaining its status in the extreme exposure category alongside the preceding months of March and April. This consistent level of intensity signifies that residents and visitors should exercise caution, as the burn time remains a mere 10 minutes under direct sunlight. As spring advances, the UV rays intensify, reflecting a broader pattern observed from January through June, where the Index consistently hovers at elevated levels. With June approaching, outdoor enthusiasts should remain vigilant to protect their skin while enjoying the beautiful Salvadoran landscape. For more detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, check out the San Salvador UV Index.
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In May, San Salvador basks in a delightful 313 hours of sunshine, continuing the trend of sunny days established in the earlier months of the year. After enjoying the peak light of March with 328 hours, sunshine levels dip slightly but remain consistent, showcasing a warm spring that seamlessly transitions into the approaching summer. Notably, the city experiences a robust amount of daylight throughout the season, bridging the gap between the rainy periods ahead. As temperatures rise, May becomes an alluring backdrop for outdoor activities, adorned with a captivating blend of sunshine and vibrant local culture.
As May rolls around in San Salvador, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip, with only a 35% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant decline from the sunnier months of January to April, where the chances were consistently above 40%. Following May, the trend of diminishing sunshine continues into June, where it drops to 14%, hinting at the onset of the rainy season. This pattern underscores a transition in the climate, suggesting that if you're planning outdoor activities in May, it may be wise to keep an eye on the forecast as clear skies become less likely.
In San Salvador, daylight hours reveal a subtle rhythm throughout the year. From January to February, the sun graces the city with a consistent 11 hours of light, offering a gentle start to the year. As** March** arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, signaling the approaching spring. This balance of 12 hours remains stable from April through August, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities in the vibrant Central American landscape. However, as the year transitions into September, daylight starts to wane again, dipping back to 11 hours by October and concluding with the familiar 11 hours in the final months. This steady cycle reflects the region's stable equatorial climate, creating predictable patterns of light that locals and visitors alike can appreciate.
In May, San Salvador experiences a gentle shift in its winds, with an average wind speed of just 1.4 m/s (3 mph), marking the transition into the warmer months. This reduction follows a consistent decline from April's 1.9 m/s (4 mph), as the city moves away from the breezier early months of the year. The trend continues into June, where winds slow to 1.2 m/s (3 mph), emphasizing a calm atmosphere that accompanies the lush, fragrant landscape following the rainy season's onset. Despite the light breezes, this period offers a serene backdrop, inviting both locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy the vibrant culture and stunning vistas of El Salvador. As the year progresses, the wind speeds gradually pick up once again in the late months, creating a dynamic contrast to the stillness experienced in May.
Weather in San Salvador varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in San Salvador, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, notable differences emerge. May is characterized by warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), while January sees cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to an average of 25°C (78°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 269 mm (10.6 inches) over 26 days, creating a stark contrast to January, which enjoys dry conditions with only 3 mm (0.1 inches) of rainfall across zero precipitation days. Interestingly, humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 59% and January slightly higher at 63%. For further details about January weather, you can explore San Salvador weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. May typically sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), while February features slightly cooler conditions, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). Interestingly, February can reach higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 38°C (101°F) compared to May's maximum of 36°C (97°F). However, May is marked by significantly more rainfall, experiencing 269 mm (10.6 in) of precipitation over 26 days, while February remains dry with only 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rainy days. Both months display high humidity levels, with February at 62% and May at 59%. For a deeper look into February's weather in San Salvador, you can refer to San Salvador weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May to that of March, a few notable differences emerge. May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 269 mm over 26 days, while March has just 5 mm of rain in a single day, resulting in much drier conditions. Temperatures in both months are quite similar, with March having slightly lower minimum temperatures at 17°C (64°F) compared to May’s 20°C (69°F). However, March can peak at a higher max temperature of 37°C (99°F), compared to May's maximum of 36°C (97°F). Humidity levels remain consistent at 59% in both months. For more detailed insights, you can check out San Salvador weather in March.
In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, we see some notable differences. April tends to have slightly warmer temperatures, with a maximum reaching 38°C (100°F), compared to May, which peaks at 36°C (97°F). However, both months share a similar average temperature of around 27°C (81°F). One significant contrast is in precipitation; April experiences only 59 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall over just 12 days, while May sees a substantial increase to 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days, suggesting a much wetter climate during the latter month. Both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 59%. For more details, you can visit San Salvador weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with May having slightly higher averages and maximums. May's average temperature is 27°C (80°F), while June sees a slight decrease to 26°C (79°F). The minimum temperatures are quite similar, with May starting at 20°C (69°F) compared to June's 21°C (69°F). June, however, tends to be more humid, with a humidity level of 68% versus May's 59%. Precipitation is also notable: June has slightly more rainfall at 292 mm (11.5 in) compared to May's 269 mm (10.6 in), along with an extra day of rain, making it 27 days of precipitation in June as opposed to 26 in May. For more detailed information, you can visit San Salvador weather in June.
In May, temperatures in San Salvador range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days, and a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, July experiences slightly warmer minimum temperatures of 21°C (69°F) and a similar average of 27°C (80°F), but maximum temperatures are a bit lower at 35°C (96°F). July also sees a reduction in precipitation, with 157 mm (6.2 in) falling over 21 days, and higher humidity at 77%. For more detailed insights, check out San Salvador weather in July.
In May, the weather is characterized by warmer temperatures, with an average high of 36°C (97°F) compared to August's maximum of 35°C (95°F), though both months share a minimum temperature of 20°C (69°F). May tends to be slightly wetter, receiving 269 mm (10.6 in) of precipitation over 26 days, whereas August sees 252 mm (9.9 in) across 25 days, contributing to a higher average humidity of 79% in August compared to May's 59%. This increase in humidity during August can create a more muggy atmosphere, making it feel warmer despite the slightly lower average temperature. For more information, check out San Salvador weather in August.
May and September exhibit warm temperatures, with both months starting with a minimum of 20°C (69°F). However, May tends to be slightly hotter on average, reaching an average of 27°C (80°F) compared to September's 26°C (79°F). The maximum temperatures also align closely, with May peaking at 36°C (97°F) and September at 34°C (93°F). Although May is characterized by a lower overall precipitation amount of 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days, September sees a slight increase in both precipitation to 301 mm (11.9 in) and rainy days to 29, contributing to higher humidity levels of 77% compared to May's 59%. For more detailed information, check out San Salvador weather in September.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and October, both months feature a minimum temperature of around 20°C (69°F), but May generally experiences warmer average and maximum temperatures, reaching an average of 27°C (80°F) and a peak of 36°C (97°F). In contrast, October sees slightly cooler averages, with an average temperature of 25°C (78°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with May receiving 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days and October slightly higher at 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days. Additionally, October has a higher humidity level of 77% compared to May’s 59%. For more detailed information on the October climate in San Salvador, visit San Salvador weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 27°C (80°F). This month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days, resulting in a humidity level of 59%. In contrast, November features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 58 mm (2.3 in) across just 9 days, leading to higher humidity at 75%. For more details, you can check San Salvador weather in November.
May and December both exhibit warm temperatures, but May is notably hotter and more humid. In May, the minimum temperature hovers around 20°C (69°F) with an average of 27°C (80°F), reaching highs of 36°C (97°F). The month is also characterized by significant rainfall, averaging 269 mm (10.6 in) over 26 days. In contrast, December experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), peaking at 35°C (95°F). Furthermore, December boasts much lower precipitation levels, receiving only 7 mm (0.3 in) over just 1 day, although the humidity is slightly higher at 66%. For more detailed information, you can check San Salvador weather in December.
As May rolls into San Salvador, the weather becomes distinctly warmer and more humid compared to the earlier months of the year. With an increase in average temperatures and a notable uptick in rainfall, it's a transition into the wetter season, setting it apart from the drier months of March and April. This month's considerable precipitation, occurring over almost every day, creates a lush environment, adding vibrancy to the landscape. While the warmth and moisture may be intense, it also brings a rich tapestry of life to the region. For a deeper dive into the climatic nuances of this captivating city, check out San Salvador Climate.